Emily Muha
Master of Health Administration, Class of 2024
Long Valley, NJ
Activities at Rutgers: Vice President, Graduate Society of Healthcare Leaders; Student Associate, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Personal interests: spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, experiencing new cuisines and coffee shops, and working out.
Emily began her career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in public health from the University of New Hampshire.
She became interested in the administrative side of healthcare after her family’s experience watching her grandfather struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Originally leaning toward attending physician’s assistant school, Emily grew increasingly interested in the operational side of healthcare. One professor’s story in particular, piqued her interest. Having been a nurse for many years, the professor had moved from nursing to the administrative side, eventually becoming a hospital CEO.
“She discussed many of the challenges she faced as a nurse, which were similar to the challenges I found myself facing as a CNA. More importantly, she discussed how she was able to address these challenges as a leader,” Emily continued.
After a lot of consideration, Emily decided that her interests and strengths were better suited for healthcare administration. Instead of PA schools, she began looking into MHA programs.
“Growing up in New Jersey I knew what a great academic reputation Rutgers had, so I looked into the Rutgers MHA program,” she said. “I liked how robust the curriculum was. The professors collectively had a lot of healthcare leadership experience, were extremely knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping me propel my career and work towards my goals.”
In what she feels became a pivotal moment in her healthcare journey, Emily took part in case competitions at Cleveland Clinic and Centura Health. Working with fellow Rutgers MHA students, she was able to apply what she was learning in class to real problems facing real healthcare systems. She was also fortunate to be part of teams that were selected to go to the semi-finals of each competition.
“When I began the Rutgers MHA program my public speaking skills were shaky. As part of the case competition, we had to put together an executive-level presentation to present in person to executives,” she recalled. “It was very intimidating, but the experience significantly improved my public speaking and presentation skills, increased my confidence, and introduced me to the strategy side of health administration.”
After graduation, Emily started her career as an Administrative Fellowship at Yale New Haven Health.
“I am excited for this opportunity! I come from a big extended family, so I have always considered myself a ‘people person.’ I feel there is no better industry for a ‘people person’ than healthcare where you get to interact with patients and exceptional leaders from all walks of life.”