In a recent article, U.S. News and World Report reported the heath care industry is one of the hot markets for job seekers--and The University of Memphis has risen to the occasion, Paul Fitzgerald, associate professor and director of Health Administration, said The U of M is now offering a new course for undergraduates in hopes of attracting them to the Master's of Health Administration program.
Fitzgerald said the class, Health Care Systems HADM 4101, is being offered to introduce students to contemporary health care and is the gateway to the MHA program offered at The U of M.
"We hope to pique students' interest in the MHA program." Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald said 15 percent of the U.S. gross national product is related to health care.
"We expect in 10 to 20 years that it will reach 20 percent." Fitzgerald said. "That is, $1 out of every $5 will be spent on some sort of health care."
Fitzgerald also said there are now 12 million people employed in health care related jobs, and in the next 10 years this number will increase to 15 million.
"This means there will be a lot of opportunity in the health care field," he said. Fitzgerald said the MHA program will prepare students in the areas of access, cost and quality.
He also said health care finance will address where the issues fit into the health care picture, Fitzgerald said, because many of the jobs are management and leadership oriented, the MHA program fits the market.
"The market is very, very good with this type of degree," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald referred to Memphis as the health care mecca, with many fine hospitals and health care organizations.
He also said the MHA program offers summer internships for full-time students between their first and second years. Fitzgerald said the program is experience based.
Fitzgerald, who was a hospital administrator for Arkansas Children's Hospital for eight years before he came to The U of M, said the health care industry is an exciting and dynamic field.
"To be able to make a difference in the lives of children and their parents by decisions I made was so rewarding," he said.
Kris Sanders, who is getting his MHA, works as a financial analyst at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
"The program has been unbelievable," Sanders said.
Sanders said he picked the MHA program because he wanted a good education in health care and he also wanted a good job.
Sanders also said the professors are extremely knowledgeable and up to date on the health care industry.
Sanders said he has been able to apply what he learned in his classes to his job.
Nieika Geeter, 23, also gave the MHA program high marks. Geeter was introduced to the program by an instructor and will finish her studies in May.
"There are a lot of people who bring a lot of experience to the table," Geeter said. "There's a real mix here."
She also said she's learned from both her teachers and her peers.
Fitzgerald said there are only 60 accredited MHA programs in the U.S. and he is proud The U of M is one of them.
Fitzgerald can be reached at 678-1465, or in his office in McCord Hall, room 119. His e-mail is peftzgrl@memphis.edu.
"This is a business opportunity that feels really good." Fitzgerald said.
