In April of this year, Program faculty distributed a Qualtrics survey via email to Program graduates for the period 2004-2011. The data has been analyzed and the results reveal important information about the satisfaction and employment experiences of our graduates. We had an impressive response to our survey---153 complete responses were received from the initial sample of 220 graduates, yielding a 70% response rate! Thanks to all alumni who helped us out by responding to our survey. Your feedback was very helpful.

Key results:

• 91% of respondents stated that the HSA Program prepared them “Very well” or “well” for their career
• 75% of respondents were “Very Satisfied” with the HSA major courses while at JMU, and 23% were “Somewhat satisfied” with the HSA major courses
• 43% of respondents reported being “Very Satisfied” with the business minor courses, and 42% reported being  ”Somewhat Satisfied” with the Business minor courses.
• 82% reported that the HSA Program was “Very helpful” or “Helpful” in preparing them for graduate school
• 17% have completed graduate degrees
• 90% reported working full-time
• Mean salaries: First position- $38,094; current position- $56,527
• Mean current salaries by graduating year:
  • 2004: $77,100
  • 2005: $70,400
  • 2006: $76,273
  • 2007: $57,536
  • 2008: $49,454
  • 2009: $46,219
  • 2010: $44,159
  • 2011: $42,494

Employment setting of graduates:

• Hospital system- 20%
• Hospital-14%
• Consulting Firm- 11%
• Skilled Nursing Facility/Assisted Living/Home Health/Retirement Comm.-11%
• Accreditation/licensing organization- 6%
• Physician practice/group practice- 5%
• Ambulatory clinic/Ambulatory Surgery Center- 3%
• Managed care organization/insurer- 3%
• Pharmaceutical company- 3%
• Association- 3%
• IT Company- 3%
• Medical Supplier- 1%
• Public Health Program/Dept.-1%
• Other- 16%

Respondents reported that the HSA Program helped them:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key components and characteristics of the U.S. health care delivery system (52% Strongly Agree, 45% Agree)
• Work positively with others through collaborative efforts and effective communication  (68% Strongly Agree, 29% Agree)
• Develop technical and analytical skills in health services management in order to complete and analyze administrative tasks (51% Strongly Agree, 41% Agree)
• Understand professional behaviors expected within the field of health services administration and develop the knowledge to succeed (63% Strongly Agree, 30% Agree)