How long is the residency?
The training/work experience of the residency lasts for two semesters (typically 8 months), after completion of on-campus coursework.
When do I receive my degrees in the MBA/MHA program?
Typically, students apply for MBA graduation just before the residency, after completion of ALL MBA and MHA on-campus coursework. The MHA is received after completion of the off-campus residency courses.
Is the residency required? Yes, every MBA/MHA student is required to register for and complete two 3 semester hour courses HA8810 and HA8820 graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis, one in each of the two semesters immediately after completion of ALL on-campus coursework in the MBA/MHA program. Must tuition & fees be paid for residency courses? Yes, you must pay tuition and fees to receive academic credit for these courses, which fulfill the Board of Regents’ minimum number of courses to confer the double-degree MBA/MHA program. What are the academic requirements of the residency courses? The student must complete a term paper for each course, which is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. In HA8820, a presentation consists of : Are there alternatives to the residency? Yes, if a student has significant managerial experience in a healthcare setting, the student may request permission to write two research papers in lieu of the residency. The student still must register for and complete requirements of 8810 and 8820 in order to receive the necessary course credit to graduate. How much do residents make? Can I get a permanent job that will suffice as a residency? Are higher paying residencies available? Yes, but typically such higher paying, permanent positions require significant healthcare managerial experience. You may request approval of your current full-time position as a residency, and the IHA will work with your organization to assure that it meets residency requirements. Locating a permanent position is challenging and depends upon individual characteristics, connections, and might require a headhunter to obtain one. Consequently, you are responsible for obtaining these type residencies (not the Institute).
Can the residency requirement be completed while taking classes? No, you may NOT register for residency courses until ALL academic, on-campus courses have been completed. The residency is intended to be FULL TIME, off-campus work for 2 semesters, not impeded by coursework. Your undivided attention and commitment to the residency experience may influence your subsequent permanent positions. Many residencies require a graduate degree as a prerequisite. Can I count my part time work or previous work experience toward this requirement? No, previous work experience cannot count toward academic credit, but a student may request IHA permission to complete research papers instead if he/she has significant managerial experience in a healthcare setting. How do I secure a residency? Securing a residency is a COLLABORATIVE effort of the student and Institute. The Institute provides a great deal of support in terms of its many contacts, network of alumni/previous preceptors, and posted residency opportunities. However, individual networking by students has proven to be valuable in securing the specific type of residency experience and location you desire.
In HA8810, the paper consist of :
The median salary for a typical resident is $35,000 annualized, which reflects the students’ TRAINING status and is similar to that of medical residents. The residency is not the time to negotiate for a high salary, since you have not yet completed all requirements of the MBA/MHA credentials. After completing the residency and receiving both graduate degrees, your salary opportunities will be greater.
What can I do to prepare myself for the residency?
Get experience working at least part time in a healthcare setting while taking classes. This will enhance your resume and your chances of securing the residency of your choice. You should develop your computer and analytical skills, as well as hone your interview and oral presentation skills which are critical.
Can I specify geographically where I want to be?
The Institute has some connections that can be tapped to locate residency opportunities in various locations, but these are limited. If you have a particular destination and limit your possibilities to a specific geographic region, you will have to take much of the responsibility to network and prospect for opportunities. By all means, you should use your connections to locate a residency in a specific geographic area.
Where are residencies geographically located? Historically, 65% of students are placed in the Atlanta market due to student preferences and our abundant contacts here. The remaining 35% are scattered throughout the US.
When should I begin looking for a residency?
Officially, you must submit your residency questionnaire to IHA at least 30 weeks (2 semesters) prior to the start of your residency (see residency information available in the HA office). A longer lead-time is required for most nationally competitive residencies that have annual submission dates. A directory of these residency/fellowships can be found in the Career Services section of www.ache.org. Unofficially, you should begin to think about your residency preferences NOW. Read and consider the emails that are sent out announcing residency positions. Network. Attend brown bags, professional meetings and meet the administrators where you are working part time.
How does the process work?
Officially, you must submit your residency questionnaire to IHA at least 30 weeks (2 semesters) prior to the start of your residency (earlier if applying for those that have annual submission dates). Securing a residency is a COLLABORATIVE effort of the student and Institute. The IHA maintains oversight of the residency process, provides support, and is often asked to make recommendations; thus, the Residency Coordinator must be kept informed of all applications and official contacts. No matter which methods you choose to locate a residency, it is your ultimate responsibility to pursue the opportunities that interest you, while keeping the Residency Coordinator apprised of your progress and contacts.
Residencies are typically obtained by one or more of the following methods:
Students are encouraged to apply for nationally competitive residencies/fellowships, many of whom have annual submission dates (typically, October 15 or November 1, see information located in the residency office).
Email notices of residency opportunities requested by organizations (e.g., VA hospitals, John Deere) are sent to all students who are currently searching. Some organizations interview for positions on the GSU campus.
IHA specifically contacts organizations for potential residency leads where appropriate.
The GSU/Robinson College maintains a listing of positions, including some from healthcare organizations, which students may review and decide to pursue.
Some students prefer to obtain a residency position through individual contacts and networking.
How can I improve my resume and interviewing skills? The Robinson College placement office on the 7th floor has sample resumes, interviewing tapes, and other recommendations available. Can I have a choice of residencies? Typically, you compete for residencies in which you are interested. When you receive an offer, the Institute will expect you to accept it, especially if this is one which the IHA has obtained for you.
Do preceptors hire residents as permanent employees upon completion of their residencies? Historically, 85% of our students have been offered permanent positions with their employer; however, most preceptors will not commit to this up front. If you work hard and prove your value to the organization, most will make every effort to offer you a permanent position or provide leads to a position.