‘The perfect balance of academic rigor and flexibility’

 

Sara Malott, physician practice operations director at Henry Community Health, shares how the FSPH online MHA program’s flexibility and real-world applications allow her to balance her full-time job, studies, and personal commitments.

Can you describe how the program has met your needs for flexibility and integration with other parts of your life?

Living and working an hour away from campus, I’ve been able to earn my degree without disrupting my full-time job, which was a crucial factor in my decision to enroll. The program’s structure has allowed me to balance work, study, and personal commitments. Asynchronous learning opportunities have given me the freedom to complete coursework when it’s most convenient for me which is often during evenings or weekends.

The professors have been consistently accommodating, willing to work around my schedule and provide individualized support when needed. Additionally, the program’s integration of real-world applications has enabled me to directly apply my learning to my current job, creating a seamless connection between my studies and professional life. Overall, this program has provided the perfect balance of academic rigor and flexibility, allowing me to advance my education without sacrificing other important aspects of my life.

Tell us about the support you received from MHA faculty.

During my first year in the program, I was transitioning to a new role at work. I reached out to a program professor with relevant experience. We were able to arrange calls to help guide me, offering valuable insights and ideas that significantly contributed to my success in the new position. This level of personalized support wasn’t unique to me; I observed faculty members consistently assisting my peers through career transitions and personal challenges. The faculty’s willingness to go above and beyond was evident in their readiness to provide extra time and assistance whenever needed.

Have you found the knowledge, skills, and abilities learned so far to be useful in your professional journey? If so, could you speak about a specific instance?

The healthcare strategy course, in particular, has been crucial in enhancing my leadership capabilities from a physician practice standpoint. It’s provided me with frameworks and tools that I can directly apply to my organization’s planning and decision-making processes. Moreover, courses in human resources, operations management, and healthcare finance have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare administration. This broad knowledge base has significantly improved my ability to contribute to my organization.

Before enrolling in this program, I often found myself in meetings where I was primarily an observer, trying to absorb information. Now, having completed the program, I enter these same meetings with confidence, armed with insights and skills to contribute. I can now engage in high-level discussions about strategic initiatives, financial planning, and operational improvements, adding value to my organization’s decision-making processes and operations.

Would you recommend the FSPH online MHA program to other working professionals? Why?

I would highly recommend the FSPH online MHA program to other working professionals because the program allows you to have a family life and pursue your career goals while gaining a better understanding of the health administration field. Many online programs can feel very impersonal, but this program is far from that. The faculty that will take the time to get to know you and mentor you. You will also find that this program creates a sense of community among your peers. I developed lifelong relationships through this program and the networking opportunities are endless.