April 21, 2000

The MGH Department of Radiology and Cambridge College recently celebrated the first anniversary of a fast-track master's program for MGH employees who wish to further their education in health care management.

According to Richard Terrass, education coordinator for Radiology, the program was created after managers in the department expressed an interest in additional education because of the expectations and qualifications that now are required in the health care field. Radiology staff explored options with several local colleges and found that Cambridge College best met the department's criteria because of the school's experience offering accelerated graduate programs for working professionals and the staff's willingness to work with a Radiology team to create a graduate program in health care management tailored to the needs of the department.

Piloted by the Radiology Department, the program's classes are held on the MGH campus for the convenience of employees. Participation in the program now has expanded to include employees from a number of departments at the MGH, BWH and Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

"MGH administration approved Radiology's proposal to pilot the program when the department expressed the desire to support the professional growth of employees who require new professional skills and an increased level of knowledge to meet the challenges presented in a changing health care environment," says Terrass. "The program offers new situations and skills in the classroom, which are immediately applicable in the workplace. This proves very beneficial for both the students and the hospital."

Richard Guarino, operations manager in MRI at the MGH, began studying for his master's in February. After hearing about the program, Guarino decided that this was an excellent opportunity to continue his education. "I saw this as an opportunity to learn more about the health care market while getting personal satisfaction from working toward a higher degree," says Guarino. "My colleagues and I bring similar experiences to each class, and we are able to learn more from what we have actually been through in the workplace."

For more information about the MGH/Cambridge College Health Care Management Program, contact the Radiology Education Office at 6-8390.