{"ItemType":0,"Id":8755,"Key":"b64a9249-9dd6-4a81-aad7-10477f1be50d","TemplateId":5711,"SortOrder":109,"Name":"Bryan McDonald","DocumentTypeAlias":"studentProfilePage","DocumentTypeId":5688,"WriterName":"lrwiles","CreatorName":"lrwiles","WriterId":72,"CreatorId":72,"Path":"-1,5726,6177,8755","CreateDate":"2026-04-20T11:52:38","UpdateDate":"2026-04-20T12:20:10","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bryan-mcdonald","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"http://publichealth.wvu.edu/who-we-are/student-profiles/bryan-mcdonald/","metaKeywords":"","pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","hideFromSearch":false,"umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","profileLastName":"McDonald","profileQuote":"The School of Public Health has provided a strong foundation in data analysis, research, and writing for larger audiences. I’ve developed critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.","profileFirstName":"Bryan","videoYouTubeURL":"","profileSuffix":"","profilePhoto":{"src":"/media/7294/bryanmcdonald_background.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"Preview Image","width":200,"height":200,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"Profile Image","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"Profile Slideshow","width":300,"height":375,"coordinates":null}]},"featuredImage":"","featuredBlurb":"","isFeatured":false,"areaOfEmphasis":"","graduationDate":"2026-05-15T00:00:00","studentType":1236,"profileMinor":"","program":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":6894,"Key":"85cc6770-823e-43a1-924c-002bfc1253d7","TemplateId":5704,"SortOrder":1,"Name":"Health Services Administration","DocumentTypeAlias":"SPHprogramPage","DocumentTypeId":4313,"WriterName":"lrwiles","CreatorName":"jwilmot1","WriterId":72,"CreatorId":56,"Path":"-1,1316,4615,6898,6894","CreateDate":"2020-03-10T10:59:01","UpdateDate":"2024-12-17T12:06:48","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"health-services-administration","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-program/health-services-administration/","metaKeywords":"","pageTitle":"B.S. in Public Health, Health Services Administration","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","hideFromSearch":false,"umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","programOverviewVideoUrl":"","introContent":"<p>To meet the increasing demand for leaders in healthcare, the B.S. in Public Health program is excited to offer a major in Health Services Administration.</p>\r\n<p>The healthcare industry is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2030, and with an expected 32% increase in the medical and health services managers sector, in particular (U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics). You’ll be equipped to join this growing workforce immediately upon graduation.</p>","programOverview":"<p>From planning and coordinating to directing the delivery of quality service to patients and clients in a variety of healthcare settings, graduates of this major will play a direct role in shaping and growing healthcare – an industry that is rapidly evolving, driven by the coronavirus pandemic that illuminated and exacerbated many widespread issues.</p>\r\n<p>Graduates of this major will gain the following:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>An in-depth understanding of the dynamics that make up the U.S. healthcare system </li>\r\n<li>Expertise to solve organizational problems</li>\r\n<li>A distinctive set of skills that enable you to successfully manage the daily operations of a healthcare facility, including the ability to provide budgetary oversight and recruit, train and retain quality staff</li>\r\n<li>Your unique, personal management philosophy and the ability to integrate it with health leadership</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p><em>Interested in planning beyond your undergraduate degree? </em>The <a data-udi=\"umb://document/217bf9def43b45358a9115a59d5073d1\" href=\"/students/accelerated-programs/accelerated-bachelors-to-master-of-health-administration/\" title=\"Accelerated Master of Health Administration\">Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) program</a> offers highly motivated Health Services Administration students with an interest in a Master of Health Administration the opportunity to complete their B.S. in Public Health and earn an MHA degree in an accelerated format.</p>\r\n<h3><span>Field Placement and Community Service</span></h3>\r\n<p>In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many prospective health services managers have some experience working in a healthcare setting. At WVU, you will get that experience as part of our Health Services Administration major.</p>\r\n<p>All students complete <a href=\"http://publichealth.wvu.edu/students/experiential-learning/\">field placement</a> and capstone experiences as their culminating coursework. During their senior year, every undergraduate student completes an internship of a minimum of 125 hours in a health agency where they can put their classroom lessons to work. All students engage with agency partners, gain experience in the workplace and demonstrate acquisition of competencies.</p>\r\n<p>In addition to field placements, all undergraduate students complete a minimum 25 hours of community service by the start of their senior year, documented through <a href=\"https://iserve.wvu.edu/\">iServe</a> in the WVU Office of Service and Learning. Getting involved in the <a href=\"http://publichealth.wvu.edu/saph/\">Student Association of Public Health</a> and <a data-udi=\"umb://document/33fa43a1c2d04f86b1cb1193e07917a5\" href=\"http://publichealth.wvu.edu/delta-omega/\" title=\"Delta Omega Honorary Society\">Delta Omega</a> are also great ways to get involved with service projects.</p>\r\n<p>And when you’re ready to apply for jobs, our <a href=\"https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/students/student-resources/career-development/\">career development team</a> is here to help.</p>","programSummary":"The Health Services Administration major focuses on the planning, coordinating and directing the delivery of quality service to those receiving services in hospitals, clinics and other health-related organizations.","sidebarLinks":"[{\"name\":\"Student Resources\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/a28b56f737114b6fa9d21956ca677661\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":8163,"Key":"87d3cd4b-d0bb-4ec4-8b2e-c6a2153ca7c0","TemplateId":8161,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"SPHTuition","DocumentTypeId":8162,"WriterName":"shking","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":8,"CreatorId":18,"Path":"-1,1316,4615,8163","CreateDate":"2023-03-03T14:46:39","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T12:09:11","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","hideFromSearch":false,"umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"contactUsButton":"[]","possibleCareers":"Assisted living administrator\r\nQuality care manager\r\nHealth information manager\r\nHealthcare compliance manager\r\nDepartment/unit manager\r\nDepartment of public health administrator/manager","showAUPHAWidget":true,"programContactsLabel":"","potentialEmployers":"Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, primary care providers, acute care providers)\r\nNursing homes\r\nHealth insurance providers\r\nManaged care organizations\r\nLocal, regional and state health departments\r\nPopulation health programs\r\nPublic and other health foundations","applyLink":"[{\"name\":\"Apply Now\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/a92f295981694fcc8beae105241a4745\"}]","showCAHMECandidacyWidget":false,"showCAHMEWidget":false,"programContacts":[{"Key":"c8989ade-a09e-43cd-bb6f-a8edb5bfa9fb","Id":0,"Name":"90111 Kristi Lukenich","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"programContactsDirectoryIDPhoneToggle","DocumentTypeId":7540,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryID":"90111","hidePhoneNumber":false,"contactsName":"Kristi Lukenich"}],"RCcatalogLink":"[{\"name\":\"View WVU Catalog for Required Courses\",\"url\":\"http://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/schoolofpublichealth/\"}]","RCText":"<p>The Health Services Administration major requires completing 120 credit hours, including coursework for WVU general education foundations, public health foundation courses and health services administration courses. The Health Services Administration major follows the same core curriculum as the Public Health Sciences major, sharing 25 credits, so you will develop a solid foundation of public health knowledge within the program.</p>\r\n<p>Each student will develop a Plan of Study with the School of Public Health’s dedicated undergraduate advising specialist. It is important to follow this plan to complete all degree requirements and graduate on time.</p>","AGcatalogLink":"[{\"name\":\"View WVU Catalog for Admissions Guidelines\",\"url\":\"http://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/schoolofpublichealth/#admissionstext\"}]","addAGLink":"[]","AGText":"<p>The WVU School of Public Health admits undergraduate students in both fall and spring semesters. Interested students must apply and be accepted to West Virginia University. The School offers first-time freshmen direct admission to the Bachelor of Science in Public <span>Health </span>program for those who meet the admission standards.</p>\r\n<p>WVU students who are undeclared or in other majors may apply to transfer into the Public <span>Health </span>program via a WVU Academic Status Update form once the student meets the transfer guidelines. External transfer students who have completed undergraduate coursework at another institution of higher education prior to applying to the Public <span>Health program</span> are eligible if they meet the minimum guidelines.</p>","LGcatalogLink":"[]","LGText":"<ul>\r\n<li>Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge of the history, principles, theories, frameworks and current issues in public health. </li>\r\n<li>Describe health and healthcare dynamics, including the structures, policies, processes and institutions that make up the U.S. healthcare system.</li>\r\n<li>Manage the basic human, fiscal and physical resources needed for accomplishing organizational goals.</li>\r\n<li>Articulate a personal management philosophy that integrates health services management and leadership concepts, knowledge and skills.</li>\r\n<li>Apply principles and practices of health services management and leadership to identify and solve organizational problems.</li>\r\n</ul>","featuredProfile":[]}],"profileHometown":"Frederick, Maryland","mainContent":"<h2>What does public health mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>Public health to me is about improving the health and well-being of communities. It’s not just about treating illness—it’s about preventing diseases, promoting healthy habits, and addressing how social and environmental factors impact populations' health outcomes. To me, public health means making a strong impact on the lives of others by creating systems and programs directly supporting healthier communities.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?</h2>\r\n<p>Initially I arrived at WVU declared as a nursing major but after three semesters, I realized my interests aligned more with population health and preventative care rather than individualized care. Public health offered me the opportunity to explore health on a broader scale, and WVU School of Public Health provided me with the resources, faculty, and community connections making it the perfect place to pursue my education.</p>\r\n<h2>Tell us about your field placement experience.</h2>\r\n<p>Starting with the Health Affairs Institute in July 2025 has been one of the most impactful experiences of my time at WVU. In January 2026, I expanded my role through the statewide Mountain State Assessment of Trends in Community Health (MATCH) survey as part of my field placement. In this position, I have applied classroom knowledge to address health disparities, social determinants of health, and emerging health trends across West Virginia. I translate complex county-level health data from all 55 counties into accessible, one-page briefs that clearly communicate key survey findings to diverse audiences across West Virginia.</p>\r\n<h2>How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?</h2>\r\n<p>The School of Public Health has provided a strong foundation in data analysis, research, and writing for larger audiences. Through my time at WVU I’ve developed critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills have helped me throughout my field placement and additionally will help me transition into my career.</p>\r\n<h2>Which person at WVU has had the biggest impact on your college experience? How has that person helped you?</h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https://directory.hsc.wvu.edu/Profile/52266\">Scot Mclntosh</a> has the biggest impact on me during my time at WVU. He has helped guide me through academic and career decisions, encouraging me to pursue opportunities outside of my comfort zone. Scot directly models the type of leader I aspire to be through my professional career. His guidance has been invaluable helping me navigate life after graduation, while helping me grow as a student and future public health professional.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you plan to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I plan on moving to Appleton, Wisconsin, joining Touchmark retirement community as a management development associate. This role allows me to combine my interests in health and wellness with leadership and management skills, while continuing to positively impact the lives of those within the community.</p>\r\n<h2>As a soon-to-be graduate, what is your best advice for incoming students?</h2>\r\n<p>Looking back through my time at WVU has been bittersweet. It feels like yesterday my parents were helping me move into Oakland Hall. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to lose focus and take the experience for granted. My advice is to slow down and appreciate the small moments. These experiences become cherished memories shaping professional and personal growth.</p>\r\n<h2>What is your favorite memory from your time at WVU?</h2>\r\n<p>My favorite memory from WVU was the WVU vs. Pitt game in 2025. The energy throughout the game was unmatched, and it captured the spirit of being a Mountaineer. Being surrounded by friends, family, and fans all coming together for such a big game will always remain an unforgettable experience I will always cherish.</p>"}
Meet the Grads

Bryan McDonald

Health Services Administration
School of Public Health

The School of Public Health has provided a strong foundation in data analysis, research, and writing for larger audiences. I’ve developed critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What does public health mean to you?

Public health to me is about improving the health and well-being of communities. It’s not just about treating illness—it’s about preventing diseases, promoting healthy habits, and addressing how social and environmental factors impact populations' health outcomes. To me, public health means making a strong impact on the lives of others by creating systems and programs directly supporting healthier communities.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

Initially I arrived at WVU declared as a nursing major but after three semesters, I realized my interests aligned more with population health and preventative care rather than individualized care. Public health offered me the opportunity to explore health on a broader scale, and WVU School of Public Health provided me with the resources, faculty, and community connections making it the perfect place to pursue my education.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

Starting with the Health Affairs Institute in July 2025 has been one of the most impactful experiences of my time at WVU. In January 2026, I expanded my role through the statewide Mountain State Assessment of Trends in Community Health (MATCH) survey as part of my field placement. In this position, I have applied classroom knowledge to address health disparities, social determinants of health, and emerging health trends across West Virginia. I translate complex county-level health data from all 55 counties into accessible, one-page briefs that clearly communicate key survey findings to diverse audiences across West Virginia.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

The School of Public Health has provided a strong foundation in data analysis, research, and writing for larger audiences. Through my time at WVU I’ve developed critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills have helped me throughout my field placement and additionally will help me transition into my career.

Which person at WVU has had the biggest impact on your college experience? How has that person helped you?

Scot Mclntosh has the biggest impact on me during my time at WVU. He has helped guide me through academic and career decisions, encouraging me to pursue opportunities outside of my comfort zone. Scot directly models the type of leader I aspire to be through my professional career. His guidance has been invaluable helping me navigate life after graduation, while helping me grow as a student and future public health professional.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation I plan on moving to Appleton, Wisconsin, joining Touchmark retirement community as a management development associate. This role allows me to combine my interests in health and wellness with leadership and management skills, while continuing to positively impact the lives of those within the community.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what is your best advice for incoming students?

Looking back through my time at WVU has been bittersweet. It feels like yesterday my parents were helping me move into Oakland Hall. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to lose focus and take the experience for granted. My advice is to slow down and appreciate the small moments. These experiences become cherished memories shaping professional and personal growth.

What is your favorite memory from your time at WVU?

My favorite memory from WVU was the WVU vs. Pitt game in 2025. The energy throughout the game was unmatched, and it captured the spirit of being a Mountaineer. Being surrounded by friends, family, and fans all coming together for such a big game will always remain an unforgettable experience I will always cherish.