Dallas Health Care Administrator Credits Education For Happiness
Bryan Bigham, Operations Manager at Richland Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, he oversees the financials of the centers, supervises the managers of the individual departments and is in charge of assuring the quality of care for the residents as well as the patients of the facility.
Bigham earned his Bachelor's of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) in Abilene, Texas. He was hired to teach biology and coach baseball at a small west Texas high school. Before he had an opportunity to start his new job, he was informed that he was accepted into a physical therapy school. Bigham earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from HSU.
Hired at Eastland Memorial Hospital as a staff physical therapist, he quickly advanced and became a co-manager of physical therapy and then later the rehab services and wellness manager. After an administration change at the hospital, Bigham considered a new position but wanted to have more education to feel secure about expanding his career options. He spoke with his mentor who had advised him that pursuing a master's degree would open new doors for him.
Bigham knew that going back to school would require him to take out student loans, and he wanted to make sure that it would be financially worth it. Bigham found that he enjoyed the administrative work and decided to return to school, and earned a master's degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.
As the director of rehabilitation at Wisteria Place Retirement Living, Bigham managed an expanding team of licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists. He also increased revenue through providing comprehensive care to their patients and residents. By increasing therapy from five days a week to six days a week, Bigham was able to increase the therapy margin by 65% and help get patients home more quickly. Wanting to be an administrator, Bigham was given the opportunity to participate in an administrative training position. He blossomed in that role and then moved to his current position as the Operations Manager at Richland Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
In regards to returning to school, Bigham had this to say, "If you are looking to return to school, make sure the risk is worth the reward. Talk to mentors and people who have done it. Earning my master's degree has opened up doors that I didn't even think would open up for me. I am thrilled to be here. With my master's degree, multiple doors opened up for me. I made the right choice to pursue my master's."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
