The 2007-2008 academic year includes a trip to Grand Forks, ND to visit Altru Hospital.  Also in the spring, SHMA helps host the annual Concordia / HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) Spring Healthcare Institute held at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo, ND. This is an opportunity for our students to network with individuals within the healthcare field.

Why Join the Student Healthcare Management Association (SHMA)? 
As directors of the healthcare programs we are asked this question from time to time.  We point out to students that the time spent at Concordia College is much more than just the class related experience.  Employers agree that the non academic activities of college students are important indicators of success in the work environment.  Involvement in activities such as SHMA,  part time work or volunteer time in healthcare facilities  provide students with valuable experience and people skills.  Both faculty and employers notice the difference in students who take advantage of these types of opportunities during their college years.  

Belonging to SHMA also establishes a pattern of being involved in one’s profession and one’s professional organization.  One of the annual events SHMA participates in is our annual Spring Institute, a continuing education conference we present each year in partnership with our state chapters of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).  Involvement in these organizations as well as the Medial Group Management Association (MGMA) and Caregivers is important.  These organizations represent our professional interests and issues in governmental arenas as well as providing us with valuable updates on current issues in our field and continuing education throughout our careers. 

Finally, participation in SHMA builds a practice of networking with ones colleagues.  This is extremely important in ones career.  Our colleagues are valuable resources to help us successfully confront challenges in our own organizations.  They also serve to be valuable resources when we are looking for new professional opportunities within our field. 

So, we highly recommend and encourage all our students to join and get active in SHMA.  They will hear interesting talks by colleagues working in the field, take field trips to healthcare organizations in our region, and get a chance to meet and visit with administrators and executives working in the field. 

Bruce C. Anderson                                    Daniel V. Anderson
Director                                                        Director
Healthcare Administration Program      Long-term Care Administration
Hospital Administration Program           Program
Concordia College                                    Concordia College
Moorhead, Minnesota                               Moorhead, Minnesota