Student spotlight
“I wanted to learn more about the business side of healthcare to set me apart right away, give myself a different scope, and hopefully help myself advance my career if that’s the route I choose to go.” — Ryley Wetlaufer
A dual degree paves the way for a purposeful career
When it comes to her future career, Ryley Wetlaufer has options.
After earning her associate degree in nursing from North Iowa Area Community College, Wetlaufer transferred to Iowa State University to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) through its RN-to-BSN program, as well as a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management through the Ivy College of Business.
The decision to attend Iowa State was an easy one — her parents are both proud alumni, and the university felt like home.
Driven by a desire to serve others, Wetlaufer knew early on that she wanted her life and career to have purpose. Nursing felt like the perfect fit.
“I want to be a light for people on their hardest days,” she said.
Her passion for patient care has only deepened during her education and an additional part-time job as a bedside nurse at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Wetlaufer also wants to ensure she has options for career advancement, which is why she’s double majoring in healthcare management.
“I wanted to learn more about the business side of healthcare to set me apart right away, give myself a different scope, and hopefully help myself advance my career if that’s the route I choose to go,” she said.
Her studies in healthcare management have been complemented by a business development internship at Mary Greeley, where she’s gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of clinical care and healthcare administration. One of her key projects involves helping research and plan for a new nursing simulation lab. As a healthcare management intern, Wetlaufer is actively contributing to the lab’s development while practicing project management skills and gaining a business perspective on healthcare operations. Ultimately, the lab will enhance the training of nurses and improve patient care.
Under the guidance of John Meyer, executive director of business development at Mary Greeley and an associate professor of practice in healthcare management at the Ivy College of Business, Wetlaufer has had the opportunity to engage in high-level strategic work related to the simulation lab and beyond. Recently, she joined Mary Greeley’s executive leadership team for a visit to Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The visit aimed to strengthen relationships and facilitate the exchange of best practices between the two medical centers.
“What I learn in the classroom shows up in the workplace immediately, I can translate it directly every single day, both sides of my degrees. It doesn’t feel like going to school — it feels like I’m learning more about what I want to do with my life.”
— Ryley Wetlaufer
“She’s got a very good vision into how things work,” Meyer said. “There’s lots of good access for Ryley as a nurse and a healthcare management intern.”
Meyer emphasized that internships like Wetlaufer’s are important for today’s team-oriented healthcare environment, where collaboration and networking are key.
Wetlaufer is also able to build relevant skills in the healthcare management program, which equips students with a foundation in business principles, from analytics to accounting, making them highly valuable in the healthcare field. Its partnership with Mary Greeley helps develop local talent as well, preparing graduates to make patient-centered decisions and drive innovation in Iowa’s healthcare system.
“The partnership between Mary Greeley and Iowa State has been phenomenal because it’s a community-based hospital and a land-grant institution,” Meyer said. “Our missions are so closely matched in terms of building and keeping talent here in Iowa.”
For Wetlaufer, the combination of her coursework, healthcare management internship, and nursing role has been transformative.
“What I learn in the classroom shows up in the workplace immediately,” she said. “I can translate it directly every single day, both sides of my degrees. It doesn’t feel like going to school — it feels like I’m learning more about what I want to do with my life.”
While she’s still exploring her specific career path, one thing is certain: Wetlaufer is committed to making a difference for nurses.
“Because that’s what got me into healthcare — being a nurse and having a passion for nurses and wanting to support them,” she said. “If I end up going into healthcare management, I’ll be able to use what I’ve learned to help improve healthcare environments, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes, leading to a happier and better healthcare environment.”
To connect with Ryley Wetlaufer or follow her collegiate and professional journey, visit her LinkedIn profile.
