Driving Career Transformation: How One Parent Found Her Calling in Claims Through CorVel University

At CorVel, we take great pride in CorVel University (fondly referred to as “CorVel U”), our comprehensive training program designed for entry-level candidates to develop a career in the workers’ compensation industry. Over a four-week session, participants gain the essential skills to excel as claims specialists in various jurisdictions, learning directly from experienced CorVel executives and industry specialists.

Whether you are 22, 62, or anywhere in between, CorVel U equips students with a solid understanding of workers’ compensation while instilling CorVel’s core values: accountability, commitment, excellence, integrity, and teamwork. These values not only guide interactions with future clients and injured workers but also underpin our company’s approach to talent development and recruitment.

In essence, CorVel’s philosophy emphasizes that while technical skills—such as reading medical bills or classifying injuries—can be taught, soft skills are just as critical for forming meaningful connections with injured patients.

Leslie Fallon, a CorVel U graduate, is a standout example of how to thrive in this industry and at CorVel, thanks to this very approach.

Like many stay-at-home parents, Leslie spent 10 years dedicating herself to her family, nurturing her children and watching them flourish. Yet, as carpools transitioned into learner’s permits, she felt it was time to take on a new challenge—one that would center on both personal and professional growth while setting an example for her loved ones to always embrace new opportunities.

With five years of experience in auto liability claims—a career she pursued fresh out of college—Leslie knew that risk and insurance was a field where her commitment to service and desire to engage in high-impact work could thrive. Determined to re-enter the workforce, she set her sights on returning to the claims industry, this time via a new line of business: the dynamic world of workers’ compensation.

Leslie discovered CorVel University through CorVel’s recruitment efforts on LinkedIn, which ignited her interest in a career transition. She joined CorVel University in September 2023, where she completed the program’s four weeks of in-depth training. During this time, she was introduced to best-in-class technology and innovative strategies that drive CorVel’s integrated claims management approach. As a graduate of CorVel U’s inaugural class, Leslie quickly progressed from a dedicated trainee to a diligent claims specialist.

Fun Fact: Leslie was the first member of her class to pass the licensing exam, earning certification to adjust workers’ compensation claims in the state of Oregon. Immersing herself fully in her role, she was promoted from Medical Only Claims Specialist to Hybrid Indemnity Claims Specialist within just three months of full-time employment.

As Leslie’s expertise grew, so did her responsibilities. Her role expanded to include client-facing functions, such as advising employers on complex challenges related to claims administration, compliance, and return-to-work strategies. Currently, Leslie travels frequently with colleagues to meet potential clients, showcasing CorVel’s high-touch, high-tech approach to claims management. While her responsibilities continue to evolve, Leslie remains connected to her time as a trainee. She now serves as an Alumni Representative, mentoring and helping develop the next generation of claims specialists.

Reflecting on the versatile experience she’s gained in just over a year, Leslie’s strong connection to CorVel’s service-driven culture is undeniable. After all, when CorVel’s claims professionals finish their day, they understand that their work goes beyond processing claims—it’s about empowering workers with the care they need to heal and reclaim their livelihoods.

CorVel University continues to grow with each graduating class, with the most recent two sessions proudly graduating 29 students. With ongoing courses tailored to meet the specific jurisdictions and claims details of each student’s location, CorVel is committed to developing a curriculum that ensures candidates—both current CorVel employees and external applicants—are prepared for the future landscape of the workers’ compensation industry. To learn more about our upcoming sessions, visit https://www.corvel.com/corvel-university/.