09/01/2026
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, Juliann Lopes had her sights set on a pre-med track, then marine biology, then an exotic animal care. A moment of clarity during an undergraduate class shifted her trajectory and ultimately brought her to the Bloustein School.
“I took an anatomy course that involved working with cadavers,” she explained. “That experience made me realize that becoming a nurse or doctor might not be the right path for me.”
The answer came when she discovered healthcare administration. “Everything just clicked,” she said. “When I started researching MHA programs in New Jersey, Rutgers was the first school I considered. I was familiar with its strong academic reputation, and I connected with the university’s mission and values.”
“When comparing MHA programs, the Bloustein School really stood out,” she said. “It’s CAHME-accredited and offers a multifaceted, well-balanced curriculum. My courses are engaging, exciting, and challenging, and have helped me build the competencies I need to become a leader in healthcare administration.”
“The professors are experienced professionals who actively contribute to the field,” Juliann continued. “They are passionate and incredibly supportive, and consistently go the extra mile to help students succeed.”
Her career trajectory has also been shaped by the guidance she’s received from Cheryl Egan, the MHA career advisor. “I met with her before I even entered the program. Since then, she has provided me with invaluable guidance, from countless resume edits to sending me job openings she thinks I’d be interested in. It’s clear that she, like the rest of the staff at Bloustein, genuinely wants her students to succeed. She’s always willing to go the extra mile to offer her support.”
Juliann completed a summer internship with Atlantic Health System in their Human Resources Department, specifically working with the Workforce Experience team, and after graduation took a role with AHS as recruiter.
To prospective students considering the MHA program, Juliann offers this advice: “Take the time to understand your ‘why.’ Know what motivates you, what inspires you, and why health administration. This will not only help you share your story more effectively, but will also guide you as you navigate the field.”
She also encourages prospective students not to be afraid to reach out to current students. “LinkedIn is a great place to start. Ask about their experiences in the program. Take the opportunity to have a conversation with someone who’s doing what you hope to do. It’s also a great way to start building your Bloustein network before you join the program.”
When she’s not immersed in academics, Juliann is all about balance. “I love working out—it’s always been therapeutic for me. I also enjoy cooking and trying cuisines from different cultures,” she said. And thanks to her marine biology background, she’s an avid animal lover. “Whether they have fur, scales, or blubber—I love them all!”
