Case Study: Usc's MHA Program

My communication skills and ability to quickly understand policies that affect people has helped me meet the needs of those I served across many different contexts. Although these characteristics have played a vital role in helping me achieve certain outcomes, still, I can further develop these skills through my involvement in USC’s MHA program. Among the most appealing features of USC’s MHA program is their “strong ties to the healthcare community” that allows MHA students to put classroom concepts into practice in real life situations [1]. In my case, I have been able to apply core concepts from Sociology to enhance people’s relationships with an institution, all while balancing the needs and wants of both parties. Among the most influential …show more content…
In order for me to make the transition from student to professional within the healthcare industry, I must gain the adequate preparation that includes interacting with health professionals and patients in real world settings. With this in mind, USC’s MHA program “offers both academic and real-world experiences, drawing on a network of engaged alumni, advisors and prominent professionals…[to] assist students in their career and professional development.” [1]. The wealth of information and resources that the MHA program provides for its students will enhance my opportunities for employment and help me transition quickly into the work world. Additionally, USC’s requirement that students “complete a 1000 hour administrative residency” will not only help me identify specific attributes needed to be successful as a health administrator, but will also help me identify personal weaknesses that I need to improve on for both my professional and personal development. Likewise, my ambitious nature has led me to get a head start and take part in USC’s Trojan Health Volunteers (THV) program to gain patient experience and explore the types of interactions that occur in Keck’s nursing department. Despite all the good that came out of the RNs interactions with their patients, it was during emergency situations or in a state where the patient became physically impaired that problems in the system became obvious, as in the case where an elderly patient lost consciousness and fell on his trip to the bathroom. Despite several attempts to contact the RNs for assistance, all his distress calls were never heard. Upon further investigation, it was found that cause was due to faulty equipment that employees failed to check. Noticing the severity of this situation and the implications it could have on