Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program Fellowship

The Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) is an intensive, 12-month training experience designed to prepare future leaders for management roles within the VA health care system. Trainees gain unique opportunities to learn from, and work directly alongside, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrators and professionals in a VA Medical Center Director’s office.

Throughout the program, trainees collaborate with leaders of cutting-edge healthcare facilities, broadening their understanding of healthcare management and developing the skills necessary for future management positions within VA organizations.

Career Opportunities & Support

Upon successful completion of GHATP, Fellows are eligible for non-competitive placement into a GS-11 position within the VA health care system. During the fellowship, preceptors provide individualized guidance and support, helping each Fellow identify positions that align with their skills, interests, and career goals.

Preceptors initiate placement discussions six months into the traineeship, carefully considering the trainee’s strengths, ambitions, and geographic mobility, as well as VHA’s workforce needs and succession planning. The VISN office is responsible for placing the Fellow in one of its facilities at the GS-11 level (non-competitive placement). However, Fellows may choose to compete for higher-level positions or roles outside their VISN. Please note, accepting a position outside the commuting area does not guarantee relocation expenses will be covered.

To ensure successful placement and continued VA employment, Fellows are expected to actively cooperate in applying for vacancies and to consider all Health Systems Specialist (HSS) positions offered.

Potential Career Paths

Successful GHATP graduates are prepared for a range of dynamic roles, including:

• Staff Assistant to a Senior Executive (Director, Associate Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Director for Patient Care Services)
• Administrative Officer for a Clinical Service or Service Line
• Health Systems Specialist
• Business Office Manager
• Compliance Officer
• Risk Manager
• Facility or VISN Planner
• Program or Group Practice Manager

GHATP offers a pathway to meaningful and impactful roles within the VA, equipping trainees with the experience and knowledge needed to confidently shape the future of veteran health care.

The GHATP Board emphasizes that the selection of an administrative preceptor is fundamental to creating a meaningful and effective training experience. Preceptors are chosen for their proven leadership, educational background, professional experience, and unwavering commitment to the development of future healthcare administrators. Rigorous selection criteria ensure that each preceptor is prepared to guide and mentor trainees throughout their journey.

Meet Our Preceptors

Dr. Alyshia Smith, Medical Center Director, serves as the primary preceptor for the trainee program, bringing her extensive experience and vision to the role. Mr. Peter Tillman, Associate Director of Operations, acts as co-preceptor, providing additional support and expertise. Together, Dr. Smith and Mr. Tillman work closely with each trainee to design a personalized training plan tailored to their individual needs, career goals, and areas of interest. They foster an environment that encourages growth and learning, and they strongly advocate for active participation in professional organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), National Association of Health Service Executives (NAHSE), and others.

Collaborative Training and Professional Development

Trainees benefit from ongoing collaboration with the diverse leadership team at Durham VA. This includes regular interaction with senior management, service and care line executives, former GHATP trainees now serving in management roles, and other medical center staff. This network provides invaluable mentoring, insights, and real-world knowledge to help trainees succeed. Senior leaders and managers are deeply invested in the training process, ensuring a supportive and educational environment by embracing mentorship as a core component of their philosophy.

• Individual Project (Poster will be presented at ACHE Congress in March)
• Acting Supervisor Positions
• Data Analytics Project/Experience
• Public Speaking Skill Development
• GHATP Monthly Conference Calls
• GHATP Face to Face Training Events
• Bi-Weekly Preceptor Meetings
• Service Rotations

Applicant Requirements

Candidates must be a recent graduate (within the last two years or six years for Veterans) of an accredited graduate degree program. Degrees that qualify include:

• Hospital administration (MHA, MHSA)
• Public health administration (MPH)
• Business administration (MBA) or public administration (MPA) with course work in healthcare administration or management.

• GHATP fellow recruitment season is approximately November – June.
• Recruitment opportunities are posted as Job Opportunity Announcements (JOAs) on USAjobs.gov.
• Selected candidates are onboarded and must be on station no later than the first Monday of pay period 13 (no exceptions or extensions).
• The fellowship training year runs from June – June.