Fellowship Resources & Opportunities

Fellowship Defined


An administrative fellowship is a period of training following a formal, graduate academic education that typically lasts 12-24 months. The objective is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the field through direct exposure and hands-on experiences.

History and Significance


In the late 1970’s, post-graduate fellowships initiated in several academic centers, but were not formally required for a Health Administration degree. For the next ten years, the number of programs who began requiring a fellowship experience as a graduation requirement steadily increased, prompting the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) to develop guidelines for post-graduate fellowships.  Since this time, fellowships have played a significant role in educating students in preparation for their post-academic experiences.  While the fellowship remains an important aspect of student development, both students and program directors alike perceive that the supply of fellowships does not meet the student demand in today’s market.  Currently, the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and ACHE provide resources for students seeking a post-graduate fellowship experience, and have dedicated website space to these important materials.

Additional Resources

AUPHA Fellowship

David A. Winston Health Policy Fellowship

Other Fellowships


Importance of a Fellowship

A post-graduate administrative fellowship is an important step in early careerist development; one that aids in the smooth transition from academic studies to experiential learning.  These opportunities expose recent graduates to senior leaders and strategic decision making, assist in skill development by providing practical experience, and ultimately contribute to leadership skill growth and career progression.  Through fellowships, employers play a significant role in educating future healthcare leaders, but also use the experience as an opportunity to discover potential. Students value these experiences, as they are ones that can have an immediate, positive impact on their careers.