Balancing Career, Family and Classroom, CHS Graduate Proves ‘Growth Is Always Possible’

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

For Rebecca Mitchell, the path to a college degree was anything but traditional. 

A full-time employee at UK HealthCare, a mother of three, and a soon-to-be graduate of the Clinical Leadership and Management program in the College of Health Sciences, Mitchell has spent years balancing competing priorities — and excelling in all of them.

Friday, she will walk across the stage at Rupp Arena, marking a milestone that once felt out of reach. Recently, she was also recognized with the program’s Academic Excellence Award at the College of Health Sciences Student Awards Ceremony, an honor she describes with humility.

“I am my own worst critic, so it is hard for me to accept recognition when I know others are just as deserving,” Mitchell said. “That said, I feel very honored and appreciative that my hard work was recognized. It means even more knowing that my children get to see me accomplish my goals and succeed.”

Mitchell, 39, grew up in Hazard, Ky., where the University of Kentucky was widely viewed as a place for opportunity and excellence. Still, attending the university did not initially feel possible.

“Growing up in a rural area in Southeastern Kentucky, UK has always been considered top notch,” she said. “If you want the best care, you go to UK. The same reputation applies academically. Attending UK did not feel like a possibility until I started working here.”

Her healthcare career began at age 20 as a certified nursing assistant. Over the years, she explored multiple roles — from pharmacy technician to medical billing and unit clerk — before finding her niche in the revenue cycle. In 2022, she joined UK HealthCare as a medical coder, a role that confirmed she had found her professional calling.

At the same time, she discovered the university’s Employee Education Program, which helps employees pursue degrees. That opportunity, paired with her growing passion for healthcare operations, led her to enroll in the Clinical Leadership and Management program.

“This major stood out to me because it opens so many doors,” Mitchell said. “It allows me to remain in my current field while working toward management roles, and it also provides opportunities to explore other areas.”

While the academic path aligned with her career goals, the day-to-day reality was far from easy. Mitchell and her husband, Adam, have been married for 20 years and are raising three sons — Aidan, 19; Stefan, 14; and Carter, 9 — all while she maintained a full-time role.

“It is not easy,” she said. “Many people do it, but you do not fully understand the pressure until you are balancing all those responsibilities at once. It takes a lot of organization and careful scheduling.”

She credits her workplace for providing flexibility and support, allowing her to keep moving forward during even the most challenging weeks.

“Some weeks were chaotic and there may have been a few mental breakdowns,” she said. “But I always got back up and kept pushing forward, doing my best each day.”

That persistence is at the heart of the message she hopes others take from her journey.

“Anyone is capable,” Mitchell said. “You just have to set your mind to it and put in the work. Remind yourself that this is only a chapter in your life and that you will overcome challenges and reach your goals.”

As she prepares to graduate, Mitchell says the moment still feels surreal — but deeply meaningful.

“I kept saying I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and now I am finally here,” she said. “Walking across that stage will mean everything. I will feel accomplished, grateful, and ready to spend more time with my family.”

Now an associate medical coder, Mitchell plans to continue building her expertise through additional certifications, including pursuing her Certified Professional Medical Auditor credential. Long term, she hopes to move into a Coding Operations Manager role and is considering returning to UK to pursue a Master of Health Administration.

For now, though, she is taking a moment to reflect on a journey defined by determination and possibility.

“This journey has shown me that growth is always possible, no matter where you start,” she said. “When you truly put in the work and stay determined, things will fall into place.”