Alumna: Katlyn Collins
Graduation Year: 2021
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)
A: Prior to MHSM I was at Ball State University. I received my bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in public health in 2020. I knew I wanted to continue my education in healthcare and found the MSHM program which sounded like a perfect match for me.
Q: Where are you at now?
A: I am currently an Executive Director of a skilled nursing facility with Majestic Care. As the executive director, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursing facility. This includes being responsible for the overall financial operation of the facility, ensuring Majestic Care’s policies and procedures are in place as well as state and federal regulations, and providing the highest quality of care possible to our residents.
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: Some of my biggest takeaways from the program are leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. These are skills I use every day in my role. I am expected to lead my team every day and with every day comes a new challenge. The role I am in also requires extreme flexibility. When people ask me what a typical day is like, I tell them there is no typical day in long-term care. Our field is always changing, and you truly must be able to adapt to many different situations because you never know what the day will bring. The MSHM program helped me develop these skills greatly.
Q: Is your current job directly related to your college major?
A: It doesn’t directly relate to my bachelor’s degree but does to my master’s degree.
Q: Do you feel our school adequately prepared you to find a job?
A: The school led me to the job I am in now. One of the practicum opportunities was an Administrator in Training (AIT) position with Millers Health Systems. I applied for the position and was offered the opportunity to complete the AIT program at Millers Merry Manor in Mooresville with Natalie Peterson. After I graduated, I continued with the AIT program until I completed the required hours and was able to take my licensing exam. I took my federal and state licensing exams and became a licensed health facility administrator. This allowed me to get move into a job as an Executive Director of a facility. If it weren’t for the school, I don’t know that I would have ever found out about the AIT program and have been led to my passion.
Q: Did you attend any events with alumni as a student, and did you find them helpful?
A: I believe just the alumni panels which I enjoyed. I found it helpful to hear about their experiences/jobs and just their general advice.
Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?
A: Yes, specifically the business foundations course. All the program learning objectives even align with parts of my job.
Q: What are some new industry trends we should prepare our students for during the program?
A: All the changes that have come after COVID-19 and just in general how quickly healthcare changes. There is always new technology coming out, and new ways of doing things. Specifically in long-term care, we deal with new rules and regulations always changing.
Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?
A: Absolutely! Everyone was always more than willing to help with whatever was needed. Both April and Lynsey went out of their way to ensure we had support throughout the entire program.
Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program far?
A: My favorite part of the MSHM program was being able to connect with my peers and being able to find what I was passionate about! I went in thinking I wanted to go into hospital administration but came out finding my true passion for long-term care.
Q: Did you feel connected to your peers (in your cohort)?
A: Yes, our cohort was extremely small. It started with 9 of us total so we were all able to get to know each other. I felt supported throughout the program by all of them and it was nice to have the extra support.
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: Put yourself out there and take initiative, especially when it comes to job opportunities. Trust in your knowledge! You are surrounded by so much guidance and support in the MSHM program and should take advantage of it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn!