Perceptions of Preceptors and Students on the Importance of Writing

Health administration programs vary from other administrative programs based on emphasis in writing. Prior studies about writing skills in professional degree programs show student writing skills are not at a professional level. There is no literature at present that identifies important and essential writing skills related specifically to undergraduate or graduate health administration programs. This pilot study surveys graduate and undergraduate programs’ residency preceptors to identify the important skills and forms of written communication used in the workplace and surveys students to discover their perceptions of what skills and written work they will perform in their initial job. Results show that preceptor and students differ in their perceptions of forms of written communication deemed essential, but they do not differ in their perceptions of what is an essential writing skill. Further research is needed to obtain more in-depth insight into adequate preparation for program graduates’ initial job.