UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Patrick Spurlock, a 2019 health policy and administration graduate from the Faculty of Well being and Human Improvement, took a singular path throughout his undergraduate profession.
“After I began my undergraduate diploma, I used to be enrolled as a criminology main. My coronary heart was set on pursuing a level that might lead me to an investigative position with the federal government after school.”
Upon finishing his first semester as a criminology pupil, Spurlock started researching majors to pursue at Penn State, the place he stumbled upon well being coverage and administration (HPA).
“I at all times wished to work within the authorities, however after taking numerous programs at Penn State, I wished to shift my focus particularly to well being care fraud to mix each of my pursuits — well being care and prison justice.”
After taking his first HPA course, he knew he wished to pursue a level that might assist him land a profession path in well being care fraud.
Spurlock landed an internship with the federal authorities whereas finishing his bachelor’s diploma and obtained a full-time job supply following commencement, first serving as an govt assistant and later as a enterprise analyst — his present position at this time.
He discovered that not solely the programs, but additionally the school within the division, helped pave the way in which for his profession whereas at Penn State.
“Throughout my time at Penn State, professors Spokus, Thul, and Daley coached me to change into the individual I’m at this time. Every of them taught me worthwhile classes that helped additional my pondering as a pupil and in my profession.”
“Each single HPA professor challenged me to suppose exterior the field on how I could make the well being care discipline a greater place.”
Whereas college students within the main usually pursue roles in hospital administration, coverage, and consulting, Spurlock used the chance to mix his private pursuits and academic experiences to tailor his studying to his particular person profession path.
“The well being coverage and administration program provides college students the chance to create a path of their alternative. It is without doubt one of the most difficult and rewarding packages that train you all about healthcare, administration, and enterprise. College students get to set their path by dividing into programs of their alternative,” Spurlock stated.
“The programs are difficult, however the professors offer you the data it’s essential succeed within the workforce and problem you to suppose how one can make the well being care business a greater place.”
Spurlock will speak to college students this fall on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at a lunch and be taught occasion from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 108 Wartik, which is open to any college students.
College students also can speak with him on the HPA Undergraduate Open House from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. within the Atrium of the Well being and Human Improvement Constructing on Sept. 7.
