Health-care career grows, thanks to online Master of Health Studies
Transforming Lives: Learners of AU is an ongoing series where real students and alumni share how AU’s flexible online learning model made a difference in their lives and, in turn, the communities in which they live and work. Submit your story.
Athabasca University’s flexible, online learning model (AU) has helped me achieve my educational goals without having to sacrifice my career or hobbies.
When I graduated from my undergraduate program, I knew I wanted to continue my studies. But due to financial issues, I couldn’t afford to pursue a master’s degree like I wanted. I was sad to know that I wouldn’t be able to reach my educational goals but accepted that fact and began my amazing career with Canadian Blood Services.
AU’s flexibility ‘met all my needs’
Two years into my career, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I started experiencing some fatigue in my work. I work in health care and everything that I enjoyed about my career had changed drastically.
One night, I was window shopping for master’s programs, dreaming about starting my degree while knowing it wasn’t feasible in my situation. That’s when I came across AU, and I was elated to find a program that met all my needs.
“I was so excited to apply and continue my educational journey while also being able to advance my career and participate in hobbies.”
– Rachel Solomon, Master of Health Studies student
I was so excited to apply and continue my educational journey while also being able to advance my career and participate in hobbies.
Since starting AU’s Master of Health Studies program, I’ve been able to continue to grow my career with Canadian Blood Services. I earned a promotion by using what I’ve already learned in my program.
Time for work and hobbies
I’ve also been able to explore my passion for working out. I now work part-time at Goodlife Fitness, where I can really focus on my health and well-being. I was even supported my co-workers to run my first half-marathon this past October!
I have been able to keep up with a full-time job, part-time work, and my studies at AU without having to sacrifice any of my hobbies or interests. The flexibility that AU provides has been incredible and really helps to motivate me to better myself and reach my educational goals.
After my master’s, I hope to continue with my studies a degree through AU’s Doctor of Business Administration program, which can further help me advance my career.
“I am forever grateful to this university for helping me to achieve my goals and being supportive along the way. ”
I cannot say enough great things about Athabasca University. I am forever grateful to this university for helping me to achieve my goals and being supportive along the way. All of my professors have been incredible in making sure I have all the tools I need to succeed, and to be the best student possible!
Transforming Lives: Learners of AU
Read more profiles of AU students and grads in our series Transforming Lives: Learners of AU.