Kellyn Rogers always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. So, in 2017, the Annapolis, Md, native moved to Los Angeles to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the USC Keck School of Medicine.
“I liked the idea of pursuing a career that could help people, and I thought that it sounded very fulfilling,” she said.
But as an undergrad she minored in public relations, so when it came time to look for a job after graduation, she thought perhaps the best way to make an impact was to work for a digital marketing company. The stint lasted 2.5 years as she promoted healthy lifestyle products and brands.
But the impulse to have a more direct link to patients lingered, which led her to enroll in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the USC Price of Public Policy.
Master of Health Administration
Shape Systems for Healthier Communities
USC’s MHA offers unparalleled academic and professional training for careers in health administration and policy.
Find Out More“It had exactly what I was looking for,” she said, recounting her first assessment of the Price MHA. “It was going to give me all of the skills in finance, data analysis and statistics added to my Keck School of Medicine studies in science that could really help me achieve a well-rounded career in healthcare administration.”
Rogers graduated from the USC Price School in May 2025. Two months later she was offered a position at UCLA Health as a Value Care Redesign Specialist. Now, instead of strolling down Trousdale Parkway on her way to class at USC, Rogers reports to an office building in Westwood where she works to improve the quality of care across the UCLA Health system.
“Kellyn was one of the most dedicated and conscientious students I’ve had the pleasure to teach,” said Professor Jason Doctor, Norman Topping National Medical Enterprise Chair in Medicine. “She approached every assignment with great care, and her work always reflected a serious approach and professionalism. The expertise she has gained at USC – especially in operations and physician decision-making – will undoubtedly serve her tremendously in her next role. I have no doubt she will excel.”
Already a team leader, Rogers is tasked with maximizing the patient experience and outcomes while holding down costs. Her job frequently entails working with doctors, nurses, administrators and even patients and their families to identify how to reach her goals.
“Once opportunities are identified, I help design interventions and develop implementation plans, pilot them, monitor their impact, and scale successful changes,” she said. “We directly address one of today’s greatest healthcare challenges: delivering the highest quality care and best patient outcomes while reducing costs.”
She credits her degrees from USC with helping her land the job.
“My Master of Health Administration at USC prepared me for this by giving me a strong foundation in health-systems management, finance, and process improvement,” Rogers said. “My academic training at USC, starting at Keck and finishing with Price, played an invaluable role in getting me to where I am today.”
