While working toward her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Jhovana Preciado wondered, “How can I make myself stand out?”

She found the answer in Wilmington University’s Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate. 

“I don’t think many people realize how certificates play an important role when you graduate,” she said. “This one’s specially designed for management, so it’s preparing you for that future management role, and you can apply it to different fields.”

The 18-credit, 100 percent online undergraduate certificate from the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences teaches in-demand skills for modern healthcare management, a key part of today’s team-based, patient-centered approach. Coursework focuses on healthcare information technologies, quality measures, reimbursement processes, and ethical and legal issues.  

“This certificate offers an entry-level opportunity in patient navigation for students new to health care while also enhancing the skill sets of existing health care professionals to create a path to transition into a new role in care management,” said Dr. Angela Herman, Health Sciences Program Chair.  

When health professionals from different disciplines collaborate, they can reduce or prevent fragmented care and poor outcomes. The Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate equips students to work in various settings, including acute care facilities, outpatient clinics, private practices, health insurance agencies, and workers’ compensation organizations.  

“Given the current state of staffing shortages in health care and the projected vacancy rates for the next five to 10 years, it will be critical that clinicians truly work top of license and allow well-prepared administrative professionals to handle all non-clinical responsibilities,” said Patricia Resnik, an Adjunct Professor and President of the Board of Directors at the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), who helped develop the certificate. 

Salaries for board-certified case managers have increased in recent years — outpacing the median pay for registered nurses and social workers — which makes this certificate valuable for students starting their careers as well as those currently working as RNs, social workers, medical assistants, or other health professionals. 

“I feel like health is a very competitive field; that certificate really pushes you to the top of the list,” said Preciado, who lives in Oxford. “It definitely helps when you do interviews. It helps you stand out on your resume, and it helps you stand out from your peers.” 

Using WilmU’s Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™, she applied Dual-Credits to her Health Sciences degree and Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate, saving time and money. This spring, she’ll graduate with another WilmU credential: an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics. 

“I love it,” Preciado said, describing Wilmington University as she looks forward to an exciting, rewarding future. 

Learn more at Wilmington University. Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit, open-access, and accredited institution that serves traditional students starting their college careers, non-traditional students, and working adults seeking advancement through higher education.