To Degree or Not to Degree

Merrainiacs: One of the questions many candidates ask us these days is whether or not to seek another degree. This can mean a bachelor's, a master's (or perhaps a second master's) a PhD depending upon where one is holding in their educational acquisition. For the most part, our firm has very few clients remaining that will look at leadership candidates that do not have a bachelor's degree. Most of these hospitals strongly prefer a master's degree. As a general rule, our answer is "Yes - (a degree) an additional degree can only help. It can never hurt." As you assume a leadership position in the healthcare world, you will be looked at as a mentor. The RN's, Technicians, Manager's or Director's that report to you want to know you are more educated, more skilled and have more experience than they do. Online degrees through programs such as the University of Phoenix make obtaining your next degree much easier than previously thought. However, one must be wary of UDP's and other programs still existing on the internet. If the process sounds simpler than it ought to be, there could be a problem. Case in point: Warren National University, formerly known as Kennedy Western. The good news is tuition reimbursement programs are in abundance today so your options may very well be afforable and some of the best schools may very well be in your local town or even affiliated with your medical center. It's exciting to see folks in the "public eye" embracing continued education as well. Tyra Banks' decision to return to the Executive Education Program at Harvard University has made the headlines and is a great example of a star taking control of her own destiny as opposed to letting her advisor's manage all of her major financial decisions. Even if you have an advanced degree, you may want to consider a second advanced degree or a return to an Executive Management program. Our Managing Director here at the firm attended two such certificate programs at Columbia University's Business School, one in marketing management and one in sales management. His feedback: "It'll keep you current and introduce you to some real up-and-comers." In summary, I think I need to consider going back to school nights. It can only help your career, exercise your brain and continue your swim upstream. Merrainiac