Are you considering earning a master’s in healthcare administration while working? Studying and working full-time presents challenges, but it also offers significant benefits: you’ll keep earning and advancing in your career while you study, and you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn to real-world situations.
Online degree programs make it easier than ever to pursue a graduate degree as a working professional, offering convenient options to enhance your academic and career opportunities. Boston College’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), for example, caters to working professionals with an asynchronous online format that offers flexibility in scheduling study time; seven-week terms enhance flexibility by offering students more options per school year. This article provides tips to help online MHA students effectively balance school, work, and life.
Complete Your MHA Degree on Your Timeline
Finish in 1-2 Years or Take Longer If Needed
Set and Communicate Your Boundaries
Effective time and physical space boundaries are critical to successfully balancing your studies with other commitments. It’s a good idea to designate a specific study space in your home, such as a dedicated room or a spot at the kitchen table. If your space at home is not conductive for studying, you may want to consider alternative settings such as a library or coffee shop.
Once you’ve identified a study space, ask those you live with to respect your boundaries. Ask not to be interrupted during specified hours or when the door to your study space is closed.
Stay Organized and On Track
Time management and big-picture organization will help you schedule work and keep track of deadlines. Everyone has their own time management and organizational style, so you may need to experiment to find what works for you. Consider these tips to get started:
- Use a planner or digital calendar: Track your assignment deadlines, class schedules, and exams in a planner or digital calendar to visualize your commitments and plan accordingly.
- Make to-do lists: Use apps like Todoist, Trello, or Asana (or pen and paper) to create daily or weekly to-do lists.
- Use organizational tools: Apps like Evernote or OneNote and digital file storage services like Google Drive can help you keep your notes, research, and resources in one place. Alternatively, you can keep your notes and course materials in a physical folder or binder.
Identify Your Support Network
A solid support network can help you navigate the challenges of studying while working full-time. Inventory your family and friends to identify who you can lean on in times of need. Your friends and family can support you in reaching your goal in many ways: by sending supportive messages, running errands, or babysitting while you study.
Enlist an Accountability Partner
Ask a friend or family member to serve as your accountability buddy. An accountability buddy is a partner who helps you stay on track with your goals through regular check-ins, providing vital encouragement and motivation. This person doesn’t need to be a colleague or classmate; anyone committed to helping you stay focused and motivated can fulfill this role.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself keeps you healthy, focused, and balanced, enabling you to succeed in work and school. Making self-care a priority can also help you manage stress and avoid burnout. If you currently work in a stressful environment—such as healthcare—practicing self-care becomes even more essential as you take on this new challenge. The self-care practices you develop while studying will benefit you throughout your career.
Consider these methods for practicing self-care:
- Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours each night to recharge your body and mind.
- Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or any exercise you enjoy.
- Eat nutritious foods: Fuel your body with balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Practice mindfulness: Engage in meditation, deep breathing, or other mindfulness practices to reduce stress.
- Pursue hobbies: Schedule time for activities that help you relax, such as playing games, reading, or drawing.
Get Help When and Where You Need It
Remember that you can ask for help at school, work, or home. Lean on your personal support network when needed and explore any support resources your employer offers, like counseling during stressful periods.
The BC Woods College of Advancing Studies was founded to meet the needs of working students. As an online MHA student, you can access individualized support and guidance from program leaders and faculty during online office hours.
Take the Next Step: Apply to the Boston College MHA Today
If you’re considering returning to school while working full-time, know that BC provides you with the support to succeed. Set up a one-on-one call with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the BC Woods online MHA program and receive personalized advice. If you’re ready to proceed, start (or continue) your application now.