Student Spotlight: Dr. Kylar Wiltz & the Online MHA from LSUS

For many healthcare professionals, the journey begins with patient care. But for Dr. Kylar Wiltz, the bigger picture was just as important—the systems, policies, and leadership structures that shape the healthcare experience. Through his background in medicine, business, and public policy, Kylar saw firsthand how administrative decisions impact access, quality, and equity in healthcare. Seeking to bridge his clinical expertise with learning how to improve systems, he chose the online Master of Health Administration (MHA) from LSU Shreveport (LSUS) to build the leadership skills needed to drive meaningful reform in healthcare.

Learn more about his journey with the online master of health administration from LSUS!

Meet Dr. Kylar Wiltz 

1. What inspired you to pursue an MHA?
   • My decision to pursue an MHA comes from my passion for healthcare policy, leadership, and the broader impact physicians can have beyond the bedside. Through my background in medicine, business, and public policy, I've seen firsthand how administrative decisions shape the quality and accessibility of care. Being a great physician isn't just about practicing medicine—it's about understanding and improving the system in which we practice. I want to do more than treat patients; I want to be a leader in healthcare, shaping policies that enhance patient outcomes, reduce disparities, and improve the efficiency of medical institutions. Pursuing an MHA was a strategic step to bridge my clinical aspirations with my vision for systemic reform. This degree is equipping me with the healthcare-centered business acumen and strategic insight to drive meaningful change.
2. How has the online learning experience differed from your expectations?
   • Having experienced online education before, I was curious to see how LSUS would compare and whether it would continue challenging me as I grew as a leader. From the start, the program exceeded my expectations, creating a dynamic and immersive learning environment. The coursework was rigorous yet flexible, allowing me to balance my medical and policy pursuits while continuing to push myself academically. The faculty are educators with immense industry experience and bring real-world expertise into discussions, making every lesson highly relevant to today's healthcare landscape. But what stood out most was the sense of community. This wasn't just about logging in for assignments; I was able to engage in meaningful discussions, network with other healthcare professionals, and apply my knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.
3. What aspects of the MHA program have been the most valuable in preparing you for your current fellowship and future career?
   • The MHA program has been instrumental in further shaping both my clinical and leadership aspirations, providing me with the strategic mindset necessary to excel as a physician and healthcare leader. Its emphasis on strategic healthcare management, financial decision-making, and health policy has given me a strong foundation in operational leadership and systems thinking—skills that directly translate to my work in policy and advocacy. The coursework in hospital administration, health economics, and policy analysis has deepened my understanding of how healthcare systems function, how financing impacts patient care, and how policy decisions shape clinical practice. I want to do more than treat patients—I want to lead initiatives that improve healthcare access, enhance patient safety, and drive efficiency in healthcare delivery.
4. What support did LSUS or LSU Online provide in your online learning journey?
   • LSUS and LSU Online provided an outstanding support system that made all the difference in my learning experience. From day one, the faculty was accessible and truly invested in our success, ensuring that complex concepts weren't just learned but applied in meaningful ways. The program's structure, designed for working professionals, allowed me to balance my demanding schedule while still engaging deeply with the material. Whether it was support on research projects, navigating the logistics of an online program, or gaining access to key professional networks, the responsiveness of the faculty and administrative staff made the entire experience seamless—allowing me to focus on growth, learning, and advancing my career in healthcare leadership.
5. Can you share a moment in the program that reinforced your decision to pursue healthcare administration?
   • One of the most defining moments in the program was taking the Healthcare Systems course while simultaneously working on Medicaid policy as a Public Policy Fellow with the National Disability Rights Network. Learning more about the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare policies in an academic setting while actively applying that knowledge in real-time policy work was an incredible experience. It allowed me to see the intricate connections between legislation, healthcare financing, and patient outcomes in a way that was both theoretical and deeply practical. That experience reinforced my belief that true healthcare leadership requires both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the systems that govern care delivery. It solidified my commitment to becoming a skilled physician and shaping policies that improve healthcare access, equity, and sustainability.
6. Where do you think your career will take you in the next five to ten years, and how will your MHA play a role?
   • In the next five to ten years, I see myself practicing medicine while simultaneously driving systemic changes in healthcare and public policy. My goal is to lead not only in clinical settings but also in the broader healthcare landscape—whether through hospital leadership, policy advocacy, and/or designing initiatives that improve access, efficiency, and patient outcomes. I want to ensure that (healthcare) policies reflect the needs of patients, providers, and all Americans in between, bridging gaps between my clinical practice experiences and systemic reform. Whether I'm shaping legislation, leading a major healthcare organization, or advocating for better funding, my MHA experience will be instrumental in equipping me with the leadership, financial, and operational expertise to make a lasting impact on the future in a number of capacities.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to prospective MHA students, what would it be?
   • Approach this program as more than just an academic pursuit, but as a toolkit for transforming healthcare and the world around you. Whether you're a clinician, administrator, policymaker, or someone who simply wants to learn more about healthcare, the knowledge you gain will empower you to lead, innovate, and advocate more effectively. Remember to engage deeply with the coursework, seek mentorship, and apply what you learn in real-world settings. The MHA isn't just about managing hospitals—it's about shaping the future of medicine. If you bring a passion for making a difference, LSUS will provide the knowledge, connections, and confidence to turn that passion into meaningful action.

Advance Your Healthcare Career with LSU Online & LSUS

Kylar's story is a perfect example of how the online LSUS Master of Health Administration program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to create meaningful changes in healthcare. With flexible coursework, expert faculty, and real-world applications, this program supports aspiring leaders who want to transform the healthcare industry from the inside out.

Whether you're a clinician looking to step into hospital administration, a policymaker shaping healthcare laws, or a professional eager to improve patient care at the organizational level, the online LSUS MHA program provides the foundation to make a lasting impact.

Take the next step toward your future—explore the online MHA program from LSU Shreveport and apply today!