Healthcare Leaders of Tomorrow: Scarlet Alexander, MHA
Scarlet Alexander is a recent graduate of the University of Scranton’s Accelerated MHA program. She is in the final weeks of her Administrative Residency in the Quality & Patient Safety Department at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, King of Prussia Hospital. Following residency, she hopes to continue her career in the pediatric healthcare system, particularly in quality improvement or strategy. Outside of work and academics, she loves to go to the beach, do Pilates and kickboxing, and bake as many new treats as possible.
What made you choose the University of Scranton’s program?
I grew up locally in the Scranton area and was familiar with the excellent academic reputation of the university. I initially chose to pursue a pre-medical track. I was very fortunate that when I decided to specialize in healthcare administration, the University of Scranton also had an accelerated 5-year MHA program.
Did the program provide you with a good value?
The MHA program at the University of Scranton is led by a faculty of former hospital CEOs, many of whom I still consider my close friends and mentors. Having such experienced leaders gives you an authentic perception of the field you are committing to and insight that is can’t be taught through a textbook.
What is one thing that your program did well at?
The program is an advocate for networking with local professional organizations. In particular, the University of Scranton’s MHA program has excellent relationships with the Geisinger Health System and the American College of Healthcare Executives Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. Through the opportunity to network at ACHE events and participate in case competitions with systems like Geisinger, students can gain much real-world experience even when they are undergraduates.
What roles are you currently pursuing?
I am pursuing roles that align with my interests in quality improvement and strategic planning. Outside of that, I enjoy projects that still allow me to be in the clinical space, as it is what engaged me to become involved in healthcare in the first place. In particular, I have a personally vested interest in transplant services, as it is very important to multiple of my family members who have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
What emerging trend in healthcare do you believe will have the most significant impact in the next decade?
This is a seemingly obvious answer, but the power and influence that AI has had in healthcare in such a short amount of time is remarkable. Especially in the pediatric setting, it is astounding to see how technology continues to develop. Another thing I have noticed in recent years is the younger generation’s interest in having an active role in their health. Much of this is due to technology and social media. Still, I believe the continuing boom of boutique telehealth start-ups will only continue, which I think is a highly positive thing for those in the medical field and consumers seeking accessible care.
Do you have any recommendations for students just starting their graduate programs?
One thing I wish I started sooner was exploring how many possibilities there are with an MHA or similar degree. The traditional curriculum focuses primarily on hospital systems, physician practice, and long-term care; however, with the drastic growth of telehealth and wellness companies, the options are endless. I encourage students to explore all and any fields they think they may or may not be interested in. The best way to learn what you do and do not like is by actively immersing yourself in the experiences, even if this is a simple networking conversation or shadowing for a day. Additionally, take advantage of as many leadership opportunities as you can in your program. Some of my most valuable experiences and hardest lessons were as ACHE Student Chapter VP and President of the Healthcare Administration Society.
Do you have any recommendations for students just finishing their graduate programs?
One thing I only experienced post-graduation is accepting that everything is not meant to go smoothly. It is incredibly challenging to be confident that you are taking the right path, doing the right job, and staying caught up. There is a lot of comfort in realizing that everyone is trying to figure out the same things, and no one has it as together as they may make it seem. Do not lose sight of your true self in the pursuit of a successful career — happiness is not a destination; it is how much you grow in the process of life. A very important mentor of mine always said that you never learn anything, if everything always goes how you want it to.
University of Scranton’s MHA Details:
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at The University of Scranton offers a comprehensive curriculum that requires 44 credits plus fieldwork. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and maintains full graduate membership with the AUPHA. It includes foundational courses like Health Care Organization and Administration, Financial Management, and Health Care Statistics and Research Methods. Fieldwork is integral, with options like a 6-month administrative residency or internships. The program is designed for experienced professionals and those new to the field, with flexible start dates and a personal interview requirement for admission. The 2021 employment placement rate was 87%, with an average salary of $56,000. Tuition for the program is $965 a credit, with the degree costing an average of $44,000.
