Dallas Health Care Administrator Finds Success By Combining Passion With Advanced Degree
Sergio Mora has been with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regional Office in Dallas for over a decade as the Texas State Representative for the Division of Survey and Certification. He is responsible for overseeing all Medicare facility surveys in the state of Texas, including hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, home health agencies and hospices. Mora also oversees all Accrediting Organizations in the five-state region (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Texas).
Mora attended Texas State University and acquired a bachelor's and master's degree in health care administration. He discusses the importance of an advanced degree in the field.
What made you decide to go into health care administration?
"I originally wanted to be an industrial engineer because I was good at math and physics and started an education to attain that degree; but as I delved deeper into the work that would be required, I could see that it wasn't what I wanted to do. I visited a company to see daily application of the degree. I wish I had spent more time researching my passion, so I ended up spending time doing something that wasn't fulfilling. I was working in a chiropractic clinic doing patient intake, which got me interested in health care. I got on the waiting list to go into a physical therapy program, but pursuing health care administration allowed me to graduate within two years with my bachelor's degree. The university gave me credit for courses that I had already taken at the local community college."
How important is obtaining a master's degree?
"I wouldn't have been able to apply for the position that I have without it. It is very hard to get into a mid-level job with the government without a master's degree. Earning a master's degree or higher gives you the ability to earn more and do more. Going back to school demonstrates to an employer that you can handle a tremendous amount of responsibility by working and handling your classes."
How important are internships?
"It was a requirement for my degree and was invaluable. Because of the difficulty and the number of people who apply for governmental positions, it is important to be able to stand out. Having an internship shows others what you can do."
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
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