I knew Eastern Kentucky University’s Health Services Administration (HSA) program was right for me the second I began the core classes. All through high school I knew that I wanted a career in healthcare, but I did not want to be a nurse. After much research, I found the HSA program and investigated the degree program, careers, credentials and more.
What does someone with an HSA degree do?
The possibilities are innumerable! Many of my peers took positions in human resources (healthcare and non), specialty clinics, long-term care facilities other healthcare settings. HSA graduates work as electronic health record specialists, registrars, quality specialists, physician liaisons, billing specialists, and the list goes on. The often frequently work in health information management.
When I obtained my bachelor’s degree and moved states, I got a job rather quickly as a registrar/scheduler for a family medicine office. I was promoted a little over one year later to the manager of the clinic I was working at and an additional clinic. I strongly believe this is due to my skills as a RHIA in critical thinking, billing/coding, revenue cycle management, and human resource management. These are all skills I learned through my degree program. I was noticed at my organization very early because of my skill set and promoted shortly after.
Clinic Manager Roles and Responsibilities
Currently, as a clinic manager of two offices I have a number of roles and responsibilities. I work daily with providers and dropping charges to obtain maximum reimbursement from payers; scheduling and facilitating staff and provider meetings; partially working as a patient advocate of my clinic in taking patient complaints; ensure daily office functions run smoothly; and manage/maintain my staff of approximately 24 employees.
Next Steps
My plan is to begin a master’s program in health administration in the fall of 2022. It will further my career, while still maintaining my RHIA credential. Eventually I would like to become a regional practice director for my entire region of clinic managers.
I am very thankful for the HSA faculty for preparing me for a career in a demanding field where critical thinking is always involved! My education is something I will always cherish and value. No other program would have satisfied me in my life like this one.
By: Emily Walton, clinic manager, Carilion Clinic Fort Defiance & Weyers Cave
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