Determination Drove Price Through Life’s Challenges to Earn MHA Degree

With Support, Jennifer Price Turned Ambition into Accomplishment

When Jennifer Price found herself pregnant at 17, she saw her dream of becoming a doctor slipping away. However, that was just the beginning. She pursued a different path in healthcare, and with encouragement from loved ones and colleagues, continued her educational journey to ultimately earn her Master of Healthcare Administration degree (MHA) from Bellevue University in March 2026.

“I often say that I did life all wrong; however, I am learning that it was not wrong, just a little different, and for that, I am deeply thankful,” Price said. “I was told I would become a statistic and end up a dropout. My response was simple: I cannot educate my child if I cannot educate myself. That sentence has driven me for most of my life, and for that motivation, I am even grateful to the naysayers.”

Flexibility to Learn, Work and Live

Price earned her bachelor’s degree mostly online, which was essential with her busy career and a family that had now grown to include two children. She particularly enjoyed the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, a unique series of courses that focuses on the institutions and traditions of Western Civilization. ”It was just inspiring – I learned so much,” she said. “It gave me a different mindset.”

This was part of the reason she chose Bellevue University once again when her boss encouraged pursuing her master’s degree. The fully online option also provided balance and flexibility.

Now a Diagnostics Imaging Supervisor, Price also saw it as an opportunity to continue to grow within her leadership position. “I wanted to learn how to better support my team and become a better leader,” Price said. “It very much appealed to me.”

A University That Matched Her Dedication

Throughout earning her two degrees, Price faced several additional challenges, including her father’s death. She also lost an uncle unexpectedly. ”I had to drop everything to go take care of his estate and it was not even a question with my professors,” she said. “I found that very refreshing. Everyone was so helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure I finished my degree.”

She also found that she was able to quickly apply insights from her program to her position. “I learned a lot about leadership and how to handle situations,” she said. She found the finance portion of the MHA program to be especially helpful in her role.

Price credits her instructors with delivering the MHA program with real-world application as its primary intention. “They created an environment that encouraged growth, pushed us beyond our comfort zones and equipped us with the knowledge and confidence to lead with purpose and compassion,” she said.

Balancing School, Work and Life

Price found that putting structure in place helped her move forward while still being there for her family. ”I set strict boundaries for myself,” she said. “I only did my homework during certain hours and made sure to have time with my husband.”

Thanks to this approach, Price was able to celebrate her 20th anniversary in Mexico and take part in her daughter’s wedding. “Spending time with my family never impacted hitting my deadlines,” she said.

Though Price’s path was not the one she had originally planned, she is proud of what she has accomplished with the support of her friends, family and Bellevue University. ”This journey may not have followed a traditional path, but it has shaped me into the leader I am becoming, and for that, I am profoundly grateful,” she said.