b'|CAREERSdiverse, rural, and underserved communi- mortar college setting. The school works in a lot of ways to get people ties appeals to Smith now as it did during herThe instructors enthusiasm propelled meengaged. Ive established more personal rela-post-masters work. When I look at my timeforward, she summarized. They felt like col- tionships through (Frontier) than I did even at the University of Cincinnati, which is suchleaguesthey were supportive, offered guid- back when I was getting my bachelors degree.a big school I decided I wanted somethinganceI felt like they were really invested inThe experience through Frontier and her smaller, more intimate, she related. my success. post-masters work carries into Smiths job at Before applying for her post-masters work,Despite the online nature of the program,Southeastern, where she encounters patients in Smith hadnt even heard of Frontier Nursingthere were group discussions and other ele- mental health who need support and encour-University. Headquartered in Hyden, KY, thements of the program that had to be com- agement. She feels shes sufficiently trained and school has received recognition from U.S.pleted live. But the scheduling was flexiblewell-grounded to offer such an experienceNews and World Report in national rankingsenough to allow someone like Smith, work- and now, shes furthering her training.among nurse-midwifery and family nurseing full-time, the ability to fulfill all herI never thought I would go right into my practitioner programs. obligations. doctoratebut I did, she concluded. I fig-I looked into their board passing rates, theirFrontier understood peoples schedules,ured Id do that when I was older, but my history, said Smith, and I knew I plannedand theyd offer these opportunities at mul- experience with the post-masters work was to stay in a rural-type setting. Given every- tiple times, she recalled. My instructorsincredible. I just kept on going.nthing they stand for in terms of advocatingwould hold a class at 8 or 9 p.m. to accommo-for access to healthcare servicesthat reallydate schedules. Rob Senior has more than 15 years of expe-attracted me to the program. With only 21 students in her class, Smithrience covering, writing and editing industry The distance wasnt a factor either, as Smithwas able to attain the intimate setting shenews and content specific to the healthcare took her courses online at home in Northdesired without sacrificing any ability to makecommunity and more than 10 years work-Carolinayet felt that she was able to buildfriends. It was an online program, yet I stilling for ADVANCE Healthcare Network. Rob the same relationships with professors andhave friends and classmates who I commu- Senior can be reached directly at rsenior@classmates that she could have at a brick-and- nicate with on a regular basis, she explained.advanceweb.com.Believe.Begin.Become. Become a leader in healthcare. Offering masters and doctoral degrees for nurses. Specialties OfferedNurse-Midwife|Family Nurse PractitionerLearn more at:Womens Health Care NP|Psychiatric-Mental Health NP frontier.edu/elitewww.elitecme.com |2019| MENTAL HEALTH 19'