Leadership progression in schools of allied health

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of future vacancies in the lead administrator positions (i.e., dean or director) in schools and units of allied health academic programs and the potential pool of candidates for the positions. The survey was mailed to the deans or directors of the 100 institutional members of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP). The response rate was 80%. Of the respondents, 58% reported intentions to vacate their positions in the next decade; another 28% reported being unsure of their plans. Retirement was listed as the primary reason (76%). The respondents listed 239 qualified candidates for their positions, or 5.2 candidates per vacancy. The ASAHP's initiatives in leadership development appear to have prepared allied health education for leader succession.