Olivia Rojas, a native of Barrington, IL, graduated in December 2023 from the College of Applied Health Sciences with a degree in Community Health and a concentration in Health Planning & Administration. To complement her degree, Olivia also graduated with an Interdisciplinary Minor in Health Technology. Rojas is the first graduate to have earned the Interdisciplinary Minor in Health Technology. This minor is through the Health Technology Education Program (HTEP) in the College of Applied Health Sciences and in collaboration with the Grainger College of Engineering. When asked why she decided to pursue the minor, Rojas noted “the constant change for technology in the healthcare world!” She continued that “technology is an aspect of life that is constantly changing, but to grow with the technology and not fall behind, it is crucial to further your education in any way possible. Technology can have the opportunity to save one’s life and make living easier for those who are sick. It was vital that I took this minor to learn as much I could about the healthcare world to support my major.” Dr. Katelyn Talbott, HTEP assistant director, is excited for the first of many graduates in the upcoming years. “I am thrilled for Olivia to be our first graduate obtaining our Interdisciplinary Minor in Health Technology! From our meetings, Olivia has found great value in the minor that will prove to be a great complement to her career goal of healthcare administration. This minor is beginning to take off as students see how relevant it is to all majors on campus.” With the 19-credit hour minor being interdisciplinary, Rojas notes how the minor helped her achieve a better understanding of technology usage in the healthcare industry. “We took a closer look at how different forms of technologies are created, but also how they can be beneficial to patients and various types of facilities.” Rojas noted that this minor required courses outside of her traditional plan of study, but that “it was a great way to dip my feed into the IT world while incorporating my healthcare background.” This fall, Rojas will be pursuing her Masters in Healthcare Administration in the College of Applied Health Sciences here at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. As she waits for the fall start, Rojas is enjoying her time at home and working at Illinois Bone and Joint, coaching volleyball, and spending time with family. The Interdisciplinary Minor in Heath Technology is part of the Health Technology Education Program through the College of Applied Health Sciences and in collaboration with Grainger College of Engineering. In addition to the Interdisciplinary Minor in Health Technology, HTEP also offers an undergraduate Health Technology certificate; a one-year MS in Health Technology degree; opportunities for Capstone Project Partners from industry, government, and academia; professional education modules; and CHLH 203 – Introduction Health Technology – a Social Sci general education course.
