Arizona State University

ASU’s Center for Responsible Leadership has formed partnerships with three Valley health care organizations to offer a “Leadership Certificate for Health Care Professionals” program designed specifically for front-line health care managers and featuring the state’s first dual-faculty format.

Joining in the certificate program are Abrazo Health Care, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center and Sun Health.

“This is an opportunity for health care professionals to gain an even greater understanding of the industry, its work force issues, improved customer satisfaction measures, team motivation and more,” says David Waldman, director of the center at ASU’s West campus. “This program sets itself apart from any other such program in the state with the dual-faculty element we offer. It assures a balanced, cutting-edge leadership approach and thinking that is grounded in real-world practices.”

Each of the seven certificate courses includes instruction from a faculty member of the center or ASU’s School of Global Management and Leadership, as well as a working health care executive from one of the three partner organizations. The four-hour modules are highly interactive and are limited to 25 students each.

Courses during the seven-week program (Oct. 5-Nov. 16) include case studies, exercises and learning modules designed for the adult learner.

Students can complete five of the seven courses to earn a certificate.

“This is a program that will benefit managers in the health care industry who are intent on improving their leadership skills, and in doing a better job in the profession, which can translate into better patient care, better patient satisfaction,” says Waldman, a professor of management at ASU who is nationally known for his work in the area of strategic leadership processes and their effect in the workplace. “We saw a need for this type of a program in our many discussions and interactions with health care professionals. Our focus will be on service, not only to the patients, but also across departments.”

Among topics that will be explored are taking leadership to a higher level, understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, making customer satisfaction a priority and a reality, making the correct ethical decisions, and becoming a more effective negotiator and manager of conflict situations.

“We’ve had a wonderful mix of students in the past, which leads to great exchange and the sharing of ideas,” Waldman says. “By presenting leadership lessons and applications for successful and powerful leadership qualities, the program caters to the needs of health care executives and managers and those who want to take the next step forward.”

Registration information is available by calling (602) 543-6201, or by visiting the Web site www.crl.asu.edu. Registrants who complete the certificate program also will receive two continuing education credits from ASU’s School of Extended Education.