From Nursing to Healthcare Leadership with an MHA
“It is one thing to believe in yourself, but it is entirely another to have someone else believe in you.”
By Charvee Sharma, Communications SpecialistFor Courtney Lamothe, second year student in the online Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at JSGS, receiving the 2025 Anna Krutova Alumni Memorial Award was more than just financial support – it was validation of her pursuit of lifelong learning.
What makes the award even more meaningful is that Lamothe is a first-generation university student. Her academic journey has been filled with determination, resilience, and at times, challenges. “Pursuing a master’s degree can feel like a lonely road – and being awarded a scholarship helped me feel not so alone,” she said.
Lamothe’s journey in healthcare began in 2006 as a Continuing Care Assistant. Her passion for enabling quality healthcare pushed her forward, leading her to complete a Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She then transitioned into frontline nursing, working as a Registered Nurse at the Regina Correctional Centre for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety as well as in various roles within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
Her dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Pandemic Response team earned her the 2021 Minister’s Award of Excellence, for her commitment to public service.
Lamothe completed the Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Management while working full-time as a nursing instructor at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She later advanced into the online MHA program, offered by the JSGS, University of Regina campus.
Much of Lamothe’s passion is rooted in her lived personal experiences and a deep sense of fulfillment in caring for others. “Knowing that I can help someone cope with the most difficult times in their lives has guided my decision of choosing healthcare as a career path,” she said.
Her experience of working with the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety further shaped her understanding of patient advocacy. “Saskatchewan’s provincial correctional centres face substantial health inequities that need to be addressed to ensure the quality care mandated by the Canada Health Act,” she explained.
Through the MHA program, Lamothe is developing the tools she needs to effectively advocate for systemic change and strengthen her knowledge about the many factors influencing healthcare.
“Through the program, I have developed writing, critical thinking, and reasoning skills to articulate and develop partnership proposals, as well as deepening my understanding of the many complexities surrounding healthcare.”
Beyond an academic pursuit, the program has been a stepping stone towards Lamothe’s ambitions of becoming a leader driving change in healthcare.
“The journey has been challenging but knowing that JSGS believes in me has made all the difference.”
Learn more about the program: Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Application Deadline May 1
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