FAQs


Application Process

  • What criteria are used to select Administrative Fellows?
    • Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievement, professional and personal experiences, personal statement and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also evaluated on the general knowledge of UMHS, initiative, professionalism, leadership potential and overall fit with UMHS. This is determined through the application materials, phone interview and on-site interviews.
  • Are international candidates eligible to apply for the fellowship?
    • International applicants can apply to the University of Michigan Administrative program. However, visa requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  UMHS has not sponsored international fellows in the past.
  • What are the educational requirements for the fellowship?
    • A Master’s degree or equivalent course work in health care administration, nursing, business, public health, health service or a related degree from an accredited program.
  • Do you have to have health care experience to qualify for the fellowship?
    • While candidates with previous professional work experience are encouraged to apply, previous work experience is not a prerequisite for the fellowship.
  • When can I apply for the fellowship?
    • We accept applications in the fall; however, dates change each year. We will be accepting applications for the 2013-2015 Administrative Fellowship September 1, 2012-October 1, 2012.
  • What is the application process?  Paper/Online?
    • The University of Michigan Health System has a paper application process and you can find details on our application process here.
  • What are the program requirements?
    • Qualified fellowship applicants will have a master’s degree or equivalent course work in health care administration, nursing, business, public health, health service or a related degree from an accredited program. While candidates with previous professional work experience are encouraged to apply, previous work experience is not a prerequisite for the fellowship
  • What are the application requirements?
    • Each application must have the following: completed application checklist, current resume, one page statement of career goals and objectives, official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate degree programs and three (3) letters of recommendation (at least one professional and one academic)

*For a complete list of application requirements, please visit our website here.

  • I am not a recent graduate, but I do have work experience.  Can I still apply?
    • We welcome applicants with a variety of experience, including those with work experience as well as recent graduates. The University of Michigan Administrative Fellowship Program is geared toward early careerists or those who are typically 3-5 years out of a graduate program.
  • Will I be notified when my application has been received?
    • We do not notify applicants when applications are receive; however, if you would like to know if it was received, you can request a delivery confirmation receipt when mailing the application. You can also follow up with the current fellows regarding any inquires related to the application process at adminfellow@med.umich.edu.
  • How do you accept school transcripts?  Are the “issued to student” transcripts appropriate?
    • Official transcripts issued to the students can be submitted as part of the application materials.
  • I have an electronic copy of my transcripts.  Will this be ok, or do I need to request an official copy directly?
    • The official, paper copy should be sent with your completed application package.
  • Do you accept Letters of Recommendation via email?
    • No, your Letters of Recommendation need to be signed and sealed letters, sent as a part of the application packet.
  • I do not have a professional Letter of Recommendation (as I have little/no work experience). How can I provide the necessary letters or can I submit without them?
    • Applicants are encouraged to provide a letter that reflects relevant work experience. Recommendations based on internship, volunteer, or non-healthcare related work experience would be accepted.
  • Who reads the application materials and makes the final decision?
    • The fellowship applications are read by a committee of senior leaders from across the health system. We have a diverse group, including our program preceptors and mentors, directors, department administrators, managers and past fellows. This group makes the final decision on our fellowship candidates.
  • I graduated from a school that is not accredited. Will that be an issue?
    • We accept applications from graduates of accredited programs in health care administration, nursing, business, public health or other related programs.

Fellowship Experience:

  • What is the role of the preceptor?
    • The preceptor helps fellows understand how academic health center leaders meet the challenges of balancing priorities among our patient care, research and educational missions as one health system. The fellowship preceptors are also responsible for mentoring and supporting the career and personal development of administrative fellow(s) throughout the two year fellowship, evaluating fellows’ performance and assisting them with relationship building with other mentors at UMHS.
  • What types of projects/rotations does a fellow partake in?
    • The Fellowship includes core responsibilities, targeted 4-12 weeks rotations, and projects based on the fellow's interests and the institution's priorities. The fellow will pursue a variety of leadership development opportunities in a framework of continuous learning. Example of rotation opportunities are Inpatient Operations, Ambulatory Care Operations, Finance and Human Resources.
  • What is the process for determining the projects that fellows work on? 
    • We have an online project repository where unit representatives fill out a project form and send it to the fellowship coordinator. The projects are reviewed by the fellows and they decide what projects meet their interests for experience, growth and development. Those projects are then discussed with the program preceptors who guide fellows to select projects that support their specific career development goals.

Career Development:

  • What sort of training or career development opportunities are available?  
    • Fellows are encouraged to start the Fellowship by outlining their goals and objectives for both their long-term careers and the Fellowship. Through continuous discussions with preceptors and other mentors, Fellows are encouraged to continually seek out experiences which would assist them in achieving these goals and objectives.
  • Is there a process for helping the fellows identify post-fellowship job opportunities?
    • Fellows are encouraged to begin discussions regarding career transition with the program preceptors as early as the beginning of the 2nd year. Fellows typically begin looking for jobs within the last 6 months of the fellowship.

Professional Development

  • What is the evaluation process for the fellows?  How often does evaluation occur?
    • Fellows are evaluated by their department/project leaders. This feedback is captured in a performance survey. The results are discussed with the program preceptors. Evaluations occur after every rotation/project. Discussions with the preceptors are scheduled during 1:1 meetings.
  • Do you support national conferences?
    • The fellow(s) receive support to attend two conferences of his/her choice over the course of the fellowship and the Association for Academic Medical Center's Fellow's Conference during the first year. Fellows also have the opportunity to attend several classes that are offered within the University of Michigan Health System. Most fellows at least undergo a four-day Lean training course.
  • How will the fellowship benefit me?
    • The rotation structure of the fellowship program exposes participants to a wide array of areas within healthcare management. During the program, fellows also work on various strategic initiatives while receiving support and mentorship from senior leaders. Through these experiences, fellows develop their analytical, communication, project management and organizational and leadership skills.