options, future in healthcare

Jason Bonner is a senior Health Studies major from Bastrop. His concentration is Health Care Management.

I have one younger sister, JoBeth, who will begin her freshman year at ULM this August as a dental hygiene major.

I work at Louisiana Pain Care, where I performed my internship during the Spring 2008 semester. I was the first student in ULM's Health Studies department to perform a practicum. I felt very fortunate and honored to be the first student chosen to represent the Health Studies department as an intern in a healthcare agency.

I would like to begin my career as a mid-level administrator or a health information manager. I'd also like to work in human resources in a hospital. It is so difficult to narrow down exactly what I want to do; therefore, I believe it is important to have several options on the table. I also plan to receive a master's degree in healthcare administration, which will allow me to obtain a higher position in healthcare management.

My favorite spot on campus is the SUB. Between classes, I like to grab a bite to eat with my friends.

I chose to attend ULM because of the College of Health Sciences. I had close friends and family who graduated from various programs in the College of Health Sciences, and they all spoke very highly of their programs in the college. The department of Health Studies is definitely a great and unique asset to the College of Health Sciences and to ULM!

It's difficult to pin-point one professor as being my favorite professor. Dr. Jessica Dolecheck, Dr. Paula Griswold, and Dr. Matt Matusiak, my Health Studies professors, are three of my favorite professors. They are personable, they motivate me, they listen to my concerns, and they deeply care about me and the other Health Studies students. All three professors love to sit down and talk one-on-one with their students about how to be successful healthcare professionals. When I have questions or face a difficulty, these professors are here for me and show great concern!

I have several great memories at ULM. When the Health Studies department became official (after much anticipation), I took my first Health Studies courses (Health Care Ethics, Health Care Issues, Health Care Practicum I, and Principles of Leadership in Health Care) in the summer of 2007.

ULM helped me develop courage, determination, and responsibility. Because the Health Studies department has a diverse curriculum, I have taken a variety of classes: Health Studies courses, business courses, and chemistry/biology courses. They have all been challenging. The challenge of the Health Studies program has definitely opened my eyes. I now realize what a job in healthcare entails, and I have the initiative to take on that responsibility.