Smith is turning to a master's degree in business program at Alaska Pacific University for the tools to communicate her ideas to the hospital's administrators in a language they understand.

"I want to be able to speak with my CEO from a rational, data-driven perspective," she said. "The way health care is today, you have to have a business focus, because with anything that you want to implement, you have to have a business plan."

In an effort to improve her understanding of business, Smith, who has worked as a registered nurse for 28 years, began looking into online master's in business administration programs with a health services track. But distance learning did not appeal to Smith, and the cost of earning an online degree was more than she could afford.

It wasn't until Alaska Pacific University began offering such a degree this fall that Smith found a program that fit her pocketbook and desire for in-person learning.

"It is that ability to sit in a room and exchange ideas with people that come from a variety of backgrounds that is really appealing to me," she said.

APU is the first university in Alaska to offer a master's of business administration degree with a focus in health services administration, said the program's director, Mary Rydesky. The new program kicked off in late August with about 15 students, and another seven people have expressed interest in beginning this spring, she noted.

A typical student can complete the degree in two years by taking two classes each semester. About half of the degree's classes are core business classes - finance, marketing and strategic planning, among others - with the other half in health services administration.

The program is geared toward the adult learner holding a full-time job, Rydesky said. Each class meets once a week in the evening, with the rest of the class taking place online through chat rooms and journal entries.

"You have to be the kind of student that gets excited about dialogue," she said.

Student Denise Kichura, a registered nurse with the Anchorage School District, said the program's emphasis on facilitating dialogue between its students works well in a classroom of adults midway through their careers.

"It's a whole different ball game when you are in class with experienced business people," she said. "They look at you like a respected cohort. It is a very positive atmosphere for learning. It's very rewarding."

The assignments also have the working adult in mind. Rydesky said she posts questions, assigned reading and required research online so her students can prepare for class on their own time. She also gives her students the option to work on projects alone or as a group.

While student Laurie Mapes initially felt anxiety over the program's academic requirements, she said the classes have been challenging but not overwhelming.

As the owner and chief executive officer of Alaska Sports Medicine and Alaska Premier Health, Mapes brings a solid background in business to a class of medical practitioners, government employees and attorneys, among other professionals.

"The interaction and networking that I have been able to achieve through this is helping me tremendously," Smith said. "Having the ability to share and exchange ideas that aren't in my specialty has made me think globally. It gets you out of one-track thinking."

In addition to meeting people they never would have outside of the classroom, students have also met several leaders in Alaska's health care system. Chief executive officer of Alaska Regional Hospital, Ed Lamb, and Veterans Affairs administrator, Hal Blair, who served on the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care, are among several speakers who have visited Rydesky's Health Care Systems class this fall.