Ansson Scholarship Supports Working Moms Dedicated to ‘Culture of Care’ Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Health Administration at University of Phoenix
Jennifer Schantz knows first-hand the challenges of navigating the healthcare system for seriously ill patients and their loved ones. She has also made it her personal and professional mission to advance compassionate care for those in need.
Schantz was recently awarded the 2021 Ansson Scholarship at University of Phoenix, which provided $5,000 to help her complete her Master of Health Administration degree program. The scholarship honors Dr. Richard Ansson, Jr., a faculty member of the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions who passed away in May 2020 and was known for supporting and inspiring his students.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Schantz’s education in the healthcare industry began as a personal journey. As a young mother, her husband became critically ill, and she found herself needing to balance his full-time care with the needs of her two young children. It was challenging and stressful but also demonstrated the importance of compassionate care.
Schantz saw what was possible when patients and their families were treated with dignity and realized she had found her calling: to pursue a degree and career in healthcare and be part of that culture of care.
Pursuing Her Passion for Healthcare at University of Phoenix
When Schantz’s children were in middle school, she took the first steps on her new career journey, beginning with an associate degree program in Healthcare Administration at University of Phoenix. From there, she went on to study for her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at the University.
The BS in Healthcare Administration degree program gives students insights into managing patient care including an understanding of the technology, finances and trends driving today’s healthcare management.
The coursework and its electives align with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s rigorous standards and include medical terminology, business communication skills, electronic health records, human resources, healthcare accounting, healthcare information systems and more.
All of the skills she learned have provided a foundation for Schantz’ career and ongoing educational pursuits in healthcare. She is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix Master of Health Administration degree program.
The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within healthcare. Topics include evaluating industry and organizations dynamics, developing core business strategies, conducting relationships with diverse stakeholders across the health sector, developing a leadership identity and creating and executing operational improvement plans.
“With all the tools at my disposal and with the support of my University of Phoenix academic counselor and faculty, I plan to fulfill my education and career goals and make my vision of a better healthcare system housed within a culture of care environment a reality,” Schantz said.
Degree Programs Meet the Needs of Working Adults at University of Phoenix
Thanks to the flexibility of the University’s online degree programs, Schantz has been able to steadily complete her coursework and progress through higher level degrees all while working and raising her children.
The degree programs at University of Phoenix in healthcare administration are giving Schantz specific skills aligned with those that are most sought after in business management, communications, compliance, finance, health administration, information management and strategic planning roles
Schantz worked in healthcare for 17 years as she moved through her education at University of Phoenix. She is currently an Office Supervisor within family medicine and supports clinic physicians who are teaching medical students during their family medicine clerkships.
Her vision to be part of the compassionate side of healthcare speaks directly to the legacy left by Dr. Ansson and made her an ideal candidate for the Ansson Scholarship, said John Ramirez, MBA, MS/AJS-GHS, USA CSM (ret.), dean of operations of the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. “Ms. Schantz is a deserving recipient of the scholarship and the spirit in which it was established,” Ramirez said.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and is highly rated by its students for career preparation, flexible learning options and supportive learning environments.
The University’s degree programs are aligned with numerous in-demand career paths including in healthcare administration. They provide numerous start dates, online classes, and a variety of scholarship opportunities to make it possible for anyone to get the degree.
In addition, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment provides students and alumni with the resources they need to be competitive in the workforce for no additional charge. These services include resume and interview support, career guidance, education and networking opportunities.
Numerous Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) provide University students and alumni with lifelong connections that can help them network and advance in their careers. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
