Rockhurst University | Learning, Leadership and Service in the Jesuit Tradition

Frequently Asked Questions about the DO/MBA Dual Degree Program

How many credit hours are required for an MBA in Health Care Leadership, and how is it integrated into my medical school studies?
The MBA in Health Care Leadership is a 51 credit hour degree. KCUMB DO/MBA dual degree students complete both degrees "on time" in four years, and walk across the graduation stage with their fellow KCUMB graduates, receiving both their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and a Rockhurst MBA diploma.

How is the MBA integrated into my medical school studies?
The majority of MBA coursework is completed during summers between MS-I and MS-II, and MS-II and MS-III. You also complete nine (9) credit hours of coursework during the fall of MS-III.

How can I be taking classes during the fall semester of MS-III when I have my clinical rotations?
KCUMB has agreements with many preceptors which allow students to complete their clinical rotations on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. This enables students to attend MBA courses on Thursdays and Fridays. KCUMB and Rockhurst carefully coordinate the scheduling of rotations and MBA classes to enable students to complete both degrees simultaneously.

Do I lose all my weekends and vacation time if I decide to "dual?"  
No. The vast majority of MBA classes are scheduled during the week. We also work to schedule at least one (1) week of vacation from MBA classes after medical school classes begin in the spring, and a second week of vacation before the fall medical school session begins.

Are applicants required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)? 
No. KCUMB students applying to the MBA in HCL are not required to take the GMAT. You are required, however, to have an official set of MCAT scores and an official set of all college and graduate school transcripts sent to the Rockhurst University Health Care Leadership Office at the address listed on the MBA application.

How much is tuition? To whom and when do DO/MBA students make their tuition payments? 
For the Class of 2014, tuition for the full MBA in Health Care Leadership is $30,750.00. Tuition is inclusive of all books, supplies, university fees, field trips, instructional technology (including a laptop computer), and student learning materials. You should expect no additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Students accepted are required to submit three (3) MBA tuition payments, as listed below, directly to KCUMB:

• 1st  payment of $10,250.00 is due June following MS-I
• 2nd payment of $10,250.00 is due June following MS-II
• 3rd  payment of $10,250.00 is due September during MS-III

Is financial aid available? 
Financial aid for both your medical school and MBA degrees are coordinated by KCUMB. Contact Ms. Sharon Herman, KCUMB Director of Financial Aid at (816) 283-2355 to set up an appointment to explore your financial aid options. Ms. Herman will ensure that all MBA-related financial aid decisions are coordinated with your medical school financial aid plan.

What if I've never taken a business course before? 
Most Dual Degree students have never taken business courses before enrolling in the MBA. The MBA curriculum is designed with this in mind.

How many KCUMB students have enrolled in the DO/MBA?
Since it's inception in 2001, over 250 KCUMB students have enrolled in the Dual Degree program.

May I contact some current KCUMB Dual Degree students? 
Contact the Healthcare Leadership Program Assistant at (816) 501-4HCL or hcl@rockhurst.edu. She can put you in touch with current Dual Degree students.

Where are MBA in Health Care Leadership classes held? 
MBA classes are held on the main Rockhurst University campus in Conway Hall, home of the Helzberg School of Management. Rockhurst is located 6.5 miles south of the KCUMB campus - about a 15 minute drive.

What computer equipment will I need for my MBA? 
Students are issued a laptop computer for their use through the duration of the program. These will be used in most on-campus classes.  The entire Rockhurst University campus is fully wireless-enabled.

I notice that some of the MBA classes are scheduled during the same terms as medical school classes. How is that possible? 
We schedule a three-credit hour course during the spring of MSI that meets one night per week from January through mid-April.  In addition, we schedule a three-credit hour course that spans through both the fall and spring terms of MSII. This course blends in-class with online work, and ends in mid-April to ensure no conflict with COMLEX I preparation. The in-class meetings are held once each month.   In the Spring of MS-II, the MBA course work is a blend of in-class and on-line to accommodate students' clinical clerkship schedules.  Past students have indicated this scheduling does not interfere with medical school studies or board preparation.

What about the faculty? Do they have a background in health care? 
Rockhurst Health Care Leadership faculty blend professional expertise with academic experience. We strongly encourage you to find out more about our superb faculty.

What if I am sponsored by the military? Can I still enroll in the Dual Degree? 
Yes, it is possible. Many Dual Degree students have successfully completed their MBA coursework while serving in the Armed Forces. Discuss your situation with the Director, MBA in Healthcare Leadership.   

How do I apply to the MBA in Health Care Leadership?

• Download and print the *HCL MBA application (45.6K, PDF file) and the *Authorization to Share Records (21K PDF file). There is no application fee, nor do we require DO/MBA applicants to gather letters of recommendation.
• Fill out and submit your application to the KCUMB Director of Admissions. The office is in the main Administration Building. The phone number is (816) 283-2339.
• Request official sets of all college and graduate transcripts be mailed to Rockhurst University as instructed on the application.
• Request an official set of MCAT scores be sent to Rockhurst University as instructed on the application form.
• Finally, if you’re interested in financial aid, contact Ms. Sharon Herman, KCUMB Director of Financial Aid at (816)283-2355.

What is the deadline for applications?
We will close the window for initial applications for the KCUMB Class of 2014 on November 1, 2010.

How many applicants will be accepted into the DO/MBA Class of 2014? "
Up to 35 Dual Degree students will be accepted for the Class of 2014.

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