In this Article
By: Anna Giorgi
Professional insights: Sean Craig
Whether you’re holding a part-time job to earn money for personal expenses, supplement tuition costs or gain related work experience, balancing part-time work with healthcare studies can be challenging. However, with a few practical skills and personal determination, you can gain more than financial benefits from managing the demands of part-time work and school.
Of course, it’s not unusual for a college student to hold a part-time job. About 43% of full-time undergraduate students and 81% of part-time students are employed, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, students pursuing a career in healthcare often have especially taxing academic schedules, which can increase demands on their time and efforts.
Challenges working healthcare students face
“Healthcare students face unique challenges balancing part-time work and studies due to the demanding nature of their field. Clinical rotations (if applicable) often have unpredictable schedules, making it hard to maintain consistent work hours. The intense academic workload, combined with taxing experiences in clinical or professional training settings, can lead to burnout,” said Sean Craig, MS, RD, faculty member in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global.
Healthcare students face unique challenges balancing part-time work and studies due to the demanding nature of their field.
In addition to time constraints, factors such as anxiety and stress related to the rigorous academic demands of healthcare degrees, can be physically and emotionally draining. “Healthcare students are held to high professional standards, which can add stress when working in related jobs. Often, healthcare focused programs have rigorous minimum academic standards that students must maintain at all times. Balancing all of this leaves little time for self-care, which is essential for avoiding burnout and staying resilient,” said Craig.
Ultimately, the planning and flexibility needed to manage a part-time job as a student in any healthcare career requires determination. “I recall a time during my own clinical rotations where I came down with some kind of viral bug around the holiday season. Unfortunately, time-off meant hours that went unfulfilled…. It’s a tough balancing act, but one that builds skills and resilience for the future,” affirmed Craig.
Prioritize time management
Having a part-time job while learning is a great way for healthcare students to gain instant experience in time management. Consider your academic and financial demands and establish realistic goals for meeting both types of responsibilities. Allow room for adjustments as these demands change and new ones emerge. Talk to your advisors and fellow students to learn what works best for others in similar situations.
“Healthcare students can tackle time management challenges by prioritizing organization and setting clear boundaries. Using tools like planners or apps to track schedules, deadlines and shifts can help them stay on top of their responsibilities. Communicating with employers about their academic commitments ensures flexibility when unexpected changes arise, like a shift in personal responsibilities,” said Craig.
Make sure you’re not stretched too thin by your commitments. Simple time management strategies can protect your physical and mental well-being, leaving you better equipped to keep up with both work and school. “On a more personalized note, focusing on self-care, such as getting enough rest and making time for relaxation, is key to avoiding burnout. Lastly, seeking support from peers (who are often facing similar challenges), mentors or advisors can provide guidance and help them navigate tough moments,” explained Craig.
Reduce your financial burdens
If your main goal in holding a part-time job is to pay your bills, look for ways to reduce your financial burden. Investigate financial aid options such as student loans. Check with your school and the federal government for applicable scholarships and grants. Investigate financial aid offered by professional organizations and local community groups. Many organizational scholarships are targeted for healthcare students to help grow the healthcare workforce.
Consider ways to reduce your personal costs so you’re not burdened with the need to work an unreasonable amount of time to pay basic living expenses. “Building a strong support network of peers, mentors and family can help students navigate these challenges while ensuring they don’t feel alone in the process. There’s no shame in leaning on the support of those who matter most for help! During my own master’s program and clinical Internship, I lived with my family, saving thousands in rent,” explained Craig.
Seek jobs that support your goals
While any type of job can help you earn valuable real-world experience, look for part-time jobs that will help you learn more about your intended career field. Doing so can expose you to professional opportunities you may not have considered. These types of jobs can also support and offer new perspectives to your studies.
“[The benefits you earn from part time work] can be entirely dependent on the scope of focus your program is having you work towards or what you intend to do in the future. Healthcare-related jobs such as CNA, phlebotomist, administrative work and health/hospital-focused dietary roles are all excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience within relevant areas. Additionally, there might be on-campus/ virtual positions focused on research assistants, tutoring roles or other positions that are both flexible and relevant to your academic goals,” said Craig.
Depending on the type of job you choose, you can gain transferable skills, make professional connections and earn experience that demonstrates your work ethic to future employers in all types of healthcare careers. Look for jobs that support your academic goals, have some flexibility and allow you to earn benefits beyond a paycheck.
“Of course there are benefits [to working a part-time job], but it doesn’t make this easy (or realistic) depending on your circumstances. Students working in healthcare-related roles gain practical experience and exposure to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of the field and reinforcing classroom learning,” said Craig. “With that being said, maintaining a part-time job as a healthcare student will unavoidably place additional strain on an already challenging balance of academic expectations and your availability as a sane person. Ideally, you find yourself in a role with somewhat flexible hours and or downtime can be utilized to multitask with outstanding readings, work or studying.”
Manage your expectations
For many healthcare students, working part-time is simply a necessary and non-negotiable part of their college experience. While it can seem daunting at times, know that managing these dual roles is not an impossible endeavor. “To all healthcare students navigating the challenges of time management while working a part-time job: first, know that you’re not alone. Many before you have walked this path and found ways to make it work. The key is to be intentional about how you spend your time and be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly,” said Craig.
Though it can be challenging to juggle multiple responsibilities while prioritizing your education, remember that your situation is temporary. “Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s from a mentor, a professor or even a friend who understands what you’re going through. Remember, the skills you’re building now, like resilience and prioritization, will serve you well in your career. You’ve chosen a demanding path, but it’s one with incredible rewards. Take it one step at a time and know that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way,” said Craig.
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