Preceptor and employer evaluation of health administration student competencies.

A survey tool was designed to ascertain preceptors' and employers' perceptions of students after completion of one-year residencies/fellowships or other employment. Five-year results from two graduate MHA programs that administer the survey are described, along with ways the results have been used in program administration. Interpersonal communication skills and working in teams were ranked first and second as the most important skills by employers and preceptors of both programs. Findings generally show a high level of satisfaction with health administration graduates. It is recommended that programs adopt similar tools to better attune health administration curricula to marketplace demands.