Original Article
Analysis of Employment Status of Undergraduate Graduates in Health Services and Management in China
Chen Hongkun, Zhou Yuchen, Sun Yuhuan, Yi Yang, Si Jianping, Liu Shucong, Ren Jianping, Wang Dahui
Published 2024-10-20
Cite as Chin J Health Manage, 2024, 18(10): 777-782. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115624-20240604-00461
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze the employment status of college graduates majoring in health service and management in China.
MethodsFrom April 2023 to June 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on undergraduate graduates majoring in health service and management from 34 universities in China using convenient sampling method. General information was collected (such as gender, household registration at graduation, only child status, average monthly family income, previous experience as a student cadre, average grade point, part-time job experience, entrepreneurial experience, whether a first batch graduate of the university and the major, self-assessment of professional competence level) alongside employment status. Statistical descriptive analysis was employed to analyze the graduates′ basic employment situation, job competence and professional skill demand, types of certificates valued by employers, factors influencing job selection, evaluation of work and profession, and perceptions of professional employment prospects. A total of 1 417 questionnaires were collected in this study, with 1 315 valid responses (92.8%). Chi-square tests were used to compare employment differences among various factors, and binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing employment outcomes.
ResultsAmong 564 employed graduates in the Health Services and Management field, 98 (17.4%) work in health management companies and 97 (17.2%) in hospitals. Regarding important job competencies, 413 (73.2%), 409 (72.5%), and 364 (64.5%) respectively emphasized the importance of information collection and statistical analysis, organizational coordination, and communication skills. Key professional skills highly valued by employers included health risk assessment 175 (66.3%), health measurement 160 (60.6%), and health education and promotion 152 (57.6%). Additionally, 281 (49.8%) highlighted the importance of Health Management Professional Qualification Certificates. Factors influencing job choices included salary and benefits 454 (80.5%) and personal interests and hobbies 279 (49.5%). While 397 (70.4%) of the graduates provided positive feedback on their profession, only 274 (48.6%) were optimistic about their future job prospects. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated significant correlations (all P<0.05) between employment outcomes and factors such as part-time work experience (OR=1.31) and average grade point (OR=0.61, 0.68).
ConclusionsThe employment rate of undergraduate graduates majoring in health service and management in China is low in the health service market, with a low degree of job specialization matching. Graduates are not optimistic about the future employment prospects in their field, possibly due to unclear positioning in talent cultivation in universities and an imperfect job market.
Key words:
Health management; Health services; Education, medicine, undergraduate; Employment; Vocational identity
Contributor Information
Chen Hongkun
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Zhou Yuchen
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Sun Yuhuan
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Yi Yang
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Si Jianping
School of Management, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Liu Shucong
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Ren Jianping
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Wang Dahui
School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
