First grad of MSW-MBA program reports on her successes

Amy Swail '13 MSW, '16 MBA was the first to finish her MSW-MBA degree. Read what she had to say about her experience.

What is your current job title and what are some of the responsibilities?
I recently started a new job that I was offered upon graduation from the MBA program. I work for Remedy Partners a CMS contractor, as a Post Acute Network Representative. I travel around the Midwest and work with physician groups, hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health agencies who are adopting the Bundled Payment Care Initiative. My role is to help these entities facilitate new programs that shorten length of stay, improve quality measures, and help patients be more successful once they return to living in the community.

What attracted you to enroll in the MSW/MBA program?
I would be a liar if I said the condensed course load was not a factor. But also I had such a great experience with the MSW program at St. Ambrose, and I was certain I could continue that with the MBA program. Especially being new to the business world I wanted to have smaller class sizes.

What motivated you to complete the MSW/MBA program?
When I graduated from the MSW program I was offered Director of Social Services for a skilled nursing facility. Throughout schooling I thought that was my dream job. After a few years I felt challenged and knew that I wanted to help make changes in the healthcare system from a macro level. When I heard about the MSW-MBA program I thought this was a perfect way to gain the skills needed to be successful.

How will the MSW/MBA degree benefit you in your current position or career path?
This program has already led to a huge career move for me. Individually, each program helped me grow in my knowledge and skill set as a social worker and businessperson. Yet they also supplemented each other so I can work within the business world from a person-centered, system based perspective.

Would you recommend the program to other students?
Absolutely! This is a great opportunity for people like me who were looking to move from direct care to a macro level position. But I can also see this being a really good program for someone looking to run their own clinical practice.

What was the most difficult part of the MBA portion of the degree?
Prior to the MBA portion of this program, I had never taken a single business class in my life - not even a basic economics course, so coming into this program did feel intimidating! I definitely had to push myself academically. However, I felt the professors were all well-versed in their subject matter and were able to help me make sense of it from my own social work background. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I swear if I can do it, anyone can!