On Track for Three Degrees with the Flexibility of an Online Masters 

Riley Beach came to Iowa State with two goals: prepare for physical therapy school and continue her athletic career as a collegiate runner. With the flexibility of an online master’s program, Riley took her future into her hands and ran with it.

As a senior in the kinesiology and health department, Riley was looking to strengthen her medical school application while gaining career-ready skills. That’s when she found the online master of digital health program.

“I had a really unique opportunity to take a fifth year of eligibility for cross-country and track here at Iowa State. I wanted to find a program that could fit with my really hectic schedule of traveling (for meets), and still align really well with my goals of becoming a physical therapist. The second I heard about digital health, I knew it was a perfect fit.”

By dual-enrolling in the online master’s program during the last semester of her senior year, Riley stayed on track to finish her degrees, get a head start on the advanced skills today’s healthcare employers demand, and fully complete the year and a half of eligibility she had left of her athletic career.

“I’m trying to minimize the number of years that I’m in school, already being in it for so many, the natural flexibility of the program would allow me to continue my undergraduate education while starting my master’s to graduate on time.”

Digital health is a growing field that combines cutting-edge technology with data analytics for a more personalized patient experience, while transforming the way healthcare is delivered to patients. The online digital health master’s program is setting Riley up for success in her next step as a physical therapist in a future where digital innovations are central to patient care.

“The most applicable skill that I have found throughout the program is the ability to critically appraise the digital health technology, really understanding what the funding looks like, how much it’s going to cost, as well as the quality of the device.”

As Riley nears completion of her master’s degree, she’s preparing her application for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program—armed with real-world experience from Iowa State’s digital health curriculum.

“I’ve been able to select topics for the projects or discussions that I’m involved in that directly relate to my future interests in physical therapy, catering to my interests while still learning about digital health holistically.”

From wearables to telemedicine to artificial intelligence, digital health innovations are reshaping healthcare jobs and creating demand for professionals who can evaluate and implement them. Iowa State’s digital health master’s program gives students like Riley the chance to learn from faculty who are engaging in the very research that’s expanding the digital health landscape.

The fully online master of digital health program can be completed in as little as one year. With foundational courses that lay the groundwork of research methods and health technologies and a fully customizable capstone experience – this degree of the future can be a tailored next step for individuals ready to embrace the future of healthcare.

Find your next with flexible, convenient, high-quality education now

Take the next step and learn about Iowa State University’s innovative online programs. They are designed to meet the needs of mid-career professionals seeking to advance their careers. With flexible, data-driven online programs and a supportive community, you are empowered to achieve your next professional goal.