The healthcare sector is easily one of the most attractive industries for anyone who is both career-driven and caring towards others. After all, there is no greater reward than saving or changing lives for the better. 

However, before you can help patients, healthcare specialists must first learn to help themselves. Education is the foundation for long-term success within arguably the most stable global industry. Thanks to courses like the Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne Online, it is now possible for healthcare workers to level up their careers from the comfort of home.

But is this an effective solution and is the University of Melbourne the right choice of facilitator? Here’s all you need to know.

What is the University of Melbourne Online?

The University of Melbourne has been Australia’s leading university for over 160 years, supporting students from across the country and beyond with world-class education. It has consistently united the brightest minds to solve global challenges, with staff and students contributing to its reputation of being a thought-leader in its field. Its online portal sets out to “reimagine the online learning experience for busy working professionals” and places a huge emphasis on the healthcare sector.

It isn’t the only university to offer remote-based or distant learning that ultimately removes geographical barriers and encourages students to join a vibrant community regardless of location. However, as a globally-renowned Higher Education institute, the University of Melbourne is led by world-leading academics. It has combined innovative curricula, collaboration, and cutting-edge research to empower students as they look to develop new skills.

The university’s approach to digital learning is designed to give students control and immediate impact. Its focus on the healthcare sector is underlined by its offering of a Master in Public Health, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Health. The institution also runs a Master of Education course that promotes several transferable skills.

Who are the Public Health online courses aimed at?

The healthcare sector is very broad, and a Master of Public Health degree isn’t aimed at everyone. Traditional doctors, nurses, and carers will need to complete qualifications in those specific areas. In truth, on-site training with a practical element is the most likely solution here.

However, a Master of Public Health can support healthcare specialists follow several pathways, such as;

• Health Education and Development Leader
• Nursing Director/Team Lead
• Health Director
• Public Health Researcher
• NGO Manager
• Policy Adviser
• Government Adviser
• Industry/Professional Association Adviser.

A Graduate Certificate in Public Health will also lead students towards the same career outcomes. 

In addition to appreciating the outcomes of online Public Health studies, prospective students should know the entry requirements. Generally, candidates will already have an undergraduate degree in Public Health. However, degrees in other fields can be used if combined with the appropriate level of full-time work experience. 

What do students learn?

The qualification (and the doors it unlocks) will always provide an incentive for relevant parties. Nonetheless, understanding the content of the course is another key step that will influence a student’s decision. 

A Master of Public Health can cover different topics depending on the choice of school or university. The University of Melbourne covers the following;

• Foundations of Public Health
• Prioritising and Planning in Public Health
• Epidemiology 1
• Biostatistics
• Public Health Leadership and Management
• Qualitative Research in Public Health
• Practice of Public Health Leadership
• Health System Transformation
• Health Economics 1
• Introduction to Economic Evaluation
• Comparative Health Systems
• Health Program Evaluation 1
• Regression Methods in Health Research
• Advancing Health Equity
• Health Policy
• Public Health Project

Why would healthcare experts consider online study?

As well as finding the right course to continue their development within the healthcare sector, individuals must focus heavily on the right type of study. We have now entered an era where digital interactions support us in many aspects of life, ranging from home workout routines to cooking. It should be no surprise that online channels can also be used for study purposes.

Any healthcare working aspiring to take their career to the next level may see many incentives for choosing online study, including but not limited to;

• Gain an education from a world-class university without relocation.
• Save money on travel or relocation while also reducing course fees.
• Build a schedule for study that fits around their lifestyle – and potential shift patterns.
• Spread the course out to a 24-month duration, thus removing some pressure.
• Continue to earn money and work a full-time job.

Studying from home does present some challenges too, not least in building a suitable workspace and avoiding distractions. For healthcare workers who are serious about taking the next step without causing disruptions in their personal or professional life, though, this is an attractive option. 

Is the University of Melbourne a Good Place to Study?

When looking to take the next step in their educational journeys, students should ask three main questions;

• Is it the right course?
• Does the method of study suit me?
• Is it the right choice of academic institute?

If completing a Master of Public Health degree online is the logical step, the University of Melbourne is at least a shortlist contender. For starters, simply having a qualification from a leading university instantly brings gravitas to an individual’s work resume.

Moreover, the University of Melbourne does offer campus-based courses including the Master of Public Health. And it has done so for many years. In other words, students can be confident that they will receive a world-class education that prepares them for the next phase of their career.

So, is it worth it?

Honestly, choosing a degree is a massive decision that impacts your finances, lifestyle, and prospects. Ultimately, it would be impossible to find a course that is right for everyone, even if you narrow it down to people in the healthcare sector.

But if you are an undergraduate degree holder looking for a cost-effective and convenient way to take the next career step without sacrificing your current job, a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne Online could be an ideal solution. Talk to the course admins for further information, and you should soon find your answer one way or the other.