Online courses have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer the flexibility and convenience of studying from anywhere.
However, balancing a packed schedule as a health sector professional and online coursework for a health management course can be a challenge. It requires a certain level of organization, time management, and communication.
In this article, we will provide you with five tips that will help you plan better. This should help you balance your health sector career and a course that will help you advance your career graph. By following these guidelines, you can successfully balance your job with your studies and achieve your professional goals.
1. Select a Degree Linked to Your Work
If you are already working in the health sector, an MBA in Health Systems Management would help fast-track your career in the right direction. We suggest you take the first step towards advancing your career in the high-growth healthcare industry by browsing relevant online resources that will shed light on doing an MBA in health systems management.
A course related to your department will help you acquire new skills and knowledge directly applicable to your current profile. The course curriculum of Health Systems Management will let you stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field, which is crucial for your career growth.
Taking a course that is related to your work can help you qualify for promotions as a medical facility manager and open up new opportunities within your current organization. It can also help you demonstrate your commitment to your field and your desire to grow and develop professionally.
Once you are skilled enough to manage accounts, operations, and teams, you stand to get promoted to a managerial role from your existing one in the healthcare segment.
2. More Leverage with Hospitals
By gaining new skills and knowledge through a course related to your work in the health sector, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary or better compensation package with your current employer or find better-paying job opportunities.
For example, doctors’ salaries vary a lot depending on their specialization. The same is applicable to other professionals in the health sector. According to Salary.com, a specialist portal on compensation analysis, an emergency room physician in the US can earn anything between $330,000 to $362,000. The higher range accounts for those with higher degrees. Specialization always comes with a salary premium, especially for the health sector.
Taking a course related to your work can help you expand your network of health sector professionals. You will meet others in your field who can provide valuable insights, advice, and mentoring. Communicate with your classmates and stay active in online discussions to stay engaged with the material.
3. Optimize Time Management Using Technology
There are many apps and devices that will help you optimize your free time by helping you complete your coursework without missing out on work deadlines.
● Time Management Apps
Use apps like Todoist, Trello, or Asana to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and manage your tasks. These apps can help you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.
● Calendar Apps
Use apps like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook to create a schedule that includes time for work, coursework, and other responsibilities. You can also use these apps to set reminders for upcoming deadlines and appointments.
● Study Apps
Use apps like Quizlet, Anki, or Flashcards to help you study and review course material. These apps can help you make the most of your study time.
● Productivity Apps and Devices
Use apps like Forest, Freedom, or Cold Turkey to help you stay focused and avoid distractions. These apps can help you limit your use of social media, block websites, and set time limits on apps.
It is a well-known fact that schools in the United States have implemented policies placing restrictions on smartphone usage. The ability of smartphones to distract with frequent pings and popups often offsets their usefulness as a repository of useful information.
Different media channels, including CBS, have debated the smartphone restriction over the years. Till 2020, for example, 96% of schools had some kind of restriction in place, and 78% prohibited usage during class. As you start studying again while working, you should borrow a leaf from their books and start placing limits on your smartphone usage while you study.
There are devices that only give you notifications for critical calls and texts, helping you stay away from your mobile for a longer period. Maybe you should explore some of them now.
4. Set a Schedule
Designate specific times for work, coursework, and breaks, and stick to them as closely as possible. Make a list of tasks for the day and prioritize them based on importance and deadline. The five steps mentioned below can help you plan better.
- Start by identifying the specific days and times when you will be taking your online course, and make sure to block off that time on your calendar.
- Determine the amount of time you will need to devote to your coursework daily and weekly.
- Create a schedule that includes dedicated time for working on your course, as well as time for other responsibilities such as your job and other daily tasks.
- Make sure to include breaks in your schedule to give yourself time to rest and recharge.
- Prioritize your work and coursework, so you can be sure to complete your most important tasks first.
- Stick to your schedule as closely as possible, and make adjustments as necessary to find a balance that works for you.
5. Use Your Breaks Effectively
Use your break time to complete small tasks related to your course, such as reading or watching a video lecture. Be mindful of how you feel during your break and adjust it accordingly. It’s ok if you need more or less time. What’s important is to be able to come back to your work or study recharged and focused.
- Decide when you will take breaks and how long they will be. You could take a short 5-10 minute break every hour or a longer 30-minute break every few hours.
- Get up and stretch, go for a walk, or do some light exercise. This can help you refocus and stay energized.
- Use your breaks to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or talking to a friend. This can help you relax and come back to your work with a fresh perspective.
- Use your break time to actively plan, organize or prioritize what you want to achieve next. It will help you to resume your work or study with a clear mind and a plan.
In the United States, online education revenues are projected to be around $ 74.8 billion in 2023, according to Statista. The largest contribution of $ 70.23 billion to this forecasted revenue is supposed to come from Online University education. So, if you are exploring the possibility of doing an online course this year, you will have a plethora of options.
By following the tips provided in this article, you can set a schedule, prioritize tasks, use your breaks effectively, take advantage of technology, and communicate with your employer and classmates.
These strategies will help you stay organized and on task, allowing you to achieve your academic and professional goals. Remember to be flexible and patient with yourself, as it may take some time to find the right balance.
