When envisioning your future as a college student in healthcare, you likely image hours spent sitting in lectures, participating in clinical training, and late-night study groups. However, as higher education continues to evolve, students have more opportunities to pursue their education through distance and online learning.
Colleges and universities have their own unique definitions of online and distance learning. For example, distance learning at Stafford Global is typically asynchronous, with no online face-to-face interactions with classmates and professors. But at the University of Connecticut, students enrolled in distance learning classes are expected to be present for synchronous classes and to actively participate through online platforms.
For healthcare students seeking a flexible education, it is common to have a hybrid curriculum that blends distance or online courses of typical didactic/theoretical learning and in-person clinicals at physical campuses, clinics, and hospitals.
Whether your education is primarily online or through distance learning, certain strategies can enhance your academic, personal, and professional success. Keep reading to discover the top four strategies to help you excel in your healthcare studies.
Build Strong Time Management Skills
The flexibility offered by online and distance education can be a double-edged sword for some students. On one hand, asynchronous coursework and the ability to study from anywhere can help you customize your study schedule to accommodate work, family, and social obligations. On the other hand, online classes can fall into the category of “out of sight, out of mind.” Without a time management plan, you may find yourself scrambling to meet deadlines. Besides being stressful, ineffective time management can prevent you from getting the most out of your coursework.
If you struggle with time management, it can be helpful to remember that time management is a skill that gets better with practice. To start, you might try scheduling study sessions on your calendar. Treat those study blocks the same way you’d treat an important meeting, and don’t reschedule under any circumstances. If you struggle to stay focused while studying, experiment with different focus techniques. The Pomodoro Technique is a great place to start.
There are many approaches to time management — make a point to experiment with different study strategies early on in your program to set yourself up for success.
Create a Productive Learning Environment
On-campus students have access to quiet libraries and attend classes in dedicated lecture halls. Virtual students need to be more creative. Having a comfortable work environment helps you stay focused and study efficiently, and your study environment has a huge impact on your ability to retain new information. Since learning and remembering new things is the goal, let’s consider how you can optimize your environment to maximize your learning potential.
If you already have a home office or dedicated workspace that you love, you are off to a great start. But most of us don’t have that luxury. Experiment with different places in your home and community to see what works best for you. Some students do best in a quiet, calm space; other students prefer the energy of a busy coffee shop.
Once you’ve found your ideal location, it’s time to consider other environmental factors. If you’re dealing with a distracting soundscape, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones may improve your learning environment. How’s the temperature in your space? It’s hard to focus when you are shivering or sweating. Consider adjusting your outfit, adding some layers, or (if possible) tweaking your thermostat for maximum comfort.
There are plenty of other factors to consider, including light, smell, and physical comfort. We recommend taking a few minutes to sit quietly in your chosen study environment. Ask yourself what is attracting your attention, causing a distraction, or making you feel uncomfortable, then consider how you can address the problem.
Establish Relationships with Peers & Professors
Online and distance learning can be lonely. This is especially true for asynchronous classes where you may not be interacting with your peers or professors in a meaningful way. Because it is more difficult to build relationships organically, you might not know who to turn to if you have questions about coursework or need to vent. Over time, this can lead to burnout or dissatisfaction with your program.
But don’t despair, we’ve got some strategies for you to try out. For starters, if you’re program offers on-campus residencies, orientations, or other events, do your best to attend. Having an initial face-to-face interaction can help make communicating online feel less awkward. Similarly, remote students can build connections by attending on-campus events or joining clubs if they live close by. If in-person visits aren’t an option, some schools offer online study groups for distance learners.
And don’t neglect building connections with your professors either. When you’re not interacting with your instructor regularly, it might feel like they are unavailable or uninterested in you. Your instructors are invested in your success and happy to help. If you’re struggling with coursework or have questions, reach out via email or make an appointment to meet virtually or in person. Remember, too, that the connections you build with your instructors matter after the semester ends. These are the people who can write letters of recommendation or serve as references, so the stronger your relationship, the better.
Set Personal Goals to Stay Motivated
Most online and distance classes have plenty of deadlines to help you stay on track. But, for many students, deadlines are a source of stress, not motivation. No matter how much you love your program or how committed you are to your post-graduation goals, school is going to feel like a slog sometimes. Having goals to focus on can help you get through the doldrums.
Not all goals need to be monumental. Small, achievable goals can help you through short-term slumps. Big, long-term goals help you keep your eyes on the prize. Whatever the scale, experiment with a few goal setting strategies to see what works for you. One way is to associate goals with rewards. For example, maybe you can treat yourself to a fancy coffee as a reward for studying hard enough to ace an important exam. On a larger scale, you might motivate yourself to hit the books by focusing on a scholarship you hope to earn next semester.
For big or complicated goals, consider setting a SMART goal. SMART goals have five key characteristics: they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. So, a goal of “I want to do well in my classes” isn’t going to cut it. Instead, you might say “I want to earn a 3.7 GPA this semester, and here is how I’ll make it happen.” When your goals are SMART, you’ll be able to see a clear connection between the work you are doing now and your ideal long-term outcome.
