The policy context of health services administration education through outcomes assessment

Effectively evaluating preparation programs for health services administrators is important for program providers, trainers, future employers, the health care system, and the American public. Because the methods employed for evaluation do not exist in a vacuum, policy formation with respect to learner outcomes assessment is a critical concern for all those interested in health care management issues. During the 1990s, the prevalent trend in evaluation is "assessment," which emphasizes performance-oriented outcomes rather than traditional testing approaches. This article examines the evolving role of assessment from a higher education policy perspective. Current trends and issues in general education, teacher testing, and nursing home administrator preparation are brought to bear on the problem of how to implement the goals of assessment. Realistic expectations of assessment are subsequently offered.