Hospitals and health systems are facing intense financial pressures – from shrinking reimbursements to rising operating costs. Yet operational leaders may not always have a clear grasp of the financial forces behind those pressures. Financial knowledge and confidence are critical to making sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment. Healthcare Finance for Operational Leaders is a new 6-week virtual program designed to provide practical financial knowledge and tools leaders can apply immediately.

The program bridges the gap between operations and finance, helping leaders read the numbers, speak the language of finance and make stronger decisions that support long-term stability. Participants will learn how healthcare systems are paid, how to interpret and use financial statements, and how to analyze key performance metrics to drive outcomes. Why this matters:

  • Better decisions, faster. Anticipate pressures, evaluate trade-offs and make choices that support long-term performance.
  • Stronger credibility. Financial fluency helps you engage more effectively with CFOs, boards and executives.
  • Organizational impact. Align your operational decisions with financial strategy and performance goals.
  • Career elevation. Build the financial expertise that positions you for leadership opportunities and professional growth.

This program will not turn you into an accountant – it will help you lead and advocate for your team more effectively. With a clear understanding of how financial decisions are made and strong communication skills, you can step into executive-level conversations with confidence and influence.

WHS co-developed this program with Hilary Whittington Kerber, President of MultiCare’s Pulse Heart Institute, who brings real-world insights from both rural and urban C-suite healthcare leadership.

Date: Feb.24 – March 31, 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 10:10-11:50 a.m. (virtual)
Cost: $750 per person, group discounts available

Registration is open and we encourage you to visit the program page for full details. You can also contact me at jennb@wsha.org with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jenn Bui
Education Program Manager, Washington Hospital Services
jennb@wsha.org