Topic 1:

HRM in the Healthcare Industry

Question: I'd like your input on what I need to do to get started in human resources management in the healthcare field. I have experience related to my job in performance improvement and business planning for the department. I am planning to pursue a masters in business with an emphasis healthcare management, but I'd like to know if this is the most appropriate route. Any input that you have would be greatly appreciated.

--No Name, Southeast

Answer: Your basic plan of combining two professional interests - healthcare and HRM is a solid one as the demand exists for someone with your background. At this point you are actually in the midst of making a career change - from being a dietitian (as your background information indicates) to a HRM professional with an expertise in the healthcare field. Therefore, you may want to rethink your graduate plans. Rather than purse a MBA specializing in healthcare management, I would suggest that you look into a MBA in HRM. Your future positions will be to manage the human resources of a healthcare organization rather than managing the business of the organization.

Although you have some experience in performance improvement, it is not sufficient to give you the credibility that you will need to succeed as a HRM specialist. A degree in HRM will provide you with the technical and in-depth base you will need to compete successfully in the HR job market. Furthermore, to more strongly integrate your professional interests, wherever possible, focus on healthcare HRM problems and issues in your term projects, papers, and thesis.

--AR