Working professionals who pursue a master’s degree often contend with the challenges of balancing job responsibilities and personal life with their coursework. Given some of the struggles, what leads them to take the next step in their education? How do they overcome these challenges?
Common Concerns for Professional Students
Work-Life Balance
For some professionals, a traditional master’s program doesn’t offer the flexibility needed when already committed to a demanding job or personal responsibilities. Students who are already in their career may find it difficult to schedule classes alongside long or irregular) shifts. Time management is one common obstacle keeping professionals from continuing their education, as it plays heavily into managing a healthy and successful work-life balance.
Personal and Professional Support
Traditional graduate students often take anywhere from 12 to 16 credit hours per semester. Managing the work while juggling a career and other obligations can be difficult. Many successful students have strong support networks—both personal and professional. There are also programs, like some offered through USF Health, that offer 2 or 3 credit hours on an 8-week session schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance.
Remembering How to Be a Student
Being a student requires a specific mindset. For some professionals, years have passed since they have been in any type of classroom. Earning a master’s degree requires commitment but can be achieved with careful planning, honing critical skills and communication.
How Online Programs Support Working Professionals
Part of the conversation around online master’s programs is whether or not these programs are respected and worthwhile. Online-only master’s degree programs have grown in popularity because they offer convenience and flexibility that traditional programs don’t typically provide. You don’t necessarily have to worry about scheduling classes around work and family commitments.
Flexible Schedule
A huge advantage of some online programs—like some offered by USF Health— is the ability to access course content at anytime from anywhere. You can complete your work around your schedule. This is especially advantageous for working professionals who want to expand their credentials without putting their current career on hold.
Program Support
Some online programs offer extra support for their students. With USF Health, student success coaches help you register for courses, order textbooks and answer additional questions. Selecting a program with support like this can provide valuable support to help students stay on track with their studies.
Student Resources
Though specific resources vary, many courses offer videos, live chats and discussion boards for learning. Bouncing ideas off other professional students and program faculty can foster not only critical skills and knowledge but develop a vast network of people across industries.
How USF Health’s Online Programs Support Professional Students
The CAHIIM accredited Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) and MSHI Healthcare Analytics are two 100% online graduate degrees offered by USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine. The programs are designed specifically for working professionals who seek a flexible schedule and ample support as a student.
Dr. Naveen Prasath Baskaran was one such student. He elected to pursue an MSHI during his residency . Additional student support was critical for Dr. Naveen, “It’s a major thing to put you on track, send you the enrollment forms, and give you a reminder to complete the form on time.” He continued, “on multiple occasions, I have asked some questions repetitively, and my Student Success Coach was very patient in explaining the whole process.”
Brad Simpson went through the MSHI Healthcare Analytics degree program while working a job that demanded frequent travel. “From a scheduling and lifestyle standpoint, an online learning option fits my life better than a traditional in-person school. I can study as I need to; for me, that often means an hour of studying most weeknights, and then really dedicating the weekends to it…I travel a lot for work, so being able to dictate where and how I study was one of the most important things,” he explained.
They’re two among many who have benefited from the flexibility and support offered by USF Health. Are you next?
