Our Executive Master of Health Administration is intended for working health care professionals who want the skills and education to take the next step in their career. We recently spoke with executive MHA student Crystal McQueen to learn how her experiences in the program are impacting her career.
Tell us about your current work and why you decided to pursue the Executive MHA.
Currently, I am working as a Certified Community Health Worker for Meridian Health Services in Muncie, Indiana. I provide patients with resources and act as an advocate for both our primary care and behavioral health patients. I have always been interested in taking a leadership role and the Executive MHA program will allow me to take a step in that direction!
Explain how the Executive MHA will impact your career moving forward.
This program will provide me with the degree and tools to become not only a leader or manager, but a successful one. All of my professors so far seem so passionate and knowledgeable about the topics they are teaching and that gives us students so much confidence.
What are some of the key points you’ve learned so far in the program?
A major key point I’ve learned in this program so far is that healthcare is forever changing. If you want to be successful you need to be willing to accept change, as positively as you can. Also, as a manager, always show appreciation for your staff. Burnout rates are at an all-time high right now; even just a little note to someone saying thank you can go a long way!
Have you used any of this new knowledge in your current position?
I actually have been able to share quite a bit of my population health knowledge with my pop health team at work. Population health is becoming a huge focus in our organization lately. It’s very exciting to be able to showcase to my current coworkers what I’m learning so far.
What advice would you give others who might be considering pursuing the Executive MHA?
It’s worth it, and it IS doable. I was so intimidated in the beginning. How am I going to do this program while working full time and raising a toddler? The professors understand we have lives outside of this program and that helps tremendously!
Learn more about the Executive Master of Health Administration program
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