How to become a healthcare compliance professional: Matt’s MSL journey

Matt Brennan had a job he loved: Working alongside dedicated attorneys and hospital staff as a paralegal for Akron Children’s Hospital. But he soon realized his career growth had hit a ceiling. To break through, Matt turned to Ohio State’s online Master in the Study of Law (MSL).

The ROI came even sooner than he expected: Matt found his studies directly applicable to his day job — and he saw career movement well before graduation. Keep reading to learn how Matt transformed his career with Ohio State Online. 

A law degree for working professionals

After considering a Master of Public Health, an MBA and even a J.D. to advance his career, Matt found Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law to have the best mix of affordability and quality — plus direct relevance to his role and goals. And with two kids at home and a full-time job, the flexibility of the online program was crucial for Matt. 

“As much as I would love to go to campus every day, it doesn’t align with my schedule,” he said. “I needed the flexibility to live life while enhancing my education.” 

As a lifelong Buckeye with knowledge of Moritz College of Law’s stellar reputation, Ohio State felt like a natural choice: “I view Ohio State as a top-tier institution,” he said. 

Expert faculty in action

Matt soon saw this excellence in action through licensed attorney and adjunct professor Trent Stechschulte, who taught his healthcare compliance course.  

“It’s such a skill to be able to present information to a varied audience of different professionals and still make it relevant,” Matt shared, reflecting on the course and the diverse professional backgrounds of his classmates. 

As part of the course curriculum, Trent invited healthcare compliance professionals to speak to his students, including experts from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and ProMedica. Their first-hand perspectives were critical for Matt as he helped build his hospital’s compliance program. 

Contributing to compliance

While earning his degree, Matt applied concepts and ideas he learned from class to his work at the hospital. His supervisors were thrilled: “They were impressed with the fact that I was learning similar concepts that they did in law school,” Matt said. 

By sharing the knowledge he gained in his healthcare compliance class with his supervisors, Matt helped to enhance the hospital’s compliance department. Eventually, this contribution turned into a promotion — and a significant raise. 

“Due to my direct experience in the program and the unique education I received at Ohio State related to health law and compliance, they created a new role for me in the compliance department,” Matt explained. His supervisor emphasized his continued professional development and evolving skill set, highlighting the growing value he brought to the organization. 

As a Healthcare Compliance Auditor, Matt’s responsibilities included policy alignment, process and procedure reviews, and serving as a resource for compliance guidance across the organization. 

Looking ahead

For Matt, the knowledge he gained through the online MSL will have lasting relevance — and impact. 

“I will continue to use my education to enhance what I do at the hospital,” Matt explained. “The knowledge I’m gaining is invaluable in helping me excel.” 

Ready to level up your law career? Contact an Enrollment Advisor to become a healthcare compliance auditor like Matt.