Health care administration has evolved from a job to a career, requiring education in the quantitative and didactic criteria but, and perhaps most important, the qualitative and practical application of the skills taught and the skills that must be learned through experience, and yes failure, to become a truly successful healthcare executive. Understanding why you do what you will be asked to do makes this merging of talents much easier for each prospective executive. A strong value system, a sense of urgency with each project or question directed to you and understanding right and wrong, not just good and back, will allow you to successfully move through each phase of your professional career.