Northwood University launches online Health Leadership MBA

As the health care industry undergoes rapid transformation, Northwood University is proud to announce the launch of its Master of Business Administration in Health Leadership & Innovation through the DeVos Graduate School of Management.

Approved by the Higher Learning Commission, the program prepares professionals to lead system-level change with integrity, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial thinking.

“Northwood University is leveraging our reputation as America’s Free Enterprise University to shape the next generation of health care leaders—equipping professionals with business acumen, advanced technology expertise, and exceptional leadership skills to transform and guide health care organizations,” said Dr. Lisa Fairbairn, Dean of the DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University.

“The MBA in Health Leadership & Innovation is designed to help graduates apply data-driven insight and entrepreneurial thinking—grounded in personal responsibility, earned success, and free enterprise—to lead change in one of the most complex sectors of the global economy,” Fairbairn continued.

The 33-credit MBA in Health Leadership & Innovation is designed for students pursuing careers in health care as well as working professionals seeking to advance their education and leadership opportunities. Offered fully online, the program includes a capstone practicum or research project focused on solving real-world challenges in partnership with health care organizations, startups, and nonprofit organizations.

“By integrating health leadership with our free-enterprise philosophy, this program reflects Northwood’s commitment to preparing ethical, entrepreneurial professionals who improve lives through innovation and responsible management,” said Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, Academic Vice President and Provost. “Graduates will be prepared to make high-impact decisions that improve outcomes, reduce costs, and advance innovation across health care systems.”

The MBA is part of Northwood’s broader initiative to expand graduate offerings aligned with evolving workforce needs. The program was developed in collaboration with Dr. George E. Kikano, a nationally recognized physician executive with more than three decades of leadership in academic medicine, health system transformation, and community health. Dr. Kikano joined Northwood University in 2025 as Executive Director to lead innovation in health care management curriculum.

“Northwood is uniquely positioned to educate business-minded, values-driven leaders who will reimagine how health care is delivered,” Dr. Kikano said. “Through this business-first, innovation-driven MBA program, graduates will gain the knowledge and agility to lead across technology, policy, and practice—building a future where innovation and human-centered care go hand in hand.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers will increase 29% from 2023 to 2033. Northwood’s MBA in Health Leadership & Innovation is designed to meet this demand, preparing graduates for executive and entrepreneurial roles across hospitals and health systems, financial management, digital health, public health, and related industries.