South University meets local health care demand with flexible, hands-on programs

For working adults, pursuing higher education can be challenging when traditional class schedules compete with jobs, families and other responsibilities. South University Austin’s hybrid pathways are designed to make that next step more accessible.

Several fields of education are offered, and among the most popular choices are its MBA and health care programs.

What is the MBA program pathway?

In 2025, South University Austin launched three hybrid programs:

• Master of Science in Leadership

• Master of Business Administration

• MBA with a focus in Health Care Administration

Courses are online, in five-week sessions, with students coming to campus just one Saturday during each session. The MBA can be completed in 15 months, for under $20,000, giving working professionals an opportunity to advance their education without stepping away from their careers.

“South University's Hybrid MBA programs are designed for busy working professionals who want the flexibility of online learning with the value of meaningful face-to-face engagement. Students attend one in-person session each quarter while completing the remainder of their coursework online, allowing them to advance their careers without putting their lives on hold. With concentrations in areas like Healthcare Administration and Leadership, our programs equip graduates with the practical skills and strategic perspective needed to lead in today's dynamic business environment.” said Tenishia Jackson, Campus President.

How do health care programs prepare students for the workforce?

Health care is a major focus at South University Austin for ground (clinical) programs. Students can pursue degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or complete the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The university also offers a Physician Assistant (PA) degree, in which students have a 100% pass rate for the PANCE certification exam.

Both BSN and PTA program students start with earning 90 credit hours in science and general education courses online. Then, they enter the in-person “professional phase,” which is the clinical portion of their studies.

The BSN professional phase combines hands-on simulations and clinical partnerships with major health care organizations throughout Texas. Many faculty members bring 15 or more years of experience in the nursing industry, allowing students to learn from professionals who understand the demands of the field.

PTA students gain real-world experience in the professional phase by working alongside physical therapists.

“Our PTA students get hands-on lab experience, where they're focusing on injury, surgery and chronic illnesses. They can work side by side with physical therapists to help patients gain mobility, strength, independence and quality of life,” President Jackson said.

Why should someone consider getting a higher education degree at South University?

Alongside program flexibility and technical knowledge, South University teaches students the soft skills that are necessary to succeed in the workforce. For example, professionalism is embedded into its curriculum through senior presentations, mock interviews, preceptor experiences and more.

The university also provides multiple resources to students, including tutoring, electronic databases that are specifically designed for each program of study, librarian assistance and counseling services to help students throughout their academic journey.

“Our online library contains electronic databases and has a chat feature called ‘ask a librarian,’ where students can get assistance from a librarian. Our LMS allows our students to schedule one-on-one tutoring based on their preferred language, gender and the [time of day they’re available],” Jackson said.

Additionally, South University focuses on creating a community. Students can participate in campus events, town halls, academic and veteran recognition ceremonies, and other activities designed to keep them connected to faculty, classmates and the university.

The impact of this learning model can be seen in the success of South University alumni. President Jackson highlighted Jeffrey Howard, who began his education in the university’s BSN program before earning a master’s degree in nursing and continuing on to a doctorate as a nurse practitioner. He later returned to mentor students and speak to a South University graduating class.

Another example is Amanda Mendez, who completed her associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at South University before returning to the university to work as an academic coordinator for its PA program.

These graduates exist among many who gain an education, enter their professions, continue growing and return to help the next generation of South University students.

"We are proud of students and their academic achievements here,” Jackson said. “Every term, we have a dean’s and chancellor’s list of students. Before [recognizing those students at graduation], they get certificates and are invited to an honors breakfast, or an honors dinner, where they can invite their families. We also host pinning and white coat ceremonies to recognize their pivotal milestones, and we have a great time celebrating their successes.”

How does South University impact the Round Rock community and beyond?

Health care is a rapidly growing and evolving industry. Because of this, South University reviews its programs yearly with an advisory committee to ensure its curriculum reflects current industry expectations.

“We're constantly reviewing our curriculum and making updates to make sure that it meets what the standards are when our students get in the field,” Jackson said.

Graduates may remain in the Round Rock workforce or take their skills throughout Texas and beyond, depending on their interests and specialties. Wherever their careers take them, the goal is the same:

“We want a whole community of learners and leaders. That's what's exciting about South University Austin,” Jackson said.

To learn more about South University Austin, resources can be found here:

• Website: https://www.southuniversity.edu/austin 

• Phone number: 512-516-8800

• Address: 1220 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock

• Hours of operation: Mon.-Thu., 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.