MBA Medical Device Industry Careers: How Ruth Fackson Turned a Kinesiology Degree into a Career in Orthopedics

When Ruth Fackson graduated from Indiana University with a degree in kinesiology, she knew she wanted a career connected to health and helping people. What she did not expect was that her path would lead her to Grace’s Orthopedic MBA, located in the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

If you have ever wondered whether a background outside of engineering could lead to opportunities in orthopedics manufacturing, quality, operations, or medical device product management, Fackson’s journey offers an encouraging answer.

An Unconventional Path into the MBA Medical Device Industry

Many people assume that the only path into orthopedic manufacturing starts with an engineering or orthopedics degree. While those backgrounds are valuable, the industry also needs professionals with strengths in problem-solving, business strategy, and healthcare knowledge. 

For Fackson, her journey began in kinesiology. While completing her undergraduate degree, she accepted an internship at TriPak, a manufacturing company, where she worked in validation and quality systems. Though she was a full-time student, the internship quickly expanded to a full-time role.

“By the time of my second year, I was working full-time,” Ruth said.

Though balancing work and school was challenging, it gave her years of experience before earning her degree. Those early experiences helped Fackson find that she enjoyed solving complex problems and improving processes. It also showed her that her understanding of human anatomy and movement could translate into opportunities within the MBA medical device industry.

Why Orthopedics Offers Meaningful Career Opportunities

As Fackson explored career options, her mom told her about Grace College’s Orthopedic MBA. That same night, she applied for the program. 

Located in Warsaw, Indiana, known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, the program is surrounded by numerous companies that design and manufacture surgical devices used worldwide. The region offers unique opportunities for professionals interested in engineering, quality operations, regulatory affairs, and medical device product management.

For Fackson, this is incredibly important and meaningful work. “What you’re working on could be going into your grandmother’s body,” she said.

This idea transformed the way she viewed her work. Orthopedic manufacturing is truly about helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. This sense of purpose drove Fackson through the MBA medical device industry program, combining business, healthcare, and patient impact.

How an MBA Medical Device Industry Program Accelerates Growth

Unlike a traditional MBA, the Orthopedic MBA combines business education with industry-specific learning. Students develop leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of orthopedic manufacturing, healthcare markets, regulatory requirements, and medical device product management.

“I was submitting my application because I knew the program connected with my kinesiology degree and my work experience,” Ruth said. “It was a perfect fit for me!”

The program’s unique, one-year structure allows students to work in their fellowship opportunity while immediately applying what they are learning in their courses.

Students study topics such as: 

• Marketing Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Orthopedic Anatomy & Physiology
• Global Medical Device Regulation
• Operations Management

Learning From Those in the Field

One of the most distinctive parts of the Orthopedic MBA is the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders, surgeons, and executives. Students gain exposure to the clinical side of orthopedics through their fellowship while developing a deeper understanding of the devices they help create, market, and manage.

For Ruth, one lesson stood out. “We did a total knee replacement on a cadaver,” she said. “That was an eye-opening experience.”

Moments like these help students connect their daily work to the patients who ultimately benefit from orthopedic innovation. Every class and seminar reinforces the connection between business decisions and long-term patient outcomes.

Building a Career with Long-Term Impact

In just a few years, Ruth has moved from student to industry professional, building a career that combines her passion for healthcare with meaningful work in orthopedics.

Reflecting on her journey, Fackson said, “So much has changed in a year. Now I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life.”

Whether your background is in kinesiology, biology, engineering, healthcare, or another field entirely, the right combination of experience, determination, and education can open new doors in the orthopedic industry.

For professionals seeking leadership opportunities, deeper industry knowledge, or a future in medical device product management, an MBA medical device industry program can provide you with the foundation you need to grow. 

Learn more about Grace’s Orthopedic MBA on our website.