Dr. Alison Busick did not always envision a career in healthcare administration, but an early role she held while pursuing her undergraduate degree introduced her to the industry and ultimately shaped her professional journey. What began as a college job soon opened the door to a wide range of opportunities within healthcare systems, allowing her to explore the complexity, strategy and impact of healthcare administration for patients and their families. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for supporting organizations that improve patient care and strengthen communities.
Today, after years spent working across the healthcare industry and earning her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership through Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) online programs, she now helps prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders as a professor and the program director of the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration.
Why Dr. Busick Chose Healthcare Administration
Dr. Busick began her healthcare career while still in college, working for a management services organization. Although she did not initially know where the field would take her, the experience introduced her to the operational side of healthcare and opened her eyes to the many career paths within the industry.
“Part of the reason why I chose healthcare administration is that it offers such a wide variety of career opportunities. While patients are always at the center of what we do, there are so many different healthcare administration roles and ways to contribute to the patient experience by ensuring that healthcare organizations run smoothly.”
That flexibility and variety became one of the aspects she appreciated most about healthcare administration. While earning her MBA from Texas Christian University, an internship experience further expanded her understanding of the industry and its impact. Through the internship, she gained exposure to different healthcare settings and saw firsthand how complicated healthcare systems can be. More importantly, she recognized how strategic planning and operational decisions could positively influence patient care and organizational success.
One of her favorite professional roles involved healthcare strategic planning, where she helped organizations make informed, data-driven decisions.
“Part of the challenge of that is looking toward the future while also accounting for the present,” she said. “There’s a constant tension between quality, cost and access. We have to teach students how to make strategic decisions while ensuring quality patient care and long-term sustainability.”
Joining the Wildcat Family
Her passion for leadership, learning and healthcare eventually led her to pursue a doctoral degree. When searching for the right program, Abilene Christian University immediately stood out.
“I knew ACU had a strong reputation and a premier Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program,” she said.
She began her Ed.D. journey through ACU’s online programs in the summer of 2020 during a time when many working adults were reevaluating their personal and professional goals. While she expected academic rigor, what surprised her most was the level of support and connection she experienced as an online student.
“I was so impressed,” she beamed. “As a student, the support in place just blew me away. Even now, as a faculty member, I’m constantly promoting all the resources we have for students.” Among those resources, Dr. Busick sang her praises for the online writing center and tutoring support available throughout her doctoral program. “We have tutors at the online writing center and they’re amazing,” she continued. “I used them for my entire program.”
Beyond academic support, she found something she did not expect in an online learning environment: community. “I was delighted by how strong the community is in ACU’s online programs,” she said. “The level of connection exceeded my expectations.”
That sense of belonging and encouragement ultimately inspired her to transition from student to educator. In 2022, she joined ACU as an adjunct professor, bringing years of professional healthcare experience into the classroom while also drawing from her own experiences as an online student.
“We want students to succeed, and I felt that when I was a student,” Dr. Busick shared. “I try really hard to convey that to my students now.”
Shaping the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders
Dr. Busick’s approach to teaching centers on meeting students where they are academically and personally. She recognizes that every student enters the classroom with different strengths, challenges and professional experiences and believes students learn best when they feel supported and valued.
“Our healthcare administration program is designed with all the factors in mind to help students develop critical thinking skills and become leaders, even as the field continues to evolve,” she said.
One feature Dr. Busick values in teaching through ACU’s online programs is the smaller class sizes, which allow for more personalized interaction and feedback. “I love that we really get to know each other,” Dr. Busick said. “I can tailor my feedback to each student’s specific needs.”
Class discussions also play a major role in her teaching approach. Because students come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds, discussions often become opportunities for collaborative learning and shared insight. “I love hearing students’ perspectives and using real-world examples,” she said. “It also gives me a chance to learn from my students.”
For her, the most rewarding moments in teaching are not necessarily tied to grades or accomplishments, but to growth and perseverance. “The most important and rewarding part of the job is student success,” she said. “It’s when a student finally grasps a concept they struggled with or when they thank you for not giving up on them.”
As online education continues to evolve, she believes the future will require programs that prioritize adaptability, communication and critical thinking rather than simply technical knowledge alone. “I think those are the skills students need to be positioned for the future,” Dr. Busick explained. Her perspective is shaped by years spent working in healthcare administration, an industry she describes as both challenging and deeply meaningful.
“Healthcare administration is mission-driven,” she said. “You’re always learning because healthcare is constantly changing. There’s always new regulations, new systems, and new challenges.”
Dr. Busick’s Words For Potential Students
Today, she continues helping students navigate their educational and professional journeys while remaining passionate about the impact healthcare leaders can make in their communities.
For prospective students considering earning a degree online, her advice is simple: find a program that values both education and purpose. “At ACU, the focus is not only on education,” she said. “It’s also about helping students discover their vocational calling and how they can contribute.”
Through her work as both a healthcare professional and educator, she continues encouraging students to grow into thoughtful leaders who understand the importance of balancing cost, quality, and access for patients. She believes healthcare administration offers meaningful opportunities for people from all walks of life. And through ACU’s online programs, students are reminded they do not have to pursue those goals alone.
If you have a similar passion for healthcare like Dr. Busick, learn about ACU’s online healthcare degree programs by visiting our website.