Rose Pinckney was working as a data coordinator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's (HUP) Heart and Vascular Center when she started thinking about her future and what the next chapter of her career would look like. To help her grow in her role and take on more responsibility, she wanted to learn more about the health care industry and how Penn Medicine operates as a business. Going back to school was the best way to achieve her goals.
Pinckney’s interest was piqued when she came across an information table at HUP hosted by the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (also known as PA College). After speaking with a representative about the different academic opportunities available, she decided the Master of Healthcare Administration program would be the right educational path to work toward her professional goals.
A big part of her decision in choosing PA College, which is located in Lancaster, PA, was the convenience of the online learning option. As a working mother with a full-time job, Pinckney needed something that would fit into her busy schedule. Not having to travel and having the flexibility to learn from the comfort of her own home were exactly what she needed to succeed.
When it came to covering tuition, Pinckney leveraged the Health System’s Tuition Assistance Program. In addition, she learned she was also eligible for the discount that Penn Medicine employees receive from PA College, making the total cost of the degree very manageable.
“We’re here to help clear barriers for employees who want to continue their education,” said Paul VJ Brown, staff development education consultant for Penn Medicine Academy. “It’s our job to provide information and opportunities for them.”
Pinckney completed her bachelor’s degree in 2004 and started the Master of Health Administration program in 2017. It had been 13 years since she had been in school, so it was going to be an adjustment. PA College helped by providing resources for projects and hosting a skills lab where she could have her papers proofread.
“Even though it was an online program, they reassured me that if I needed assistance, someone would reach out to me,” she said, adding that her advisor, Joseph York, PhD, was an essential resource at PA College. He was always happy to answer questions — even on his days off. At one point, Pinckney asked to meet in person to review some of the course material, and he went out of his way to make himself available.
Balancing work, personal life and school can be tricky and exhausting, but Pinckney was able to recharge by taking a semester off. Then, picking up where she left off, she still earned her degree in two years. “From start to finish, my interaction with PA College was always positive, providing a nurturing environment where people enabled me to get the education I wanted.”
As Pinckney progressed through the program at PA College, the support she received at Penn Medicine proved invaluable. Her manager supported her continuing education, helping to make time for schoolwork while keeping up with her job responsibilities. Feedback from other managers also helped with school projects.
“It’s been a learning experience that has gone beyond the classroom. Not only am I growing and developing in my role, but I’ve gained a new perspective on the complexities of health care. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me realize my goals. It was worth every ounce of effort.”