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Student Profile

Emily Wells

Emily Wells

What is your current job?

Currently, I am the Post-Acute Care Program Manager for Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign, Illinois.

What do you enjoy most about it?

In this role, I have the opportunity to work across the entire Carle Health system, including our health plan, Health Alliance, and our hospital system. In addition, I also work with local skilled nursing facilities to partner to improve the transition of care for our mutual patients. Every day is different, and I have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects including process and quality improvement and data analytics.

How did your Illinois MHA degree help to prepare you to work in the field?

The Illinois MHA program prepared me to work in healthcare administration by giving me extensive knowledge about the US healthcare system, developed my critical thinking skills, and provided me opportunities to use these skills in real-world projects. 

What inspired you to pursue an MHA degree?

After completing my undergraduate degree at UIUC in Community Health with a concentration in Health Planning and Administration, I truly contemplated graduate school versus going straight into the workforce. I knew I would eventually want an MHA and decided now was a better time than ever, and I am so glad I did. Having an MHA has catapulted my healthcare administration career, and I am so happy I was able to do this at Illinois!

Why did you choose Illinois for your MHA?

Choosing Illinois for my MHA was an easy choice. I was able to be a part of the first graduating class of Illinois’s MHA degree. I felt like Illinois’s new program was able to offer me opportunities that other programs could not. 

What advise do you have for current students OR prospective students?

Apply to Illinois for an MHA! There is an abundance of jobs available, and having an MHA will put you above other applicants!