A career imperative

The hospital industry has experienced major change in its organizational, delivery, financial, and social schema. As a result, the role of the healthcare executive has also changed. The new professional administrator requirements have called for the lengthening of academic programs to meet the evolving challenges of the industry. The lack of a formal means of entry into the profession has left many confused because of the various professional development models available. Without proper advice, these do not hold significant distinction for the recent graduate. Academic programs have been lengthened from one to two years of academic coursework while the traditionally required residency has been virtually eliminated. Increased demands on both practitioners and professors of academic programs have caused a schism between theory and practice, adversely affecting the student preparing for the profession. The problem is compounded by the various professional development models available and the several opinions as to which is "best". The confusion for students, faculty, and practitioners which has resulted must be minimized through recognition of the problem, clarification of terminology, bridging the gap between academic and practice, and a rekindling of the mentor/protege relationship.