Anlin Larson: M.S. in Healthcare Management
Last Updated October 24, 2024
Anlin Larson is no stranger to juggling many different tasks at once. She recently concluded her studies at Michigan State University earning two degrees and while working in various capacities, including as a certified nurse aide and research assistant.
“During my time at Michigan State I have worn quite a few different hats,” Larson said, understating her list of accomplishments.
Larson, who aspires to become an administrative physician, entered the online MSU Master of Science in Healthcare Management program because of the highly regarded Eli Broad College of Business at MSU, the flexibility of the online program, and the focus of the concentration in Leadership.
“The main reason for earning my degree in healthcare management was to possess the knowledge and business acumen to be qualified and successful in an administrative role,” said Larson.
Larson highly recommends the online MSU graduate program for both current and future healthcare professionals because “the quality and amount of diverse knowledge taught in business acumen, administration, and finance paired with the relationships gained from this program is both fulfilling and challenging.”
Remarkable Achievements in Academics, Volunteering
A native of Ludington, Michigan, Larson graduated in 2021 from Michigan State University with a BS degree in Human Biology from Lyman Briggs and The Honors College. She currently works as a microbiologist for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Larson also earned her M.S. degree in Healthcare Management in the fall of 2022. During her time at MSU, Larson worked as a research assistant in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, a certified nurse aide in the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit, at the Oakview Medical Care Facility, a medical assistant at Veins Plus – Acne Center of Lansing, and a medical advocate volunteer at the MSU Sexual Assault Crisis Center.
Larson was also among a group of students recognized by MSU for participating in more than 100 hours of community-focused learning and volunteering (Larson had 150 hours).
And she’s still not done with her academic career. “My next steps include a year-long postgraduate administrative fellowship at Trinity Health and applying to medical school for the 2023 application cycle,” Larson said.
MSU Program Focuses on Training Future Healthcare Leaders
The M.S. in Healthcare Management program at MSU prepares professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully guide healthcare organizations. They graduate ready to manage a workforce in the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare industry, where leaders are expected to both optimize performance as well as create systems that lead to better patient outcomes.
The 100% online program features a curriculum developed by the faculty at MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business with the input of healthcare industry experts. Larson said the fact that the Broad College of Business “is a highly respected business school” is one of the reasons she chose it to get her degree.
The Broad College of Business currently ranks as the nation’s No. 4 public university and No. 6 overall university in the 2023 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs rankings according to U.S. News & World Report.
Flexibility of Online Programs
Larson said the flexibility offered through the M.S. in Healthcare Management program fit her lifestyle, allowing her to maintain other commitments.
“This program allowed me to continue to volunteer, study for my Medical College Admission Test, and work at the USGS,” said Larson. “Flexible class meeting times benefited my schedule and made it possible for me to meet the demands of the courses and various other commitments that were going on in my life.”
Larson said the M.S. in Healthcare Management program “best suits my career goals and objectives. I plan to become an administrative physician whether that be in the role of my own practice or healthcare system.”
All graduate students complete their degree with a capstone project that allows them to put everything they have learned into practice. Larson used her project to create a business plan for a private practice she hopes to open in the future.
“This plan was a physical outline of the various logistical and financial requirements needed to make my dream a reality,” Larson said.
MSU Networking, Experienced Professors Offer Advantages
In talking about the benefits of the M.S. in Healthcare Management program, Larson said the networking opportunities offer students an advantage. She said that network includes both program faculty and classmates.
“You work closely with highly talented professors and healthcare professionals. The individuals in your cohort are leaders in the healthcare industry from a variety of backgrounds and locations, making this program exceedingly diverse,” Larson said. “Working with these individuals you get to know who they are and how they got there. Many of these intelligent individuals I now call my friends.”
Among the faculty members, Larson singled out Dr. Michael Rip, the founding director of the M.S. in Healthcare Management program. She said Dr. Rip is one of the many talented professors in the program “who had the most impactful and positive influence during my MSU career.”
She first met Dr. Rip when he was professor for one of her classes in the fall of 2018. He continued to provide a positive influence for Larson throughout the completion of her master’s degree.
“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Rip’s skill and expertise. He, along with many other professors during this program, went over and above the expectations of their students,” Larson said. “I would not have navigated my academic and professional career as seamlessly without Dr. Rip’s guidance and support.”
Larson said the program will meet or exceed the expectations of those who decide to seek a master’s degree in healthcare management.
“It provides individuals with the tools to create and analyze value as it relates to the professional world,” she said. “It will leave you with excitement and motivation to enter or continue your journey in the healthcare field.”
