How AU helped me achieve work-life-education balance in health care

Embracing flexibility for busy lives

Traditional brick-and-mortar programs often pose challenges for those seeking graduate studies in health care. Online learning at Athabasca University was a game-changer for me that redefines the meaning of flexibility in education. It became the only option for my busy life.

Online graduate studies at AU provided a level of adaptability that traditional graduate nursing programs simply cannot match. During my search for graduate studies, there was no other program in the country that provided the flexibility offered by AU.

No longer bound by rigid schedules or geographical constraints, AU offers the freedom to tailor academic pursuits around unique lifestyles such as those in health care.

Whether it’s participating in lectures during a lunch break, engaging in discussions after putting the kids to bed, working around intense shift schedules, or submitting assignments at the optimal time for personal productivity, the online platform accommodates diverse schedules with unparalleled ease.

When I began my education at AU, I was balancing three roles in nursing. No other university offers programs that work around this type of schedule.

Achieving educational aspirations without sacrifices

The pursuit of advanced education should not require sacrificing personal and professional commitments.

Online learning at AU bridges the gap between academic aspirations and real-life responsibilities, allowing individuals to advance their knowledge and skills without compromising other crucial facets of their lives, including financial needs.

This is incredibly important in the field of advanced nursing degrees. Many nursing graduate programs are not designed to work with experienced nurses that have families and/or jobs they need or love. The ability to manage coursework from virtually anywhere ensures that education fits seamlessly into the existing tapestry of one’s life.

Family life is an integral part of the learning journey

Online graduate studies foster an environment where family life becomes an integral part of the learning journey rather than an obstacle to overcome.

Depending on personal and family needs, an AU student has the flexibility to choose which semesters every year work best for their lives.

This was an incredible benefit with growing children whose needs changed semester to semester. Integration and opportunity for choice creates a holistic approach to education.

Personal growth and workplace synergy

In the quest for higher education in nursing, personal growth should not be overlooked. Online graduate studies at AU afford the opportunity to pursue academic excellence while nurturing personal interests and seamless integration of professional passions.

Balance, real life application, and the ability to pursue what a student is passionate about can only be achieved through flexible online learning from Athabasca University. This approach mirrors aspects of nursing and supports a healthier, happier health-care system.

A testament to the power of adaptability

In the narrative of one’s educational journey, the story of achieving work-life-education balance through online graduate studies at AU is a testament to the power of adaptability.

Health care is all about adaptability, growth, balance, and pursuing excellence. AU allows the opportunity for me and many others in the Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program to achieve this balance.

The future of education needs to be harmonious with the diverse tapestry of human experiences. Athabasca University understands this. What an incredible investment in our nationwide health care, thank you AU!

Transforming Lives: Learners of AU

Read more profiles of AU students and grads in our series Transforming Lives: Learners of AU.