An essential step in applying to a Master’s in Health Administration is determining what work experience for an MHA the school requires for admission. Graduate admission requirements vary depending on the program chosen, but MHA programs often require that students demonstrate a commitment to working in health care through previous work experience or volunteer jobs. School admissions may weigh a student’s work experience at the same level as admission requirements like minimum GPAs, standardized test scores, interviews, and personal statements.
Business Experience is a Must
A Master of Health Administration is influenced heavily by business since graduates enter the managerial and administrative roles within a health care environment. In fact, some schools offer dual programs that feature study for an MHA, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Experience in business is a common feature of the admissions requirements for MHA programs. Environments that are appropriate for gaining experience include jobs that require a bachelor’s degree and roles where the student holds supervisory responsibility. Many programs require at least two years of work experience.
Because an MHA degree is so influenced by business, it’s an appropriate degree for students with all types of business experience. While management experience in a health care job is helpful, students with managerial experience in industries like retail or the corporate office can qualify for admission to a Master of Health Administration program.
Getting Experience in Health Care
Students who show initiative by volunteering or securing internships in health care positions prior to admittance to an MHA program may also increase their chances of acceptance. Students who have already made a decision on what type of health care job they want may choose to volunteer at a clinic, hospital, or other medical office with an administration staff.
Investigating the opportunities of various health care organizations may also provide opportunities for relevant work experience or volunteer opportunities. For example, the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management has many local chapters around the United States which may help a student gain work experience for an MHA.
Investigate Each School for Admissions Requirements
Prior work experience is a common requirement for MHA programs, but investigating each program to which a student expects to apply is the best way to figure out what experience is best. The curriculum and possible concentrations may influence which jobs are best. For example, students who wish to work in a hospital or other large health care environment may want to check out the requirements of Health Systems Management concentrations.
On the other hand, students with an interest in gerontology, which is the emotional and physical care of the aged, may want to look at gaining experience at an assisted care facility or at a medical facility that has a significant gerontology department.
Students who are business-minded and who want to make a positive difference in health care will want to investigate Master’s in Health Administration programs as a way to advance a career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers enjoy a high mean annual wage of $103,680 and work in many different environments like hospitals, nursing care facilities, and outpatient care centers. Volunteering or working in one of these environments is great work experience for an MHA; however, students can also benefit from work experience from virtually any job in management.
