Oklahoma City is known for its huge oil and gas sector and for being the home of a popular basketball team. But recently the city’s been a hotbed for professionals after a career in healthcare
Two of them, Dr Michael Siatkowski, an ophthalmology expert and CEO of the Dean McGee Eye Institute, and Peyton Brooks, a clinical pharmacist and informatics specialist who works with hospital IT systems, have seen their careers accelerated by the program.
Here are four reasons they gave for why you should choose Oklahoma to launch your career in healthcare.
1. A dual business & healthcare program
The OU MBA healthcare certificate covers specialist topics you wouldn't find in a standard MBA program. Students study things like technology in healthcare, healthcare operations, and financing healthcare.
Michael (pictured right) was attracted to the OU MBA curriculum as he wanted to move into an executive level role after three decades as a leading pediatric ophthalmologist. “The healthcare track was exactly what I wanted to focus on,” he says.
The MBA program also covers core business modules. Students learn business strategy, data analytics, and operations management, and can choose electives covering finance and entrepreneurship.
Michael felt the well-rounded business curriculum would give him a strong overview of how a business should be run, preparing him for the wide variety of skills needed at the executive level.
“When it comes to business management, economics, efficiency, and finance, those things are not very well taught in the medical profession,” he says.
“The thought process is so different in the way we practice medicine, and you really need to have both if you are going to run a medical organization as a business.”
2. A vibrant, diverse city life
Oklahoma City, where the OU postgraduate campus is located, is also an attractive place to live and work.
Oklahoma City is the eighth largest city in the US, offering a wide variety of activities. Oklahoma City is home to a top professional basketball team, as well as many museums and a buzzing entertainment district.
The city is also relatively inexpensive. Rent in Oklahoma is over 200% lower than New York on average, and a meal in a restaurant can be up to 91% cheaper.
“I live five minutes from downtown and I am not priced out as a young healthcare professional,” says Peyton. As someone who grew up outdoors, he enjoys the fact that it’s only a short drive to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
“Everything that you can think of that you would want from a major city you can find here,” he explains. “It’s also really nice to be able to walk through the city but then also drive for half an hour and no one would find me.”
The city’s central location also makes travel throughout the US easy. Oklahoma residents can drive to Dallas, Houston, and Colorado with ease, while travel further west towards New Mexico and south towards Texas is also within reach.
“We get a little bit of everything here, which is pretty nice,” he says.
3. A flexible MBA program
The OU MBA program is offered in both a full-time and flexible model. Enrolling in the professional MBA means you can take anywhere between two and five years to complete the course on a part-time basis, and you can carry on working during the program.
Peyton (pictured right) enrolled in the program in 2019 and has been completing his studies alongside working full-time for OU Health. He explains that the flexibility has been a huge help.
“I had one instance where I was on call and had an exam coming up and the professor was really accommodating in letting me take the exam the next day,” he says.
The flexibility also gives you ample time to incorporate the skills you pick up as you work. This helps develop your knowledge alongside practical experience.
“The MBA has definitely aided me in my ability to develop projects and manage them well,” Peyton explains. “I am already seeing the impact of the program.”
4. A strong professional network
Michael took the program over three years between 2017 and 2020. Not only did the flexibility allow him to combine work and study, but the extended period spent on campus meant he expanded his network and met a number of people who have since impacted his career.
One professor on the program was instrumental in connecting Michael with a consultant who is now helping with one of his first projects in his role as CEO of the Dean McGee eye institute, which he took on early in 2021.
“The networking opportunities are great,” he says. “I have a whole other group of people that I can send an email to or pick up the phone and call, and they respond with good ideas and advice.”
Both Peyton and Michael have been able to develop professionally through the Oklahoma MBA. Where they had both focused their careers previously on inpatient care—something which is still a large part of their jobs—both have now been able to add business expertise to enhance their careers.
With a post-pandemic focus on healthcare, there will likely be a wealth of job opportunities in the coming years. For your career in healthcare, an MBA coupled with healthcare expertise could be the platform you need to tap into that potential.
University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business
Percy
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
an Unregrettable choice of university
The University of Oklahoma has been a great experience for me. The professors are all very knowledgeable and willing to help where needed. The campus is also very beautiful and there are plenty of activities going on all the time. The student body is also really friendly and I have made a lot of new friends here. Overall, I'm really glad I chose OU and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great college experience.
Student
Verified
9/11/2022
On Campus
It is a life changing experience for me.
I am enrolled in a Ph.D. program that is research-intensive. I get continuous guidance from my supervisors that help me to conduct my research skillfully. I will gladly recommend students to study here.
Student
Verified
20/10/2022
Online
Good institution
Good institution for in class courses. Online classes are pretty hard because the instructors are most of the time not available. The student has to do everything on their own without any assistance.
Student
Verified
11/06/2022
Blended
Best school ever
This has been the best experience. of my life! Freshman year completely changed my life in so many ways! Through club’s organizations and social events the university of Oklahoma became my home. I loved being there
Student
Verified
25/04/2019
Amazing Univeristy
OU is an amazing university. Love the athletic department so much. They have so much hype and love for their athletes and students typically maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m engineering student and OU has one of the best teachers and facilities I had so far. I know their engineering program is prestigious but I don’t know much about the other departments. Beautiful campus and amazing social events. Diversity is enormous. LOVE IT SIMPLY.
Molly
Verified
19/12/2023
On Campus
Getting the best at OU
I am a current student at the University of Oklahoma and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the quality of education and resources available here. The professors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' success. The campus is beautiful and there are always events and activities happening. The community at OU is welcoming and diverse, making it a great place to grow and learn. I highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. Boomer Sooner
Student
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
Everybody is really helpful over here
The university has beautiful buildings and scenic fields with benches for enjoying the weather. There are a lot of nice students, so it's a pleasant experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and gained valuable knowledge from the professors. It was a pleasure to work with my professors during my first year, as communication was easy and they consistently made themselves available during office hours, accommodating any scheduling conflicts. I had a smooth academic transition into college thanks to the great faculty.
Sara
Verified
9/01/2023
On Campus
Oklahoma
I would say it is the best university in town. The education, knowledge, curriculum, extra curriculum activities, modern laboratories, big grounds, and spacious classrooms. I would say everyone who can should study here.
Quincy
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
well maintained facilities
The OU campus is truly breathtaking with its vast green spaces and modern facilities. These facilities are contemporary and meticulously maintained, housing state-of-the-art science labs, a vast digital resource library, and cozy study areas perfect for late-night cram sessions. As someone from Oklahoma, attending this university has been a dream come true and has provided me with the most fulfilling years of my life. My freshman year was incredibly enjoyable, filled with fantastic friends and daily adventures. The friendships I've established here are lifelong, and I feel immense gratitude for my time at OU.
Charlie
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
a home far from home
Attending the University of Oklahoma brought back nostalgic memories for me. My sister graduated from this university in May 2019, and while she had spoken highly of it, she hadn't quite captured how much I would come to adore this school. It has become a home away from home, with its welcoming atmosphere, kind professors, stunning campus, and impressive football team that resonates with my high school football experiences. I am grateful for the chance to study at the University of Oklahoma and receive an exceptional education.
Lauren
Verified
5/07/2024
On Campus
psychology major
Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy the University of Oklahoma (OU), but I ended up falling in love with it. Your college experience at OU largely depends on what you invest in it. While it was sometimes challenging to build friendships and step out of my comfort zone, the university offers numerous clubs and opportunities to engage with new people. As a psychology major at the University of Oklahoma, I firmly believe that the professors and the quality of education surpass those of any other university psychology program. This enables students to connect with professionals globally and fosters personal growth. In terms of academics, I find that professors are highly accessible to students, and there are abundant resources available to support academic achievement.
Catherine
Verified
6/07/2024
Blended
great support
The campus offers a wide range of dining choices and excellent accommodation. It is reasonably affordable and offers support in locating scholarships and financial advisors to help students manage their finances. My overall experience has been far more positive than I anticipated, and I am completely satisfied with my decision to enroll at OU.
Student
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
Beautiful campus scene
The University of Oklahoma has such a large and diverse population that you can't help but find your place here. There are many colleges, courses, and professors to choose from. I grew to love the environment, social life and community. The school has an amazing and breathtaking campus with many clubs and ways to get connected.
Rachel
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
architecture program
I have been able to explore a wide variety of academic subjects during my studies. The university's dedicated faculty members have been crucial in fostering my intellectual development and providing guidance. I have always felt supported by the staff and my professors, especially in the field of architecture. My experience so far has been a positive journey.
Student
Verified
24/07/2024
On Campus
passion for literature
The University of Oklahoma created a fantastic educational setting that blends a passion for classical works with modern research. As a student at the university, I observed a diverse array of opportunities available not only to myself but also to other postgraduate students. I appreciate the variety of campus events and the vibrant nightlife.
