From Learner to Leader: Nancy Taylor’s Journey Through Sacred Heart’s MHA Program
| 4 Min Read
When Nancy Taylor, a 2024 graduate, enrolled in the online Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) program at Sacred Heart University, she was already a seasoned professional in the health care field. She was looking for an MHA degree that would sharpen her leadership skills and prepare her for the next step in her career. What she found was a transformative experience that not only met those goals but exceeded them.
“The classes definitely propelled me into the next level for dealing with the health care culture,” she said. One standout course for Nancy was Management in Health Care. “It gave me a comprehensive overview of what to expect in management, especially when working with professionals like physicians in various specialties.”
Nancy’s capstone experience allowed her to focus on a population close to her heart — patients who are under- or uninsured. “It was rewarding to be able to look at legislation and what is being done currently to assist undocumented immigrants, for example,” she said. “There were a lot of barriers and challenges. The capstone allowed me to really dive deep and ask, what are those barriers?”
The impact of the online MHA degree extended beyond the classroom. “The skill sets allowed me to network in a way I normally wouldn’t. I felt more confident walking into board meetings, sharing my classroom experiences and applying them in real time.”
“The master’s in health administration helped me take the next step in my career — I’m a living testimony to that.”
Despite being an online student, Nancy felt deeply connected. “The faculty were supportive and welcoming,” and classmates helped her “see different perspectives from people at various stages in their careers.” Her cohort played a vital role in enhancing her understanding of the online MHA coursework. “We had to work together as a cohort on projects that were scheduled. That allowed me to not only work with them, but to really foster relationships throughout the program. They also were a support system.”
The results speak for themselves. “Because of the skill sets I gained, I was promoted to practice manager overseeing multiple specialties. The master’s in health administration helped me take the next step in my career — I’m a living testimony to that.”
Become a Professional Who Can Navigate Today’s Healthcare Challenges
In Sacred Heart University’s master’s of health administration program, you’ll learn the necessary skills to lead and transform the dynamic field of health care. Explore the essentials of managing the complex and ever-evolving health care industry through interdisciplinary coursework focused on improving health care policy and its intersection with economics, finance, law, ethics, quality, leadership and strategic planning.
MHA degree coursework is taught fully online and in an asynchronous format, so you can study at the times and places that work best for you. Course sessions are delivered in 8-week sessions that fit into your life alongside your other commitments.
Pursue Growing Leadership Careers in Multiple Healthcare Settings
As a graduate of Sacred Heart University’s online MHA degree, you will be prepared to pursue roles in a variety of health care settings, both clinical and non-clinical. You could become a clinical leader, administrator or executive in a hospital, medical practice, urgent care center, rehabilitation facility and more. Many MHA degree graduates also work for insurance companies, health care consulting organizations and government agencies. You might also focus on health informatics to become a health informatics specialist or medical records manager.
These roles are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers in the U.S. can take advantage of about 61,400 job openings every year from 2023 to 2033.1 These rewarding roles make a median annual wage of $117,960, with managers in hospitals and government positions earning above-average salaries.1
Online Health Care Programs at Sacred Heart University
When you’re ready to take the next step into administrative health care careers, Sacred Heart is ready to help. Explore the MHA degree online program and request more information to get started today.
Source
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Medical and Health Services Managers.” April 18, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.