ONLINE DEGREE offers flexibility and opportunity for working mother

WORDS : BRYNN RAWLINGS PHOTOGRAPHY : JUSTIN EILER

Tina Hoff’s professional journey began in business. But it wasn’t the ful lling career she wanted. Now, several years — and two kids — later, North Dakota State University is helping Ho develop and perfect the skills necessary to succeed in nursing.

And she’s doing it completely online.

“NDSU has a great program,” Ho says. “Being able to earn my degree online was a driving factor for me going back to school. Working full time, having kids and enjoying other activities in life required that exibility.”

Ho knew she needed to go back to school to advance her career. Several colleagues told her that NDSU was the perfect place to earn a degree as a working professional. She’s studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while working full time as a clinical care leader of integrative medicine at Sanford Health.

Ho says being intentional with her schedule and receiving support from family helps her tackle the rigors of being a student and full-time employee.

Ho has already used her classroom knowledge in her job. When a group visit was scheduled for several patients, Ho utilized an article discussed in class to provide insight and emotional processing. Many of the patients reached back out to thank her for providing the resource.

“I try to incorporate the education I am getting so I can continuously keep it imbedded in my mind,” she says. “The professors are great. They apply real-life scenarios to their teaching, which is extremely important for retention and actually being able to translate concepts learned to what we do every day.”

It is a dream of Ho ’s to one day be a registered nurse educator or program developer, where she could o er integrative approaches to healing. She wants to make the holistic health and wellness option more accessible to both providers and patients.

Her nursing degree will provide a strong base to help fulfill that dream. Hoff encourages others to continue their education in pursuit of their goals, too.

“My kids and I have a lot of meaningful conversations about the importance of continuing your education and making that a priority, but also that it is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted,” she says.

Ho plans to graduate in spring 2022. She’s also considering pursuing a master’s degree.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: Now is a great time to work on your application essay! College application planning

Schedule your free consultation with us today!

ajkognos.com | 218-227-9925 | maya@ajkognosconsulting.info | @ajkognos

Mba

Our evening classes and valuable networking opportunities combine with affordability for a high-quality and convenient MBA experience.

Mba In Agribusiness

Pursue the full MBA degree or opt for one of our nine-month graduate certificate programs, offered in the following areas:

•Business Analytics

•Leadership and Managerial Skills

•Digital Marketing and Innovation

•Investments and Applied Portfolio Management

Ndsu Offers

87 master’s and 52 doctoral degree programs, as well as 21 certificate programs. Explore the opportunities available at NDSU by visiting ndsu.edu.