Integrating knowledge and behavior: development of a management and career development program for graduate health administration education.

Abstract

How best to integrate cognitive learning and behavioral skills in health administration education has been a concern of both academics and practitioners for many years. Charged with the education of health care administrators, graduate programs are expected to produce persons who are both knowledgeable about the field in which they plan to be employed and skilled in carrying out the many tasks associated with successful performance in their future roles. This article describes the theoretical basis and design of the management and career development offering (MCDO) of Widener University's Graduate Program in Health and Medical Services Administration, the key objectives of which are to integrate cognitive learning with practical experience and to provide a mechanism for the development of needed professional skills in a low-risk academic atmosphere. It was clear that these objectives could not be achieved entirely within a traditional academic curriculum, nor were they always appropriately treated there. However, the complexity of the health care field, the growing demands placed on administrators, and conflicts arising within and between roles increase the necessity to integrate these theoretical and behavioral skills.