From pharmacy to psychometrics: UIC alum William Finnerty’s educational journey

William Finnerty’s career journey is a testament to the power of education and the impact of continual learning. With a PharmD from the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) College of Pharmacy, William began his professional life as a pharmacist. His career path took a significant turn when he transitioned to work for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy where he became the Competency Assessment Manager. This role sparked a new professional interest introducing him to the world of psychometrics and test development. 

Over the years, William’s dedication to his new field led him to work for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. During this time, he enrolled in UIC’s online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) program, gaining the knowledge needed to excel as a psychometrician. Today, he works for Meazure Learning, a company providing secure and accessible assessment solutions with flexible technology. 

Learn more about William’s experience, and how he continues to apply the skills and insights gained from the online MESA program. 

Can you provide a brief overview of your background, including your educational journey, career path, and current role? 

I graduated from UIC College of Pharmacy with a PharmD and began my professional career as a pharmacist. After almost a decade in a few different roles, I made the transition to office work for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy becoming the Competency Assessment Manager. This is when I was first introduced to psychometrics and test development. After more than a dozen years, I was fortunate enough to work for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Working for NBCRNA taught me a lot and helped me earn my online MESA degree. Now, I am a psychometrician for Meazure Learning and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my journey. 

What factors influenced your decision to pursue UIC’s online MESA program? 

Since I worked full time, the only modality that would fit in my schedule is asynchronous and online. UIC’s online MESA program was also front of mind because of its reputation and well-respected instructors. I know people who have graduated from the program and had nothing but good things to say. 

Reflecting on your experience in the online program, which courses resonated with you the most, and why? 

While I had some familiarity with some of the MESA concepts from experience, I had a big blind spot in terms of what I was exposed to. I’ve learned so much about fundamentals and various theories and practices. 

The EPSY 550: Rating Scale and Questionnaire Design and Analysis course was where everything started to crystallize for me. The breadth of the course was more than I expected and better. Dr. Everett Smith tied the math aspect to the content aspect very well. Also, Dr. Karabatsos’ EPSY 551: Item Response Theory course was deeper than I expected and better. The instruction in Rasch alone is worth a fortune. 

Can you discuss a specific project or assignment from the online program that left a lasting impact on you? 

In the EPSY 509: Research Design in Education course, Dr. Ting Dai walked us through developing a research proposal step by step each week. She taught us the process of planning, designing and conducting educational research where we explored various methodologies. It was an effective way to teach the applicable skills practically. And, at the end, you have a fully developed research proposal, which is amazing. 

Can you share a work project or challenge where your education from the program played a significant role in your success? 

A significant challenge for me was transitioning from a test developer to a psychometrician. Initially, I found myself among a group of highly talented and experienced psychometricians, which was quite intimidating. However, the online MESA program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the field, enabling me to keep pace with my colleagues, even those with specialized backgrounds. 

What are your future career goals and how do you plan to apply your online program knowledge in shaping these goals? 

I’ve always held great respect for the profession and the impactful work we accomplish. I am passionate about improvement, and I look forward to contributing to the enhancement of various programs. The online MESA program has prepared me for a variety of roles, and I am excited about a career that offers diverse experiences. 

Why would you recommend the online MESA program at UIC to others? 

The online MESA program at UIC offers top-tier instructors, abundant support, and a diverse class environment. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate. You won’t find a better program with such a flexible approach. It is demanding, but immensely rewarding. Each course incorporates real-world examples and practical learning approaches, enabling you to apply what you learn immediately.