RN, M.S. Health Care Administration 2019 Grad Promoted to Intermediate Improvement Specialist at UPMC Alumni Profile
Meet Braxton Bragg
- Job Title & Employer
- Intermediate Improvement Specialist, UPMC
- Major/Program
- Health Care Administration and Management-M.S.
- Graduation
- December 2019
- Hometown
- Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
- High School
- Mt. Lebanon High School
- Now Living In
- Verona, Pa.
- Dream Job
- Health administrator/officer/grand-scale positive change agent
- Hobbies & Interests
- Family, bodybuilding, fitness and reading
"Braxton is always thinking on the best ways he can improve the care of our patients and make it easier for members of our team to take care of patients. He is focused on maintaining a great working relationship with the front line team members and relates to physicians very well. Braxton is flexible and always willing to adapt to change as it can better improve patient outcomes."
"By pursuing a Master of Science degree in health care administration and management, I have been able to open doors toward opportunities where I can make a positive impact on a greater scale in the health sector."
As a registered nurse, why did you decide to pursue a Master of Science degree in health care administration and management?
Throughout my nursing career, I have worked in many roles and have gained valuable experience at a variety of levels. I have always been a proponent for the highest level of patient care, along with supporting health care clinicians and providers. By pursuing a Master of Science degree in health care administration and management, I have been able to open doors toward opportunities where I can make a positive impact on a greater scale in the health sector.
What factors made you choose Point Park University?
When choosing a university for a graduate program, I wanted a local university and an education that brought real-world application and knowledge, all while being convenient. Point Park University provides this combination, as I was immediately able to contribute what I learned throughout the courses in the program into my daily work life.
The convenience of the program being 100 percent online created an opportunity where I could achieve great balance in working full time and completing course material while parenting two small children. With Point Park University being local, I had relief in knowing I could simply visit the campus if needed.
Tell us about the work you do.
In the quality department at UPMC, I work in a high-visibility role to align with the medicine service line by engaging stakeholders, developing and leading quality improvement plans and projects and aligning and leading multidisciplinary staff toward achieving improved outcomes in a variety of areas.
Serving as somewhat of an "in-house consultant," I assess past, current and future states, and implement and sustain positive change, which are crucial factors of success in the role of an improvement specialist.
What were your favorite classes in our M.S. program and why?
Within the M.S. program, every course had its purpose and benefits with providing real-world knowledge and application. Some of my favorites included Health Systems Administration and Management, Marketing and Strategic Planning in Healthcare, Financial Management of Health Systems and Healthcare Quality and Evidence-Based Medicine. Each course was challenging, but provided valuable, in-depth information I could immediate apply in my work projects and initiatives.
What advice do you have for individuals considering a fully online degree?
I have obtained education through both "brick-and-mortar" and online programs. I must say, fully online programs are well worth the convenience as long as you are dedicated to the coursework, responsible for finishing assignments on time and disciplined throughout the program.
As one of my favorite authors, Jocko Willink, noted, “Discipline equals freedom.” This certainly rings true for completing a fully online degree, as there can be distractions, and frankly, life happens. However, by having a strong game plan toward completing assignments and staying the course, completing a fully online program is very achievable.