xRead - Outside the Box (March 2024) - Full Articles

Grigsby

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Diplomas announce the institution awarding the degree. Others may view it as announcing the quality of your degree. If you are going to invest (heavily) in completing the degree, does it not make sense to protect your investment by attending an accredited program?

CHOOSING A LEARNING FORMAT

Several years ago, completing one of these degrees required full-time matriculation including a period of on campus study. The MBA, MHA, MPH, and MPA continue to be offered in a traditional on-campus format, typically 2 years in duration. Most prac ticing psychiatrists do not have the freedom, or time, for 2 years of full-time study. Today, potential learners can pursue graduate study without having to enroll as full time students. Part-time, distance learning, online, and hybrid (online combined with a period of in-residence instruction) MBA, MHA, MPH, and MPA programs are now available. Accelerated executive programs for experienced health care leaders are becoming more common, especially for the MBA. These executive programs are shorter in duration, as are MMM degrees. The learning format may use online instruc tion, distance learning (videoconference), full-time in-residence learning formats, or some combination. For example, a portion of instruction may be offered using didactic lecture format through live video conference technology. Another portion is offered in self-directed learning online modules, and yet another portion is delivered using live onsite learning groups comprising individual learners who travel to a single location and spend limited time in-residence. Choosing a learning format is an important decision. If you have never experienced self-directed online learning, it may be unwise to choose a program that is offered only in that format. Online learning is not for everyone. Take a short course on a topic of interest before committing to a single format. Programs offering instruction on nights and weekends may leave you feeling like you have no time for rest and recovery if you are already employed full-time. Be certain you want to pursue a formal degree because it represents significant financial and personal sacrifice. If you are feeling ambivalent, then it is not the right time for pursuing advance leadership development at this level of intensity. Check references before enrolling in any advanced leadership training. Speak to per sons who have participated or are participating in specific programs. These individuals offer a better perspective than the program’s marketing materials. Try to speak with current participants and program alumni before committing to enrolling in any pro gram. If the program uses a traditional classroom-based approach, ask to sit in on a class or two. Think of yourself as an anthropologist or ethnographer who wants to better understand the nature and culture of the program. It is far better to learn about the program and its nuances before you are paying tuition. You do not want to find yourself immersed in the wrong program. It may be the “right” program for others, but others are not paying your tuition or doing the work required. BEFORE YOU MAKE A FINAL DECISION

CELEBRATING YOUR SUCCESS

Do not wait until you have completed the program to celebrate your success. Create milestones to track your progress, such as completing the first course or completing 1 year of study, and celebrate each time you pass one. If you are working with a learning team or cohort, celebrate together even if you are working in multiple