The answer is as unique and varied as your specific needs, circumstances and preferences. Here are a few of the distinctions between the MMM offered by Tulane, Carnegie Mellon and USC and the Online MBA offered by UMass:

Content — The Master of Medical Management (MMM) was designed by senior physician executives and nationally recognized faculty. The MMM takes the best aspects of general MBA educational programming, then adds content unique to the issues and concerns of medical management. It integrates health care research with business, policy and systems research in order to teach relevant management and leadership competencies in a doctors-only classroom. By contrast, the UMass online MBA in Medical Management teaches management & leadership competencies from a broad, comprehensive business school approach using examples from all industries (with other non-physician professionals in the classroom).

Format — The MMM is a blended format–4 short on-campus sessions blended with independent study and distance learning coursework. The MBA is 100% distance learning (independent study & online learning). The distance learning assignments for both programs are asynchronous so that you can fit your studies into the time of day/week that works best for you.

Duration — After ACPE’s Section I is completed, then the MMM takes one year to 18 months to complete with tuition ranging from $21,600-$29,000. The MBA can be completed in two to four years with tuition averaging $18,100.

Credential — The MMM credential is quickly gaining recognition in health care circles with nearly 500 graduates working in leadership positions across the country. While the degree is relatively new (first graduates were in 1997), physician executive recruiters are seeing it included in the list of expected credentials more and more. The MBA is a widely recognized credential and can be especially effective if you need to gain quick respect with business leaders who have little health care background.