Improving Health Care from Within: Discover the Division of Health Ethics, Administration and Leadership

Meet two Regis alumni impacting the lives of patients. 

Some of the most important unsung heroes in health care are the medical administrators, patient safety supervisors, data analysts, patient navigators and insurance coordinators who ensure the day-to-day operations of hospitals and clinics run smoothly. While nurses and doctors are on the front lines of care, they are supported in their work by a legion of competent and compassionate administrative and support staff who are committed to improving patient outcomes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 136,200 new medical and health service manager positions are expected to be created by 2031. More than ever, health care is in need of individuals who can coordinate care, manage finances, draw insights from patient data and supervise staff. A career in health services can provide decades of job security and meaningful work experience — that’s why Regis offers numerous pathways to advance your career in health care administration.

The mission of the Division of Health Ethics, Administration and Leadership at Regis is to create and maintain a learning environment that prepares and challenges each student to achieve excellence and leadership in the administration and management of health services.

We believe that each and every member of the health services team can make a positive difference in the lives of patients, the health of the community and the broad direction of health services delivery in the larger society.

But don’t just take our word for it — hear directly from two alumni of the Division of Health Ethics, Administration and Leadership who have committed their careers to improving health care:

Chad Powell, ’10, ‘19
B.S. Nursing
M.S. Health Informatics

Chad Powell’s first experience as a Regis student came in 2010 when he earned his B.S. in Nursing from the University. As a nurse, he found that using the electronic health record system at the hospital reignited his love for technology, and he developed a passion for applying data-driven knowledge to improving patient health outcomes.

Chad returned to Regis in 2018 to pursue an M.S. in Health Informatics degree, augmenting his broad clinical experience as a nurse with a deeper understanding of technology and the power of information in health care settings. He now works as a Clinical Informatics and Data Team Manager at the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute Medical Group.

You’ve studied both nursing and health informatics at Regis. How do these experiences impact your work today?

I’ve worn a few hats over the years; I’m a jack of all trades and people often come to me for answers. The majority of my job today is with electronic health records systems — blood cancer treatment and protocols are some of the most complicated I’ve ever seen in medicine.

What drew you to return to Regis for your master’s degree?

One of the main reasons I decided to get my master’s at Regis was the small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty. Classes were uplifting and hands-on, professors are great and class sizes are ideal.

Did you find online classes were helpful in earning your degree?

I thought I wasn’t well suited for online [classes], but it quickly became the strongest feature of the program. I could study at my own pace and manage my workload around my schedule. 

How did the Regis program prepare you to make a career shift into health informatics?

What we were being taught is on the edge of what’s about to happen in health care. We focused on the forefront of what’s new and what’s to come. This absolutely gave me a leg up.

Jayne Keller, ‘05
M.S. Health Services Administration

Jayne Keller came to Regis with an extensive background in nursing home and senior housing administration, but quickly discovered how the Regis M.S. in Health Services Administration could help her gain new skills and advance in her career. She is now the Chief Operating Officer at Cappella Living Solutions, a senior living organization that provides care for more than 3,000 residents across six states.

How did your Regis education prepare you for your current role?

I discovered new ways of thinking and approaching different health care delivery systems. By learning about marketing, operational strategy and finance, I expanded my skills beyond my previous experience.

What was the best part of your Regis experience?

The small class size at Regis was ideal. My peers came from such diverse backgrounds, including hospice care, family health, renal care, senior living and more, which facilitated a great information exchange and knowledge share. There was also so much value being in constant contact with professors.

Any advice for aspiring health services administrators?

Try to maintain a good balance between family, work, school and taking care of yourself. It can be difficult, but you have to make time for it.

Ready to start your own journey in health services administration or health informatics? Apply today using our no-fee application or get in touch with an admissions counselor.