What New MS in Biomedicine Students Should Expect

As with all new experiences in life, the unknown causes both excitement and a bit of uneasiness. Realizing the stress new students are under as they relocate to EMU and take on more rigorous studies to reach their goal of becoming a healthcare provider, our MS in Biomed program strives to make the transition as smooth as possible. An afternoon orientation and evening meal with returning students serves to not only inform our students about the university and program services but to make early connections with their peers. New students can look to returning students for advice on study tips and techniques, time management, and how to navigate the EMU culture. Our students quickly learn that faculty are accessible and eager to contribute to their success. Finding a balance between study and play is important to our student’s health, and our program social coordinator plans events to help students unwind. As the semester progresses, students are made aware of informational sessions about the required cross culture experience, the intensity of summer courses, and preparing to apply to professional health schools. And although feeling overwhelmed at the beginning of the first semester is quite normal, we remind our new students that they are not alone on this part of their journey; we are here to support and encourage them along the way.

Creating New Study Habits

As the intensity and rigor of study increases from undergraduate to graduate studies, students must adapt to be successful. Being aware of and preparing for these challenges is the first step in making the adjustment. We encourage students to prioritize a balanced life by making sure they get enough rest, exercise, and eat healthily. Time management is an important skill for life, and strengthening it during graduate school is to their advantage. Studying to learn is key, and although memorization is also important, building a strong foundation of knowledge to build upon will ensure subsequent course work will be learned and absorbed easily. Students should explore study styles that work for them whether it be a group or individual study, flash cards, typing class notes, etc. Asking peers how they study can bring new ideas that are beneficial. By creating new study habits, students can reduce their stress and enjoy their courses. Hopefully taking these new skills with them into professional health school.

Making Connections

If you search Google for the definition of networking, one result you will find is, “interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career.” We encourage our students to begin the practice of networking during their first fall semester. In September, many graduate programs, including professional health programs, come to Harrisonburg for the Graduate and Professional School Fair at JMU (September 24, 2019, 3-6 pm). EMU partners with other valley colleges and universities to host the program held at JMU. Attending this fair to learn more about programs, ask questions, and build relationships with admissions counselors is very beneficial in becoming a competitive applicant to many schools. Professional health programs look favorably on applicants who have taken the time to research programs to determine where the best fit is to further their education.

Additionally, we invite a number of programs to campus to meet for presentations and meet our students in a more intimate setting. This is an exceptional way to learn even more about programs. Students are also encouraged to visit a number of campus they are especially interested in to get a sense of the culture where they may wish to study. Making connections is a skill that is often used throughout one’s career, and it is never too early to start.