SPRING HOUSE, PA — A new study published in the Journal of Health Administration Education highlights the significant career advantages enjoyed by graduates of Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)-accredited programs. Conducted by Dr. Daniel Fisher of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the research underscores how accreditation positively impacts employment rates and first-year salaries for healthcare administration graduates.
Analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for 2018–2019 and 2020–2021, the study compared key metrics such as employment rates, median earnings, and debt burden. The findings demonstrate clear benefits for students who graduate from CAHME-accredited programs.
Key Findings Include:
- Lower Unemployment Rates: Graduates of accredited programs experienced unemployment rates of 3.6% in 2019 and 3.2% in 2021, compared to 5.9% and 4.6%, respectively, for non-accredited program graduates.
- Higher Earnings: Accredited program graduates earned over $10,000 more in 2019 ($71,965 vs. $61,439) and nearly $8,000 more in 2021 ($68,779 vs. $60,817) than their non-accredited peers.
- Comparable Debt Burden: Although 2021 graduates of accredited programs carried slightly higher student loan debt, their enhanced salaries provided a strong return on investment.
Dr. Daniel Fisher, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of accreditation as a marker of program quality. “This study reinforces what has long been believed—programmatic accreditation matters,” he stated. “CAHME accreditation serves as a quality signal for employers and students alike, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in healthcare management.”
Dr. Anthony Stanowski, President and CEO of CAHME, noted the broader implications of the findings. “The study provides tangible evidence showing how CAHME’s specialized accreditation gives students a competitive edge in the job market and enhances the overall quality of healthcare leadership,” he said.
The study also drew praise from Dr. Cynthia Hammond-Jackson, President of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). “Accreditation is a cornerstone of quality assurance in higher education, and this study underscores its impact in healthcare management education. Graduates of accredited programs benefit from rigorous curricula, industry-aligned competencies, and stronger career prospects,” she remarked.
With rising demand for skilled healthcare administrators, this research emphasizes the value of choosing accredited programs. For students and institutions, the findings serve as a powerful testament to the importance of quality assurance in shaping successful careers.
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