Madisyn “Mady” Sampson is a senior at Wichita State University completing her coursework online and graduating in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management. 

Through her applied learning experience, Mady served as the Clinical Coordinator and Instructor for the Surgical Technology Program at Crowder College’s Advanced Training & Workforce Center in Joplin, Missouri. Mady coordinated student placements in real‑world training sites and made sure all programs followed required industry standards. She also assessed students’ skills, maintained communication with partner organizations, and led improvement efforts to create a better, more effective learning experience for everyone involved. 

“I also mentored students as they transition from classroom learning into real-world surgical environments,” she says. 

Having mentorship and guidance for such a specific and serious field can make a difference in students going through the intensive training.  

Mady said, “I’ve developed greater confidence in decision-making, conflict resolution, and data-informed problem-solving.” 

Within healthcare operations, Mady has learned more about quality standards and professional accountability. Tasks like managing clinical partnerships and overseeing student performance have helped establish these skills. 

She acknowledged that from her applied learning experience, Mady feels significantly more confident in performance evaluation and professional decision-making. 

“I’ve grown in my ability to speak up, advocate for patient safety, and lead with both accountability and compassion,” she says. 

Not only was she a positive within the teaching world of surgical technology, Mady also helped supplement the growth for the next generation of healthcare workers.  

The State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund has given Mady the ability to fully engage within her practicum experience. That strengthened both her professional development and the outcome of her projects. 

“Because of this support, I was able to focus on meaningful impact rather than balancing additional financial pressures,” Mady says. 

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.