MHA Student Finds Perfect Fit in Online/Hybrid Program

Balancing a full-time job with graduate studies is no small feat — but for Zachary Rohlff, Seton Hall University’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program has proven to be the perfect solution. Currently the director of admissions at Excelcare at Wayne —a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility— Rohlff sought an MHA program that offered flexibility without compromising on quality. Seton Hall’s online/hybrid format has provided the ideal fit, enabling him to pursue his degree while applying the lessons he’s learning to his daily responsibilities. 

Rohlff's journey into healthcare administration began during his undergraduate studies at Montclair State University, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree while working full-time during his last two years of college. His work experience, which included several roles at a skilled nursing facility, deepened his understanding of healthcare operations and inspired him to further his education. 

"Once I finished my bachelor’s degree and knew that I would be advancing in my professional career, I realized it wouldn't be as easy to adjust my work schedule around an MHA program," Rohlff explained. "The online/hybrid format at Seton Hall has allowed me the freedom and flexibility to work my classes around my job, gaining real-world and relevant experience in the healthcare industry while also learning about key topics in my coursework."

The online/hybrid format—one of two MHA options offered by Seton Hall—appeals to professionals like Rohlff who want to advance in their careers without stepping away from their full-time roles. Students complete asynchronous coursework in six-week blocks, on their own schedules.

The online/hybrid format also includes three in-person residencies at the IHS campus in Nutley, where students complete professionalism and leadership courses, participate in orientation and networking activities, and, in the final year, a capstone presentation, all of which foster connections and collaborative learning.

One of the standout features of Seton Hall’s MHA program is specialized, relevant courses such as Emergency Management for Health Professionals, a class that few accredited MHA programs offer. Professor Emerita Anne M. Hewitt, who teaches Population Health Management, emphasized how Rohlff’s coursework helped him analyze a real-world crisis through a healthcare lens.

"Zachary submitted a report on his personal journey to a disaster area in North Carolina," Hewitt shared. "His focus on topics such as clean water access and housing safety demonstrated how our emergency management curriculum helped him view the situation from a healthcare leadership perspective."

 Rohlff, who witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Helene firsthand, was able to apply concepts from his Population Health Management and Emergency Preparedness courses to understand disaster response efforts. 

"I saw the impact of concepts such as risk segmentation and healthcare coproduction," Rohlff said. "I watched local businesses and emergency response teams work together to provide potable water, baby formula, food and temporary shelter for displaced families. It was a direct reflection of what we learned in class—how communities mobilize resources in the wake of a crisis."

Rohlff’s ultimate career goal is to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA)—a path he has been working toward for years. "This is something I have been passionate about for a long time," he said. "The MHA program is equipping me with the knowledge and credentials I need, and it will also help shorten the licensing process, making my goal more attainable in a shorter timeframe."

With its rigorous, industry-focused curriculum and flexible options, Seton Hall University’s MHA program aims to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders. “Whether students choose the online/hybrid or on-campus format, they receive a comprehensive education tailored to their career ambitions, preparing them to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape,” said Program Director Nalin Johri.

About Seton Hall’s MHA program:

Seton Hall University’s 42-credit Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50 MHA programs (U.S. News and World Report). 

The program is offered in two delivery formats — on-campus or online/hybrid—both featuring the same engaging curriculum, nationally recognized faculty and robust professional networking opportunities. The program welcomes aspiring healthcare professionals as well as early to mid-career individuals seeking career advancement.

Categories: Health and Medicine