With healthcare regulations changing throughout the nation, the demand for healthcare managers and other administration professionals is predicted to grow faster than ever before. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that employment in the field will grow by 22% within the next 7 years, individuals who want to enter the healthcare sector but who do not want to deliver medical services may want to start pursuing their Health Administration degree.
Health administrators play an integral role in planning, coordinating, and directing medical and health services behind the scenes. While a Bachelor’s degree will help you build the skills you need to enter the field, competition is getting more fierce and you should consider earning your Master’s if you want to advance within the field quickly. If you already have an undergraduate degree in Health Administration, or your goal is to become a manager with a facility that requires you to hold a Master’s, you might be wondering what the prerequisites are for a Master’s degree program in Health Administration. Here is the information you need to know to take the right courses and to get adequate work experience before applying for admissions into a Health Administration graduate program.
Prerequisites for a Masters in Health Administration Program
The prerequisites for every MHA programs are not the same, and you must consider the individual requirements of the institution when you are applying. The most common requirement set by all graduate schools is that students must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and some schools may require that your degree is healthcare related. If you have met this broad requirement, it is time to see if you can fulfill other common requirements set by institutions offering Masters in Health Administration programs.
Work Experience or Internships that can Replace Work Experience
Most students will be forced to take some time off of school between undergraduate school and graduate school to gain on-the-job or hands-on experience. This is experience is a requirement so that students are able to see exactly what they will be doing firsthand in the healthcare sector before making the commitment to complete 1 to 3 years of graduate school.
The average professional experience requirement is 2 years, but some schools can require 5 to 7 years of experience in the healthcare sector. The most lenient programs will accept students with no less than 1 year of working in healthcare, volunteering, or interning. The experience requirement must be verifiable and you will need letters of recommendation to accompany your application for admissions to be seriously considered. You will also be expected to pass a Graduate Record Examination to test your aptitude and comprehension.
If you are serious about becoming a Director in Health Services, a Health Manager, or an executive level officer, you will need to hold a Master’s degree in the field. Take the initiative and start taking the steps you need to enter the field and to accomplish your goals. Compare the traditional and online programs, map out a plan, and stick with your plan so that your dream can become a reality.
