Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA)

The Physician Executive MBA takes less than a year to complete, starting in January and ending in December.

In the case of governmental travel warnings or restrictions, we may utilize an online or hybrid modality for some aspects of the program; however, we will diligently pursue on-site learning experiences where possible.

For more information, please reference our Covid-19 health and safety guidelines at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Physician Executive MBA applicants should have the following:

• Medical doctorate (MD or DO) from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent (MBBS, MB ChB, BM or BMed)
• 5+ years of professional experience in healthcare
• Bachelor degree from an accredited institution; 2.7 min GPA out of a possible 4.0 (exceptions may be available for minimum GPA)
• Interested in making an impact in healthcare delivery
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

The total program fee for the Physician Executive MBA is $79,000. The program fee includes:

• All university tuition and fees
• Personalized Leadership Development Plan and coaching, including 6 months after graduation
• Books and materials, including course-specific software
• Technical support for all software
• Local transportation to and from classes and special events during residence periods
• Breakfasts, lunches and several dinners

The program fee does not include:

• Professional subscriptions and other supplies
• Laptop computer (if needed, you can purchase a laptop at a discount through the UT Computer Store)
• Lodging and travel during residency periods

*UT reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees when deemed necessary. These are set by the UT Board of Trustees in June/July of each year.

Yes. Some applicants’ employers provide full or partial financial assistance, as the Physician Executive MBA assignments relate directly to work and improve employee performance and retention. Organizations can be billed directly for their tuition support as well.

We are happy to consider applications from physicians educated outside the United States. We routinely accept international applicants and physicians educated outside the U.S. into the PEMBA program.

International applicants may be eligible for a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) waiver, and we encourage you to contact our team for guidance on your eligibility for a waiver. Applicants required to submit TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores must meet the minimum score requirements for admission to the program,a total score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT), or a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS.

TOEFL or IELTS scores are considered valid if taken within two years from the application date. Applicants may be exempt from the English Certification requirement if English is an official language in the applicant’s country of citizenship, according to standards published by the Graduate School, or if English is the primary language of instruction at the institution in which the applicant received an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree, or on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Admissions Committee.

The PEMBA has one start date each year in early January.

Yes. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are built into the program. Students earn 50 CME credits upon completion of the Physician Executive MBA, with an additional 10 CMEs from attending optional sessions.

Interested candidates are encouraged to speak with our recruiter to discuss the program and the fit with your career goals

Step 1

Begin your application at https://apply.haslam.utk.edu/apply/

1. Start by indicating whether you are a new, returning or current student under “Admission Type.”
2. Scroll down to choose “Physician Executive MBA” under “Program”
3. Choose the next spring semester under “Select Term”
4. Click “Save Your Selection”

Step 2

Review and complete the following application components:

• A resume or C.V.
• Transcripts (for all schools attended)
• Personal Statement: After you submit the application, please provide a concise personal statement that includes perspective on the items below:
  • A brief description of your organization and a longer description of your role, including responsibilities, reporting relationships, and budgetary scope
  • Critical challenges facing your organization and how these challenges impact your role
  • Describe your motivation for pursuing an Executive MBA
  • Describe your plan for balancing your various commitments (work, school, family, etc.) while earning your MBA

Yes. The 2023 tuition* payment schedule is:

• Program deposit: $1,000 (paid to confirm attendance)
• Spring semester 2023: $26,000
• Summer semester 2023: $26,000
• Fall semester 2023: $26,000

Tuition may also be paid in a lump sum at the start of the first semester. We are able to bill your organization in full or in part. Please contact us to learn more.

*The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Board of Trustees sets the program’s tuition. For 2023, the tuition is expected to be set at $79,000 by the trustees during their June 2023 meeting. The payment schedule shown above anticipates the adoption of this tuition for the Class of 2023.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a designated 2021-2022 Military Friendly Gold School and 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly School due to the expansive support available for the military community and their families at UT. Talk to an enrollment advisor for more information.

Learn more about UT’s Military Veteran Services.