Interdisciplinary Programs Focused Populations: The Case Of Health Management Program

Abstract

The Ariel University has a unique interdisciplinary program in healthcare management that targets experienced healthcare professionals who wish to earn an academic degree. Only one academic study has been held so far on the integration of graduates of an academic university-level school in healthcare management in the field. In the current study, the authors sought to investigate points of contact between the academic world and the professional field by following the professional integration of graduates of healthcare management at the Ariel University and their satisfaction with their training, job, and profession from an interdisciplinary perspective. A survey was held among all 1,327 graduates of the Department of Healthcare Management from 2002 to 2011. Data collection was performed through self-completed electronic questionnaires and personally distributed questionnaires, including questions on graduates' current place of work and satisfaction with their degree. The findings indicate that graduates are very satisfied with their interdisciplinary studies at the department. Students from the Arab sector, those who began their studies at an older age, and those who are more affluent, reported higher satisfaction with their studies. Most students intend to continue studying for an advanced degree in the profession.