[2015 add-on: And when it comes time to negotiate that new job offer, check out our book on salary negotiation and more: How to Negotiate Your First Job!]
It is Wednesday, so it is time to respond to a student, "college kid", who asks below:
As someone who is in on the business/medical/policy of today's health care system, what do you think about the career prospects of those pursuing a joint JD/MPH? Is it worth it?
On the JD (Juris Doctor), the answer is simple. Don't go to law school unless you plan to become a lawyer. Here comes my gross generalization: Law school is not a place to expand your horizons and become better educated. It is a place to learn the trade of law. The curriculum is focused on giving you the tools and techniques and resources to be a lawyer. (And then you have to study for the bar exam, anyway.) The course of study is not designed to teach you public policy, health care policy, public management, corporate management, empathy, or most other things that would be helpful to you in a corporate or non-profit setting. If you are lucky, there will be some good courses on negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution -- but on that front you would be better off just enrolling in a really good negotiation course somewhere.
Some people think it is handy to go to law school if you plan to run for legislative office, either state or federal. But if you are ambitious in that direction, spend the three years you would otherwise pay tuition working for a legislator or Congressman. Get the hands-on experience. Once you are elected, you can always hire a good lawyer to work on your staff.
On the MPH (Masters in Public Health), I am sorry to say this because I don't believe it ought to be the case, but the degree is sometimes not valued in hospital settings. I have tried to figure this out. I think it is because hospitals are dominated by doctors, who often view an MPH as a poor substitute for a medical degree and think people who get one were not smart enough to get into medical school. Also, people in hospitals do not view themselves as being in the public health business: They are in the acute care business.
Please don't blame me for being the messenger on this point. I personally do not agree with either characterization. In fact, I find that many MPH graduates have a breadth of interest and experience that is really attractive. If you want to get an MPH as a precursor to working in a hospital, use every possible opportunity to do internships in hospitals where you actually have responsibility for planning and completing specific projects, and use term paper assignments to write about hospital management issues. Then, send me your resume.
A final point. Life in college is really good. Ditto for life in graduate school. These are seductive and comfortable environments, and it is easy to persuade yourself that time is better spent there than being on the outside with a job. After all, too, your role models are professors who have chosen to live their entire lives in academia. So, some people have a tendency to collect degrees, moving directly from one program to the next.
Graduate school is usually a good idea, but many people find it more valuable after they have spent some time working. That serves to focus your interests, which will help you get more out of an advanced degree. So, get out and see the world and experience some of its discomfort and uncertainty. See what it is like to have to earn enough money to pay for food, rent, utilities, school loans, and insurance. You will meet a wider variety of wonderful, interesting, practical, and thoughtful people, including generous, intelligent, kind, and well-meaning folks with no degrees at all, and you will learn from them in a tuition-free setting.
[2015 add-on: And when it comes time to negotiate that new job offer, check out our book on salary negotiation and more: How to Negotiate Your First Job!]
It is Wednesday, so it is time to respond to a student, "college kid", who asks below:
As someone who is in on the business/medical/policy of today's health care system, what do you think about the career prospects of those pursuing a joint JD/MPH? Is it worth it?
On the JD (Juris Doctor), the answer is simple. Don't go to law school unless you plan to become a lawyer. Here comes my gross generalization: Law school is not a place to expand your horizons and become better educated. It is a place to learn the trade of law. The curriculum is focused on giving you the tools and techniques and resources to be a lawyer. (And then you have to study for the bar exam, anyway.) The course of study is not designed to teach you public policy, health care policy, public management, corporate management, empathy, or most other things that would be helpful to you in a corporate or non-profit setting. If you are lucky, there will be some good courses on negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution -- but on that front you would be better off just enrolling in a really good negotiation course somewhere.
Some people think it is handy to go to law school if you plan to run for legislative office, either state or federal. But if you are ambitious in that direction, spend the three years you would otherwise pay tuition working for a legislator or Congressman. Get the hands-on experience. Once you are elected, you can always hire a good lawyer to work on your staff.
On the MPH (Masters in Public Health), I am sorry to say this because I don't believe it ought to be the case, but the degree is sometimes not valued in hospital settings. I have tried to figure this out. I think it is because hospitals are dominated by doctors, who often view an MPH as a poor substitute for a medical degree and think people who get one were not smart enough to get into medical school. Also, people in hospitals do not view themselves as being in the public health business: They are in the acute care business.
Please don't blame me for being the messenger on this point. I personally do not agree with either characterization. In fact, I find that many MPH graduates have a breadth of interest and experience that is really attractive. If you want to get an MPH as a precursor to working in a hospital, use every possible opportunity to do internships in hospitals where you actually have responsibility for planning and completing specific projects, and use term paper assignments to write about hospital management issues. Then, send me your resume.
A final point. Life in college is really good. Ditto for life in graduate school. These are seductive and comfortable environments, and it is easy to persuade yourself that time is better spent there than being on the outside with a job. After all, too, your role models are professors who have chosen to live their entire lives in academia. So, some people have a tendency to collect degrees, moving directly from one program to the next.
Graduate school is usually a good idea, but many people find it more valuable after they have spent some time working. That serves to focus your interests, which will help you get more out of an advanced degree. So, get out and see the world and experience some of its discomfort and uncertainty. See what it is like to have to earn enough money to pay for food, rent, utilities, school loans, and insurance. You will meet a wider variety of wonderful, interesting, practical, and thoughtful people, including generous, intelligent, kind, and well-meaning folks with no degrees at all, and you will learn from them in a tuition-free setting.
[2015 add-on: And when it comes time to negotiate that new job offer, check out our book on salary negotiation and more: How to Negotiate Your First Job!]
66 comments:
Thanks for your frank perspective on both degrees.
I can't help but respond on the MPH front. Let me preface my response with the fact that I have one. And I spent the first few years out of grad school working for a large powerful Hospital/Provider system.
I find truth in your comments on how this degree is regarded in comparison to a medical degree. However, I want to add that I really don't see an MPH as any kind of replacement for a medical degree. I have an undergraduate degree in English and I never planned (nor do I plan) on pursuing a medical degree.
Public Health is a vast and expanding field. I pursued the degree because I had worked in a hospital setting as well as in pharma (on the business end.) I wanted to change what I perceived to be a very complicated system that due to its own intricacies seemed to lose sight of the fact that the delivery of Healthcare is really about caring for people.
I realize that "fixing the system" is a tall order - but I also believe that the pursuit of a degree in public health is meant to facilitate this very ambition.
Years ago, I asked that question of many people, but the answer was different than Dr. Levy's answer- Don't get a MBA unless you want to work in finance; Don't get a MPA or MPH unless you want to work for the government; Do get a JD if you want to do both.
It is true that law school focuses on how to be a lawyer, but to meet the demands of the modern business world, law school also prepares future lawyers for careers in the private sector, and public sector, with concentrations in health policy, biotechnology, and public policy to name a few.
Being a lawyer today means you are the jack of all trades in all sectors. In a heavily regulated society, lawyers are valuable tools that are needed in the marketplace -whether a hospital, a government agency or a private sector corporation.
To use Dr. Levy's example - with high demand for the few spots in Congress, or the Massachusetts State House, you get your foot in the door by being a lawyer. You need to know the law to help make it and elected officials value that guidance. Then you get the door to stay open because of the respect for the degree. It is a doctorate and doctorate degrees still trump masters degrees.
However, the most valuable thing that you bring to your employer is the experiences you have and what you do with them. A degree is still just a part of the bag of tricks. Most employers don't value the list of letters after a name if there is no life experience to back it up.
I graduated from law school 7 years ago, and I appreciate the doors it has opened in my career in health policy. My law degree has surpassed other candidates with MBAs, MPAs, MPHs and even one with a MD/MPH. However, I went to school at night in order to concurrently build those life experiences, and I was responsible and professional in every opportunity I achieved.
So as you think about your future, think more than just letters. And more about how to get them, what should supplement them and what it is you want to do with your career - then let those decisions guide you. Best of luck and if you do decide to go the JD route, the Bar exam is not too bad.
Another perspective....
I, too, think that one should not got to law school unless one wants to practice law. After acquiring considerable education, I went to law school, only to find out after I graduates that I did not want to practice. Instead, I embarked on a health care consulting career. I found that legal education, especially the analytical training, was invaluable in figuring out solutions to myriad problems.
As far as an M.P.H. degree, there are two many out there who have them; many of them are underemployed or not employed at all.
"The course of study is not designed to teach you public policy, health care policy, public management, corporate management, empathy, or most other things that would be helpful to you in a corporate or non-profit setting."
I think this entirely depends on if the law school one attends has a health law program and how good it is. I recently had a law professor cancel a "Bioethics and the Law" class because she took a trip to Harvard to discuss the determination of death standard. The law school I attend also has classes in health care transactions and health care finance among others.
what about md/phd?
I just have to say that the real reason behind the comment that an MPH is a replacement degree for those who are not smart enough to get into medical school is money. Those who pursue an MPH are interested in the good of the population and not the bottom line. Most hospitals tout in their missions that their goal is to 'better the health of the population they serve'. What they often mean is that they want to 'better the health of the population they serve as long as it doesn't cost the hospital their profits'. Those of us who go into an MPH program truly want to help better the health of the population and believe that a hospital is in a unique and powerful position to do just that. Unfortunately, bettering the health of the population costs money up front and the hospitals aren't willing to take the risk that they will see the reward on the back end. Or, they are afraid that bettering the health of the population they serve will affect their bottom line in the long run because a healthier population means less visits to the hospital. I wanted to go into health care administration in the inception of my MPH. Now that I realize that most hospitals come from a place of greed and not altruistic caring I've changed my mind. JD/MPH here I come to help change make changes to policy that hopefully force the hospitals to think differently.
No one really mentioned an MPA. Currently I have a few years of experience after college and I work at the dtate house. I am debating between an MPA or law school. It seems like MPA arnt well respected but it also many times seems the most relevant to alot of jobs. An MPA is a policy degree.
There is some great advice here from the blogger.
However, it should be noted if you want to work in a hospital in management, you should pursue an MHA, not a JD, MBA, MPA or MPH.
Also, anyone who has an MPH knows that aren't a doctor! They are interested in population health issues.
Outside of a JD it may be best to get experience before studying for one of the "M" degrees. There is nothing worse than studying for a professional masters degree and not using the degree. I myself earned social science BA and MA degrees - and have now found myself working in the public health field in government for 5+ yrs. I'm thinking about studying towards an MPH part-time while working - and my MPH would definately be favored in my line of work over JDs or MBAs.
To the anyonmous responder thinking of an MPA - if you work in government, it is a respected degree.
I disagree with the notion that only a MHA is preferred for hospital management. MPHs with tracks in health policy and management provide tools for students to become excellent health care executives, in fact the MPH in management and the MHA are essentially identical degrees. Many of the same courses are taken and topics overlap. Typically, the MHAs separate themselves with their internships where MPHs intern in a broader scope of agencies/industry.
I on the other hand am pursuing a JD/MPH and hope to work in bigpharma, consulting, or actuarial industry. I want to work in the private industry I firmly think that my unique background and degrees will open many doors.
This in in response to the March 3 post...If you know you want to work in management or policy related to primary care, the MHA is the degree to pursue. On the other hand, if you want to work on population health issues the MPH the degree to obtain. That being said MHAs do work in pop health and MPHs work in primary health care settings.
For those who want the best of both worlds study at a school that allows you to study towards an MHA plus a graduate certificate in core public health concepts.
Health care industry turns to MBA's to run it like a business but everything fails because clinicians and MD's are not customer/patient focused. Worst is that they are not big on linking operations processes within cross functional departments.
Too many egos flying on the corridors of the building, especially the doctors.
"I agree about linking operations process with cross functional departments". Healthcare sites; hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers etc. are clueless to process and procedures and corrective action methods. they are against anything that is documenting order to prevent lawsuits.
Keep in mind there are more corporations, business than hospitals or clinics. Therefore, I will get the MBA to increase my chances of being employed on a luggish economy.
Also doctors need to be more humble. Once they learn the art of being humble they might find it easier to be patient/customer focused.
I disagree with the comparison of the MHA degree (specific skill set) versus the MPH (a variety of skill sets under one degree name). A MHA holder will definitely be better at running a hospital than someone with a MPH in biostatistics, or community Health, or environmental Health, etc. This is because a MPH has several areas of study. The Health Policy & Management (HP&M) area (with a management track) is equivalent to a MHA degree. In fact many old MPH HP&M programs changed their name to MHA in order to be more "popular" and less confusing. A good way to find programs is to search that are accredited by CAHME. There you will find programs with a variety of letters MHA, MBA, MPH, MPA, MHSA, MSHA, MS, etc, etc.
I just found this blog and I felt that I needed to say "Thank you". I was debating about going for my JD/MPH or MD but thanks to all of you I have made my decision. JD/MPH here I come!
I am completing a MPH presently to compliment a MED and HR coursework and experience. I am also working on the PHD in PH. As one person said experience goes along way in making degrees work for you. Having connections in places will also give you what you need to, no matter the degree. In other words, you must work what you have to its fullest potential.Sometimes having certificates in areas will add to job choices. Try certificates with your alphabet soup. It can add to the flavor of things!
I found this blog by searching for university degree options to persue after graduating with a BSHA in 2014. I have finally decided to headed for admissions to a JD/MHA program. Thanks a million for assisting in making a decisive decision.
May 20th, 2014 1:32PM
Paul Levy, I stumbled upon your blog. You are part of the older generation, business profesionals who have fallen out of touch with current directions in health care. With Obama and health reform, the entire US is going towards population health. Hospitals NEED people skilled in population management. No wonder you are no longer with the hospital systems.
Dear Anonymous,
First of all, I wrote this post in 2007, three years before the federal legislation passed. So, on that ground alone, it is a bit unfair to criticize the views presented.
Second, my comments about the way people in hospitals view people with MPH degrees still is often the case. I know this from talking with people around the country. As I note in this post, that's a shame, but such prejudices still exist.
Third, the degree to which the "entire US is going towards population health" remains in question. I'd like to think it is, but I don't see a lot of evidence as yet for that.
Now, let's turn to the personal approach you used in your comment. You state that I am out of touch with current directions in health care, but you have never talked to me about that topic. You end by making an assertion as to why I am no longer in a hospital system.
If you believe that this kind of commentary is a way to be persuasive with people, I fear that you will not do very well in the world of hospitals OR population health. A bit of respect for people--even when you disagree with their opinions--is something of great value for people who want to make changes in the health care environment. My career advice to you would be to learn the phrase "disagree without being disagreeable." And then practice doing it.
Finally, if you have something nasty to say about someone, at least have the guts to publish your name beside your comment and not stand behind a veil of anonymity.
Hello Mr. Levy
I must say your response to the previous post was something.
But he or she did raise a point about the direction of Obamacare and how it affects MPH Programs and other programs that focus on "Population Health".
You did state:
"Third, the degree to which the "entire US is going towards population health" remains in question. I'd like to think it is, but I don't see a lot of evidence as yet for that."
But I would like to elaborate on that comment, and also provide information on what you might expect from Obamacare and MPH in the next 10 years or so. Just because I’ am in pursuit of an MPH degree and want to know what my outcomes might be since healthcare is rapidly changing.
Thank You.
(Hopefully I made some sense in my post)
I guess I am not sure if health care is rapidly changing in the US. It would be great if there were of a focus on population health, such as exists in Sweden and elsewhere, but the political and cultural environmnt is very different. The "rugged individualism" that infuses American life tends to work against programmatic possibilities in the public health realm. I don't know if that will change.
I really admire the people I know who have gotten MPH degrees. They often have a broad and systemic view of the world that is quite useful. There will always be a place for you: I just don't know how much will be valued in the US versus elsewhere in the world.
Do you like to travel . . . ?
Thank you for responding so quickly.
In all honesty I do enjoy traveling, but I would not really consider a career that involves traveling as a requirement.
Interesting article as I'm considering the JD/MPH although already hold a BSc and MSc in molecular medicine from the UK.
I think with the progressive advance in the US of the affordable care act (which will be a success), the MPH would be very useful on top of a J.D., especially if you want to work in public health, or with the government. I think big pharma would also see this as a plus, although this is purely a guess.
I am sorry. but doctors don't "dominate" hospiials anymore. Indeed in most large academic institutions we are nothing but cogs in the wheel to serve at the whim of administration which is completely out of touch with our and our patients needs. I'm saying this as an academic doc who is about to leave academia due to my disgust with the present army of MBA's/MHA's andthe rest of the clipboard brigade who run the institution and have complete disconnect with the docs and nurses. Food for thought, patients don't go to hospital to see the adminstrator, they go for medical care. I have little hope the private practice is much better, but at least their will be no illusions as to why I am there and certainly no verbal bullshit as to "supporting" research and education all the while tightening the screws of seeing more patients and increasing the RVU's. I have rarely met an MHA/MBA in the hosptial setting who is little more than a clueless parasite sucking of the hospital teat.
BSN RN, Tulsa, OK
Stumbling upon this blog was wonderful. I enjoyed the comments, both positive and negative. I have been a nurse for 21 years and have worked in various settings. I am seriously considering pursuing the JD/MPH degrees. I have no desire to be a doctor. I have always found law to be intriguing and I enjoy rendering care to the sick and dying. I feel that the JD/MPH would be a great marriage to fulfill my passion.I see a disconnect between those who need health care and the lack of appropriate resources available to help them. In many cases resources are available but the patient and/or their loved ones do not know how to access it. I would appreciate your comment!
Dear Dr Levy,
I read your blog post about MPH with much interest. I am a fourth year surgical resident in Singapore. Unlike the four year program in the US, residency in my country is a six year program that is split 4+2 (2 years of what is known as senior residency).
My career goal after completing residency is to serve in the public sector for several years, focussing mainly on clinical work but devoting about 20% of my time to hospital administration or public health. As I get older, I hope to shift gears into more public health.
I am on the cusp of senior residency and am contemplating either an MPH or an MPP. There is a public health residency in my country and it is compulsory for those residents to complete MPH. However, there are currently no surgical residents with an MPH. I also do not know of any doctors with MPP in Singapore. In your esteemed opinion, would an MPH or MPP be more suitable for me? As you can tell, I'm hoping to create something of a niche for myself as a clinician-public health physician..
Thank you for your time! :)
Sandy
I'm so sorry, but I don't know anything about the situation in your country, so I can't really advise you.
I just searched and saw your blog. I absolutely love this post and your blog. I am newly graduated with an MPH and working in a large healthcare system right now. I would love to connect with you via linkdin for a new different opportunity if possible.
Please do!
Mr. Levy,
What would be the right course of action for a JD? I got my undergrad in health administration, and I would like to transition into working in a hospital. Should I get an MBA? Awesome blog btw!
I'd suggest going to work for a while and getting a feel for what might be most useful.
Mr Levy,
Most helpful discussion, Thank you!
I am an undergraduate Sports Science Fitness Managment Major, and planning for graduate school. I am taking a finance accounting class to better prepare me. I am currently interned with a large metro area hospital and was bridged to them through a retired ceo of another hospital. I am labeled as an executive administrative assistant because of the many tracks I observe. I have evaluated Phy Therap Ipt/Opt, Nursing, Cardiac Rehab, Nuclear/Echo Lab, Project Manager meetings, Catherization Lab, and a couple of Directors board meetings that went over capital request. My beleif is that hospitals are centered around budgeting for a value based care now. Additionally I think understanding policy as well as administration would be vital for landing a impactful role to healthcare. I want to be cautiously optimisitc about my next step towards education to save time, money, and make sure Im valuable in more than just what my degree may read.
Initally I thought about going into nursing strictly for the economy of the job, accelerated program putting me into the workforce faster and I thought it would be easier to transition to managment, but I discovered the area of managment would be nursing centered and you get overworked for hardly any money. I was afraid that mha/mph fields were overly saturated and the economy wouldnt abosrb before I graduated.
I want to work with policy and administration, as it relates to health patients. I also want to survive any storm ( dollar crash, or anything dramatic) that nears in the economy, which makes me feel like a JD/mph could never be without a respectable job.
It sounds like you need to figure out, first, what would make you happiest.
Mr. Levy,
Great blog. I stumbled on this post while researching MHA and MPH degrees. I think you may have already outlined it a bit here, but I'm currently in the process of deciding which M to pursue and was curious if you had any additional thoughts.
Let me give you some brief background. I have a BS in Management and am a CPA. I worked in a very small public accounting firm for four years primarily doing auditing/accounting work for small not-for-profit organizations and individual and small business taxes. I transitioned into an analyst role in healthcare finance at a medium sized hospital about a year and half ago. Through my career experience so far, I have determined that I am almost certainly wanting to be in something nonprofit, preferably healthcare. I also want to be in a leadership position where I can affect and influence positive change, up to and including a C-suite position, although any position where I can affect change is fine with me. I'm not bent on being CFO or CEO. I'm not set on finance, either, but still enjoy it. I like the idea of hospital management and administration, but I also am open to other areas of leadership and education where I could potentially influece positive change.
I was leaning towards an MHA, although in my current area there are no MHA programs available, so online is the only option. Recently I became aware of a local university which offers and MPH with the HP&M track. The classes seem nearly identical to most MHA programs I've looked at.
If I'm even thinking of hospital administration at some point, do you think an MPH:HP&M track would be taken seriously, or would an MHA (even if through online) be a better bet? I'm not solely interested in the credentials - I want a good, solid education as well.
As an aside, I've ruled out MBA. I want something more focused.
You ask:
"If I'm even thinking of hospital administration at some point, do you think an MPH:HP&M track would be taken seriously, or would an MHA (even if through online) be a better bet? I'm not solely interested in the credentials - I want a good, solid education as well.
As an aside, I've ruled out MBA. I want something more focused."
As I've noted above and continue to see, MPH degrees in the US hospital world are not highly regarded. Assuming HP&M stands for health policy and management, I don't think that changes how it is viewed by those running hospitals. That being said, I don't think online degrees are--as yet--given as much crediblity as on-site degrees.
Before getting the next degree, why don't you seek a job in a hospital and see what it's like, and then figure out which degree would best suit the environment you've learned about?
Thanks for your quick reply. I should clarify, I already do work in a hospital and have for the past year and a half. My comment about wanting to be in healthcare was meant for going forward, I want to either stay in healthcare or be in nonprofit if not healthcare.
I appreciate your insights. Thank you!
What if that MPH in Health Management is from schools like Harvard, Yale and Johns Hopkins? Would it still seen less valuable than an MHA or an MBA?
If you want to work in America, yes. If you want to work somewhere else in the world where public health is a more respected field, no.
My post does not mention MHAs, but if I had to choose, I'd favor the MBA over an MHA.
Mr. Levy, I would appreciate your thoughts. I have a MPA in H.C.Administration and a MS in Organizational Change Management. I've been a generalist as I enjoy change and have many interests: acute, ambulatory, and long term care as well as work in social services providing services to individuals with I/DD and in behavioural health.
I seem to have gravitated towards social services and have thoughts of State or Federal government though I would probably become overly frustrated with their pace.
I guess I have a couple inquiries: If I persue a doctorate or JD, what concentrations would round-out my Masters? Also, I would love to work abroad or for an agency where there might be intermittent travel. Would you have any suggestions?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Whoa, you have two masters degrees and you want to back to school for more? My first reaction is that you've already spent enough time getting degrees and that it's time to get more experience in the work place and figure out what you really care about doing.
But if you want to get a Ph.D., it should not be to "round out" your masters. You only get a Ph.D. for one of two reasons: (1) To become an academic and be a professor somewhere; or (2) to work in a place like the World Bank, where they seem to value that degree. As to what field you should pursue for a Ph.D., you'll need to pick a field where you can make an original contribution to the field. Based on what you've learned and experienced to date, can you imagine what that might be? If not, don't even think about getting a Ph.D.
As to a JD, you only go to law school to become a lawyer. You don't go to law school to round out your education. It is a trade school. It is not a place to expand your intellectual capital, unless, again, you intend to enter academic law and become a professor. If so, you should, again, have a sense of where you can make an original contribution to the field.
On the professional front, if you fear that the state or federal government would be too slow for you, don't go there. Slowness is the nature of government. It is designed to be slow and deliberative.
Your last point about wanting an agency where there might be travel suggests that you are putting the cart before the horse. First, find an agency that excites your passions and sense of purpose. If it involves travel, then you get a bonus. But, don't pick an agency that involves travel for the sake of the travel.
In short, it sounds like it's time to stop being such a generalist and get your hands dirty actually working in the trenches and doing something interesting and difficult. After a few years of that, you can figure out if more formal education is worth doing. Sorry, but your note suggests that you are using college as a crutch to avoid committing to some job where you will have to test out what you really care about. Take a leap!
I need help. I currently have a MPH. I am interested in hospital administration. I was told that I shouldn't pursue a MHA because they were too similar. What courses should I take or field of study should I pursue?
First, think through why you think you need another degree, as opposed to getting a job and some experience?
Second, there are sometimes overlaps betweeh MPH and MHA degrees, but not always. Check the specific curriculum. You might want to consider an MBA if you are interested in business matters. It is valuable in the hospital world but also beyond to other fields.
And third, to help you decide, talk to some actual hospital administrators in your area and see what they advise. Ask them what path they took.
Dr Mr. Levy,
I am a bachelor's of health administration graduate. I began looking for work after graduation, and at right at the 6 month mark, I was successful in obtaining employment as a research assistant in a hospital. While not a 100% match, there was some overlap (statistics came in handy!). After having a discussion with my boss regarding further education, I indicated that I am not sure what to do. I considered going for an MHA, but because it similar to my undergrad, I want something different for post grad. This is where I feel the MPH has uniqueness. There is still is some overlap in health admin, but there are more course offerings in different domains. However, my chief concern, as silly as it is, is earning potential. As much as I strive to work hard, and realize money is not the most important thing, I don't want to be capped at $50k, and dealing with contract work a lot, considering I want to provide for my family and want to be fiscally prudent. What would you suggest? MPH? MHA? Or even an MBA or MPA? I know that MBAs, MHAs of the bat can earn more, but even that aside..I'm not going to be a CEO right out of grad school and considering I couldn't even find a health admin position with undergrad, I am not too sure about the demand for health admin jobs right now.
Apologies if I am all over the map! Thanks in advance for your reply.
Same person again...if I do decide to one day be in a health admin position, would the bachelor's degree coupled with some years of experience suffice or does it have to be all about the MHA? I did enjoy my studies-health policy, admin and informatics are all interesting, but again, it's nice to get a second degree in another field for more calibre.
MPH degrees are not highly valued in health care admininstrative circles in the US (compared to some other countries.) Rightly or wrongly, they are viewed as "soft." Also, notwithstanding recent changes in healht care policy, hospitals generally don't view their job as "public health." In terms of earning potential in the US, MBAs are likely most valuable in the health care field, even more than MHAs.
But these are generalizations. You should talk to people in the kind of organizations in which you'd like to work, especially those holding jobs in the areas of interest to you. See what they say and advise based on the local scene. Among those to talk to are alumni from your former school who are out in the work force. Don't be shy: They'll be happy to advise you. Ditto for your professors--although, frankly, they might be less in touch with what matters to employers.
Whatever you do, don't choose a course of study at school just to make more money. Find topics and professors and a school that stimulates you and broadens your horizons.
Thanks for your quick reply, Paul!
I did some research and it turns out that there are hospital CEOs in the US do have MPHs. I think it is unfair to say that an MPH automatically disqualifies anyone from an executive position in healthcare. In a way, it's who you know not what you know that determines your job search, in addition to marketing the transferable skills you mastered in prior work experiences.
Having said this, if I do go along with an MPH, what are the chances that I can find employment later on in an executive/admin setting later on, given the fact that I already achieved a bachelor's in health administration? I have not heard of anyone who went by this path, given the fact that a BHA is relatively new, but perhaps you may have, which is why I am asking around.
There is unfortunately not a large alumni network at my university, as the degree was created within the past 5 years.
Thanks
I didn't say "an MPH automatically disqualifies anyone from an executive position in healthcare." It is not clear to me why you accuse me of being unfair or assert that I said something like that. I am just summarizing my impression of the landscape, based on my experience.
I can't give you a general answer to the question you ask. I wouldn't begin to know how to calaculate such chances.
You seem to have a theory of how employment and advancement takes place: "In a way, it's who you know not what you know that determines your job search, in addition to marketing the transferable skills you mastered in prior work experiences." If you believe that is the correct path, then take steps to follow it!
I am sorry if my reply was deemed offensive, that was the least of my intentions.
Ultimately, I am the one to make the decision of what to do with my life, and people can only offer insight based on their unique experiences.
Thank you anyways for your insight nonetheless. It is quite a nuanced decision to make. The issue is that I don't know anyone in public health, at least not yet...thus challenging the employment theory of "who you know".
"Nonetheless?"
Please recall that you are the one who contacted me, and that I have spent time trying to respond as well as I could to your questions.
My one career suggestion, based on this short interchange, is that you think carefully about how you use words.
Noted. English is my third language, and I have a habit of misusing words. It's not an excuse, but I want to conclude our dialogue on a positive note.
Thank you, Mr. Levy.
My very best wishes for happiness and success! Think less about the money and more about what moves you.
Dr. Levy you are amazing!
Not sure what prompted that, but thanks! (I'm not a doctor, btw.)
Not sure why a JD/MPH is a bad option if you not thinking about working in a hospital environment but rather biotech/pharm/IP corporate law or non-profit supporting work around population health. It just seems that this skill set would be even more in demand today than 10 years ago.
Hello Mr. Levy,
Thank you so much for your insightful posts.
I need your advise, but first let me share some of my background:
I am 25 years old, hold a Bachelors in Health Administration with 3 years experience working in the outpatient managed care setting as a program coordinator in Case/ Utilization management for a Medical Group.
Currently I am finishing up a Masters in Public Health- Community Health Education (focuses on program planning, implementation and evaluation of community health programs) who will be graduating this semester. Unfortunately mid-way through my program I discovered that I am not passionate about public health work. While working in healthcare I fell in love with healthcare administration the longer I exposed to it. I am now afraid the MPH will not let me move up since it's not a healthcare administration degree...
Are my fears real? Do you advise I get a second masters to allow me mobility up the healthcare administration latter? If yes, perhaps go back for a MHA or MBA in finance (which one would be more marketable?).
I am not in any kind of student debt, money won't be an issue, and able to balance working full time and school so would be able to continue accruing experience.
I believe my long term goal would be to work in performance improvement/ quality, project management or some sort of senior operations manager in the outpatient setting (for a large health plan, healthcare system like UCLA, or medical group)...
Please advise.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Nathan
I'd check around with the HR departments at local hospitals and try to get a sense of how they value the MPH degree. My guess, in the US, is that hospital people will not value it as much for administrative types of jobs, but it's worth testing out that proposition before you spend time and money on yet another degree.
Also, do you have class choices in the MPH program that might emphasize administrative stuff, so you can boost those capabilities?
Mr. Levy, I am planning on potentially obtaining a JD plus a masters degree and or a Ph.D. I am highly considering a JD/ Masters and or Doctorate in Bioethics / policy. My career goals are to somehow intertwine bioethics, law, and possibly my christian faith if possible into my career in someway such as but not limited representing clients who are suing medical entities / professionals for bioethicall/ religious freedom violations relating to but not limited to contraption / abortion / end of life matters etcetera, bioethicall / legal consulting, health care administration / management, all phases of bioethicall / health / legal / faith policy from concept drafting to implementation and follow up, Counsel to health care organizations, both sides of medical malpractice defense including civil / constitutional / criminal violations such as but not limited to unlawful imprisonment/ battery / assault, both sides of defense in HIPPA violation cases, all areas of general health law, and advising/ drafting of legal documents with a health focus such as health care proxys,medical power of attorney etcetera, health care contractual law, plus possibly running for elected office and or becoming a judge in the future. with my career goals determined I know that obtainig my Jursis Doctorate is required but my questions to you are :
1)
Is a Masters and or Doctorate degree in bioethics / health policy a good option in conjunction to a JD in regards to my career goals and ambitions? Why or why not?
2)
What advanced / professional degrees would you advise me to obtain in addition to my JD to best advance my career goals and why?
3)
Would you say that my career goals fall under the category of niches?
4)
do you think establishing a law and consulting firm would be a wise career move? Why or why not?
5) since my income is an important factor what do you think would and wouldnt be wise career moves? Why?
Thank you,
Christopher
Sorry, but I can't help on this. It is way too complicated for me. My only reaction is that it is impossible to plan a career in this detail.
Hi Dr. Levy,
First off, I really like your original post and think there is certainly valuable perspective in it; whether or not people want to listen is a different story. I would very much appreciate your perspective on an MPH in big pharma.
I'm a 25 year old with a degree in business from Rutgers. I've spent my entire career (3-4 yrs) in R&D business at a major biopharma company. I am going to get my MBA to level the playing field as I try to climb the ladder but my question is around an MPH (would dual MBA/MPH).
Do you think, or have you ever witnessed that, an MPH would be valuable for one to have in a pharma/business setting? I want my credentials to show that I have some understanding of healthcare outside of business - in no way trying to trump an MD though! I see the MPH as giving me that outside perspective and therefore, expands my value to the organization.
Many thanks in advance for your time.
Greg
Most MPH degrees give you some training in epidemiology, which can be very useful in the pharma world, whether at drug companies or their supporting clinical research organizations. Whether a masters is sufficient or whether you'd need a PH.D. is something I can't answer. Best to inquire at some of the companies.
I hold an MBA and an MPA and I find that neither one of these expensive degrees is helping me to get out of the retail industry. I have been in the retail industry for over 12 years in finance and budgeting and I needed a change. I have been laid off from 3 different companies due to bad business and restructuring since 2008. I don't have any prior experience in a healthcare setting so no one is even giving my resume a look. I have good budgeting and planning skills that can be transferred to a career in healthcare or public administration. But to no avail. If I don't find a job paying close to what I was making, my grandkids and yours with be footing my student loan debt because there is no way that I am going to be able to pay it being unemployed off and on, in a career I don't want to be in.
Did you have a question?
How do I break into the healthcare field with no experience? Do I need to start off as a receptionist?
A hospital is like a small city, with the full panoply of jobs, many of which require no experience int he field. Look through the job listings and see how they might match up with your skills and experience. Even if they ask for HC experience, make the case that you bring some important things to the table.
And if you are very good with people, sure, start as a receptionist!
I've graduated from college with a bachelor's of science degree in behaviorial health. My university likes to call it "Health Behavior Science". Overall, I walked out with an abysmal GPA, no research experience, and have to fix this by talking to grad schools that I want to get into to see if I have a chance of still getting into the specific ones I have my eyes set on. Post-bacc is the obvious answer to show them I can still do well in academics. I've also interned at my state health department in Delaware, and I'm waiting on an interview for a paid position within the same office I interned in.
Anyway, I'm looking at Physican assiatant schools to become a PA. Im also looking to get an MPH/MD, or just an MPH if I can't get into PA school as an alternative. I don't wanna ask the same questions that others have asked here. I know PAs can get jobs almost anywhere.
My question is, how often do people with an MPH w/MD secure positions amongst people with just an MPH?
Also is an MPH w/MD valued in hospitals over just an MPH? How about an MPH w/MBA?
Which is more of a challenge?
It's been 3 months since I graduated from college and I have no job...I'm trying to get a full time position within a hospital like a medical assistant or a clinical research associate where I can have patient interaction because this is what PA schools require as a pre-requisite before applying to their schools, correct? The kind of patient interaction that Med. Assistants and CRCs deal with is eligible clinical hours that PA schools look for correct?
Thanks
Lots of questions! i suggest you go talk to some hospital HR departments to ask their advice on what's most useful for them. Don't call them looking for a job: Call and ask to talk with someone about career planning.
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