MHA's are Not Taught by MHA's: A Call for a More Hands-On Orientation

Author: Weil Thomas P.  

Publisher: Association of University Programs in Health Administration

ISSN: 0735-6722

Source: Journal of Health Administration Education, Vol.30, Iss.2, 2013-03, pp. : 137-154

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Abstract

During the past half century, health services administration (HSA) teaching endeavors have shifted from small, “nuts and bolts“ programs frequently taught by then-current or former practitioners to something quite different. Today some enrollments exceed 100 students over the two-year curriculum and with a faculty that, for the most part, lacks any academic or hands-on experience in the field. Traditionally, our nation's professional schools have been organized by specific discipline (e.g., law students are taught by law graduates). Findings herein indicate that relatively few (about 10%) of those faculty members who are currently directing or serving as full-time faculty in CAHME (Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) accredited HSA programs have received a masters in health administration (MHA) and/or a closely related masters or doctoral degree. As a result, HSA students receive limited exposure to the practical realities experienced in the trenches. This paper concludes with some recommendations of how HSA programs could be more practice-oriented (e.g., encouraging highly qualified, experienced CEOs and COOs, after three months of “boot camp,“ to teach case studies on a weekly basis).

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