Earning a PhD in Health Services online has many advantages. When you attend an online university like Walden, you can earn your degree on a schedule that is designed for those working full time. Some of the benefits include:

• Flexibility and structure: Programs that are offered online are still structured, with weekly assignments, participation, and due dates; however, within the program’s structure, you have the freedom to choose participation times that best sync with your schedule.
• A global perspective: When you are part of a global virtual classroom, you’re learning alongside students who bring diverse perspectives, insights into other cultures, and problem-solving approaches that can inform your own approaches to healthcare issues.
• Asynchronous discussions: Coordinating schedules with classmates and faculty members to have real-time discussions can be frustrating in a traditional classroom setting. With online learning, discussions aren’t cut off when the bell rings. Interactive online tools allow you to add to conversations when your ideas are formulated and to follow discussions when it’s most convenient.
• Support when you need it: Walden’s suite of student services puts success at your fingertips. You will find 24/7 tech support, writing services, online research tools, tutorials, webinars, help identifying research funding, and much more.

At Walden, you can choose from an array of program specializations to tailor your studies to your experience, goals, and interests. In addition to a Self-Designed option, students can choose from specializations in Community Health, Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Public Health Policy. Should you choose the Self-Designed option, you can select from a wide range of courses to match your interests and career goals. Walden also offers and accelerated program to students who hold a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). This option recognizes your past coursework and provides a shorter path to completing your PhD in Health Services.

Procrastination can get the best of many of us when it comes to competing a dissertation or capstone project. So, how can you position yourself for success during your PhD in Health Services program? Consider these best practices:

• Work with a mentor if you’re not already doing so.
• Set deadlines for yourself.
• Create an accountability chart.
• Split up larger tasks into smaller ones.
• Partner with another student and encourage each other’s work.
• Never hesitate to use the resources supplied by your university. Most good ones have student support services for doctoral students.
• Don’t multitask—just handle one task at a time.

When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for more than 50 years. When other universities struggled to transition to virtual learning during COVID-19, Walden University did not waver. Now more than ever, working professionals need online access and an accredited university that enables them to achieve success and receive the support they need—from the time they enroll, to graduation and beyond.

Academic residencies, skills labs, and pre-practica are face-to-face or virtual learning experiences that align with your online coursework to enhance your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for most PhD programs—including Walden’s PhD in Health Services—residencies also provide students with the opportunity to collaborate and network with other students, staff, and faculty members.