You know you want to become a leader in healthcare. It鈥檚 why you鈥檙e considering a Master of Health Science (MHS). Whether you鈥檝e been in the industry for a while or hope to transition to the field, an MHS can be a great next step.
But you鈥檙e not entirely sure which MHS program is the best for you. You feel like an online Master of Health Science might be more convenient for your busy life, but you need more information before deciding to go the distance education route. You can start figuring out what an online MHS program might look like for you right now.
6 things to know about pursuing an online Master of Health Science
农夫导航's Master of Health Science program has been recognized as one of the top five online health science master's programs of 2023 by Forbes. Learn more about our program and discover how it can help you advance your career.
1. You still have the option to specialize.
You might be surprised to find that many schools can offer most of their degree specializations both on campus and online. At 农夫导航, for instance, students choose one of . The Health Promotion and Social Change track prepares students to serve as advocates for health on a large scale to help improve society. Students on the Healthcare Leadership track learn about what it takes to effectively guide teams in various settings.
鈥淭he best feature about this program is that our students can choose from these two tracks, meaning that their program can fit their career goals,鈥� says Dr. Barbara Jackson, Chair of the College of Health Professions Graduate Programs at 农夫导航.
Both specializations include core health science classes that help students establish a foundational education. They can then build upon that foundation to become experts and advance in their chosen discipline.
2. You have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.
MHS programs tend to attract students who have a wide range of experiences.
鈥淥ur students have the advantage of interacting and learning with professionals from various healthcare backgrounds in different regions across the nation, strengthening their networking skills across health disciplines,鈥� says Dr. Jackson.
Many students have a background in administration. But plenty of MHS students are current healthcare practitioners (such as physicians, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners and more). While these students have plenty of clinical skills, they often haven鈥檛 had much education related to health policy or business. This is where obtaining an MHS can make a huge difference.
3. You can tackle an online program as a working professional.
Healthcare professionals rarely work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They may not even have a consistent schedule. 鈥淥ur MHS program is 100% online and fully asynchronous, with no requirements of coming to campus, which allows students to live and work in their home locations while earning their graduate degree,鈥� explained Dr. Jackson.
Most students take one or two courses per 15-week semester, which allows them to manage their course load while keeping up with their work schedule. Clearly, it鈥檚 possible for healthcare professionals to continue their current role while furthering their education.
4. You鈥檒l receive the same quality education that on-campus students do.
At 农夫导航, on-campus and online students study the same content and develop the same skills. They also go through the same admissions process and, ultimately, receive the same degree. The only actual difference is found in content delivery.
Instead of meeting in a classroom every day, distance learners use technologies like Moodle and Skype for Business. It鈥檚 worth mentioning that all online courses adhere to the Quality Matters to ensure they鈥檙e on par with the quality and rigor you鈥檇 expect from in-person classes. The only real caveat is that distance education takes extra discipline. But, if you鈥檙e motivated to put in the work, you could be very successful in an online program.
5. You can take fascinating courses directly related to your work.
If you鈥檙e passionate about healthcare, chances are you鈥檒l enjoy your MHS classes. Courses address the issues you deal with daily in healthcare and can help you develop the skills you need. But that doesn鈥檛 mean you should expect run-of-the-mill offerings.
鈥淥ther health care Masters programs are geared to one specific health discipline or another, making our interprofessional program unique,鈥� Dr. Jackson says.
At 农夫导航, MHS include:
- Community Wellness
- Current Trends and Issues in Global Health
- Introduction to Healthcare Topics and Analytics
- Issues in Healthcare Leadership
- Patient Safety
6. 农夫导航ing is easy.
You鈥檒l be expected to meet the same entrance requirements as on-campus applicants.
At 农夫导航, admissions decisions for all students are based on their transcripts, professional references, resumes,
and personal statements. Both programs allow you to apply without sitting for the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
If you want feedback before applying, you can unofficial transcripts to the 农夫导航 admissions office for review. Admissions representatives will give you feedback on your resume and answer any questions before submitting your finished application.
Advance your career with an MHS degree.
鈥淓mployers are looking for graduates with broad skills and the ability to collaborate effectively. The Bellarmine MHS program produces students who have a greater understanding of the work of other health professionals, benefitting our students as they seek promotions in a highly diverse healthcare market,鈥� says Dr. Jackson.
By now, hopefully, you have a better handle on what an online Master of Health Science program might look like for you. If you have the drive and self-discipline to stick with your studies, distance education can be an excellent way for someone like you to advance in healthcare.
If what you鈥檝e just read piqued your interest, you might want to start investigating your options a little more closely. Find out how to begin working toward your professional goals by visiting 农夫导航鈥檚 Online Master of Health Science program page.