When you imagine a career in healthcare, do you picture working in a fast-paced hospital with crowded waiting rooms and constant interruptions? While those jobs exist, not every role is like that. Many healthcare careers offer quieter environments, structured settings, and one-on-one interactions with patients.

In this article, we’ll go over 5 careers for introverts in healthcare that may align well with your natural strengths and personality.

5 of the Best Healthcare Jobs for Introverts

Introverts have many valuable traits they can bring to the healthcare field, like critical thinking, active listening, and empathy. Here are 5 of the best careers for introverts in healthcare:

1. Health Information Technologist

If you enjoy problem solving and data analysis, you may do well in a technology-focused healthcare role. help organizations develop and manage digital health systems. They also analyze clinical data to make recommendations on how organizations can improve the delivery of care.

This role involves working behind the scenes. Instead of spending your day with patients, you’ll focus on reviewing data and maintaining technical systems. While you may collaborate on projects with other team members, much of your work will be done independently.

Health information technologists need an in-depth knowledge of health information systems and excellent problem-solving skills. To , earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in health information management or healthcare administration.

°Â°ä±«â€™s Master of Health Administration – Informatics track offers specialized coursework in healthcare systems, analytics, and data management. It can be completed in as few as 8 months at an Accelerated Plus pace.

2. Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathology may be a good career path if you prefer one-on-one conversations over busy clinical environments. A helps patients improve their communication or overcome challenges, such as difficulty with swallowing. These professionals assess patients’ speech, language, or cognitive communication issues and develop personalized treatment plans to address those problems.

Speech-language pathologists often work with patients individually over multiple sessions, which can allow you to build trust and develop meaningful relationships. This career also requires you to listen carefully and observe patients closely, which are qualities that many introverts naturally have.

Becoming a speech-language pathologist involves earning a master’s degree and becoming licensed in your state. While most graduate programs take 2 years to complete, °Â°ä±«â€™s online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program can be done in as little as 20 months.

3. Dental Hygienist

Do you enjoy organized routines and focused conversations? Consider a career in dental hygiene. A helps patients care for their teeth. They perform cleanings, take X-rays, and educate patients about healthy oral hygiene habits.

Dental hygienists interact with patients throughout the day, but these interactions mostly occur in structured, predictable environments. You’ll see one patient at a time and follow a standard routine for appointments. Between appointments, you may also have time to recharge as you update records and prepare exam rooms for the next patient.

To become a dental hygienist, start by earning a degree in dental hygiene. You’ll also need to become licensed in the state where you work. °Â°ä±«â€™s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program can help prepare you for this career with a comprehensive curriculum and clinical training at an on-campus clinic. It takes approximately 34 months to complete.

4. Occupational Therapist

If you want to help people overcome challenges through individualized care, occupational therapy can be a rewarding career path. help patients develop or improve the skills they need to live independently. These healthcare professionals work with people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that affect their daily lives.

Occupational therapists often work with patients in one-on-one or small group settings. In these environments, you’ll observe patients to determine the best therapeutic treatments for their needs. Many occupational therapists work with the same patients consistently, which can help you form deep relationships with the people you’re helping.

If you want to become an occupational therapist, you’ll need to earn a graduate degree in occupational therapy. You can then take a qualifying exam to become licensed. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at WCU-Los Angeles allows you to earn your graduate degree in approximately 24 months.

5. Health Services Manager

If you prefer planning and strategy over direct patient care, health services management may be the right healthcare career for you. This role involves overseeing the operational side of healthcare facilities. help coordinate services, plan budgets, structure teams, and meet organizational goals.

If you naturally have strong organization and research skills, you may thrive in health services management. You’ll use your strengths to review data, evaluate policies, and implement improvements that directly impact healthcare facilities. It’s a role that can allow you to contribute to patient care without working with patients all day long.

To , start by earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. In this degree program, you can expect to learn about healthcare operations, financial management, and policy development.

°Â°ä±«â€™s Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program offers specialized tracks in finance or strategic management, depending on your interests and career goals. It’s a fully online program that can be completed in as little as 40 months at an Accelerated pace.

Explore Programs That Fit Your Personality at şěĚŇ´«Ă˝

If you’re an introvert, there are many careers in healthcare that fit your personality and strengths. Whether you’re interested in technology, administration, or patient care, there’s a place for you in the healthcare field.

Interested in exploring more careers for introverts in healthcare? şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ offers a variety of programs in healthcare administration, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, dental hygiene, and more. Reach out today to schedule an information session and take the next step toward your future career in healthcare!

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After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, Freddy H. knew he wanted a career in the dental field. There was just one problem: The Marine Corps is the only branch without its own dental or medical program.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy said. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

The transition wasn’t immediate. Freddy left the military in 2019, taking a year to find the right program. He completed online coursework with other schools while overseas, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he enrolled in şěĚŇ´«Ă˝â€™s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program in Orange County.

West Coast’s accelerated format was a deciding factor. “Other programs took a little longer to get in,” he said. “With West Coast, you go into general education and go straight into the actual program itself.”

The program was Freddy’s first in-person college experience, and he adapted quickly — thanks in part to °Â°ä±«â€™s hands-on approach. “At West Coast, they do provide simulation for every student. It’s a pretty good experience, especially with hands-on. And then of course we have the clinical aspects as well, with dental hygiene having their own facility out of the Manchester campus,” he said.

Freddy’s motivation came from being a first-generation college student and making his parents proud. “That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Looking back, he wished he had started sooner. “I probably would have started the program a long time ago … and I would have got my bachelor’s degree way faster,” Freddy admitted. “But as long as I did it, I still accomplished it. That’s the main goal.”

For future students, Freddy recommends dental hygiene for those who want a career between dental assisting and dentistry. “If you want to get into the dental field like dental hygiene, I would definitely recommend it,” he said. “West Coast does prepare you. It is a rigorous program. They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing.”

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Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother’s battle with cancer, but recent şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she said.

After spending the past 12 years working as a dental assistant while slowly chipping away at her coursework, earning her bachelor of science in dental hygiene from WCU-Orange County was the culmination of more than a decade of dedication to the dental field.

Her decision to join West Coast came after encouragement from a şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ graduate she met at a clinic. “There’s no time like now to… finish my degree and do dental hygiene,” she recalled. While she considered other programs, şěĚŇ´«Ă˝â€™s accelerated format and bachelor’s degree option aligned perfectly with her long-term ambitions.

Bianca praised the program’s hands-on approach, including simulation stations that mimicked real dental hygiene stations. “It was kind of like having our own little practice… we were able to cultivate our own environment in that cohesive unit,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, she embraced °Â°ä±«â€™s community service focus. She participated in outreach through the Elimination Foundation, Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveled to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need. “Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community… and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Her advice to future dental hygiene students is straightforward: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.”

Bianca already has a job lined up and plans to expand her career into military service as a dental hygienist in the reserves. Her long-term vision includes earning her RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

“It’s a milestone,” she said. “It took several years to get here, but I’m blessed with this opportunity — and I’m ready for what’s next.”

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October marks National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to celebrate the professionals who work tirelessly to promote oral health and preventive care in our communities. At WCU-Orange County, two recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program — Bianca C. and Freddy H. — are stepping into this important role with inspiring stories of perseverance, service, and ambition.

For Bianca, crossing the stage at the Honda Center was the culmination of more than a decade of persistence. After spending 12 years working as a dental assistant, she finally realized her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Her journey wasn’t without challenges — including supporting her mother during a battle with cancer — but she never wavered in her commitment.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she reflected.

Encouraged by a şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ graduate she once met in a clinic, Bianca chose şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ for its accelerated format and bachelor’s degree pathway, which aligned perfectly with her long-term goals.

Bianca credits °Â°ä±«â€™s hands-on learning environment for preparing her to thrive in the field. The simulation stations, she said, felt like running their own small dental practice, while the clinical experience taught her to work with confidence and precision. Beyond the classroom, she also embraced °Â°ä±«â€™s focus on giving back, volunteering with the Elimination Foundation, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveling to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need.

“Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Looking ahead, she is preparing to serve as a dental hygienist in the military reserves while also pursuing long-term goals of earning her RDHAP credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

Like Bianca, Freddy took a unique path into dental hygiene. After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the dental field — though the Marine Corps itself doesn’t offer dental or medical programs.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy recalled. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

His transition wasn’t immediate, but after completing online courses while overseas and exploring different programs, he eventually enrolled at şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ in 2022.

For Freddy, °Â°ä±«â€™s accelerated program and direct pathway into the dental hygiene curriculum made all the difference. It was also his first experience with in-person college, and he found himself thriving in the simulation labs and clinical rotations that gave him practical, hands-on skills. As a first-generation college student, he was motivated by the opportunity to make his parents proud.

“That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he admitted he wished he had started earlier but takes pride in achieving his bachelor’s degree and opening doors for his future.

Both graduates are quick to encourage others considering the field of dental hygiene. Bianca emphasizes resilience and determination: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.” Freddy agrees, adding that while the program is rigorous, it more than prepares students for the realities of the profession. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing,” he said.

As they embark on the next chapters of their careers, Bianca and Freddy embody the spirit of National Dental Hygiene Month — a celebration not just of professional success, but of dedication to service, family, and community. Their stories remind us that behind every bright smile is a dental hygienist whose passion and perseverance make it possible.

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What’s scarier than the ghosts and goblins you might find lurking in the shadows this Halloween?

Poor dental hygiene!

Halloween may be full of frights, but cavities don’t have to be one of them. With the right approach, you can enjoy this sweet holiday while protecting your teeth at the same time. We’ve rounded up some helpful dental tips for keeping your teeth happy and healthy this Halloween.

Eat Sweets in Moderation

As a kid, you may have planned your trick-or-treating route based on which houses handed out full-size candy bars. After all, the more candy, the better — right?

Not quite. When you consume candy, the added sugars convert into acids that damage your teeth. Over time, this damage can lead to cavities and .

The good news is you don’t need to avoid candy altogether on Halloween. The key is moderation. Swap a full-size candy bar for a fun-size portion. Instead of grazing on sweets all day, enjoy a few of them in one sitting. With some simple adjustments, you can still enjoy the spirit of the holiday (and probably avoid a stomachache, too).

Know the Best and Worst Candy for Teeth

While all sugar can cause cavities, some candy is worse than others for your dental health. In particular, sticky and chewy candies, like taffy and gummies, are among the worst foods for your teeth, according to the (ADA). These foods can get stuck in your teeth, trapping the sugar in places where it’s harder to reach with brushing.

For chocolate lovers, however, there’s some better news. Chocolate dissolves more quickly and won’t stick to your teeth as long, . Whether you’re attending a Halloween party or stealing a piece from your child’s trick-or-treat bag, chocolate is one of your best options.

Remember to Brush

If you indulge in Halloween’s sweeter traditions, you’ll want to know how to prevent cavities after eating candy. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: brushing your teeth.

It’s best to wait before brushing your teeth after you eat sugary foods. Waiting to brush allows your saliva to dissolve acids naturally and protect your enamel from weakening. You can also rinse your mouth with water after eating candy.

Once it’s time to brush, follow some . Brush for 2 minutes using a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles. Use a fluoride toothpaste and don’t rinse with water after spitting.

Pop Some Gum

For those times when you’re not able to brush after eating, keep some sugarless gum handy in your bag, car, or desk. , sugar-free gum helps your mouth produce saliva, which works to reduce the acid from sugars. While it’s not a substitute for proper brushing and flossing, chewing sugar-free gum can help minimize the impact of sugary treats.

Drink Water

If you know you’ll be enjoying some extra sweets around Halloween, stick to water as your beverage of choice. Unlike juices or soft drinks, water helps by washing away food and sugary residue. Water also works to neutralize the acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. Sip water after eating candy to keep your teeth healthy.

Donate Extra Candy

After hosting a festive gathering or handing out sweets to trick-or-treaters, you may find yourself with bags of leftover candy once Halloween ends. Rather than keeping this excess candy for yourself, consider donating it.

Some organizations accept Halloween candy for a good cause. For example, Soldiers’ Angels collects candy for its , which sends care packages to military members. Local organizations in your community, such as food banks or homeless shelters, may also accept donations.

Opt for Other Halloween Treats

Planning on handing out candy to trick-or-treaters? This year, consider skipping the candy and giving out something other than treats. Alternatives like crayons, glow sticks, and stickers can make children smile without adding more sugar to their candy haul. Plus, you won’t be tempted to overindulge on candy when you don’t have any in the house.

Have Fun

More than anything, have fun and enjoy the holiday. Eat your favorite treats and make sweet memories with your family and friends. With these dental tips in mind, you can celebrate Halloween while protecting your smile.

Encourage Others to Follow Dental Tips with a Career in Dental Hygiene

Halloween doesn’t have to be frightening for your oral health. By following a few simple dental tips, like eating sweets in moderation, drinking water, and brushing regularly, you can enjoy the treats without the tricks.

If you’re passionate about helping others practice good dental hygiene, consider making it your career. At şěĚŇ´«Ă˝, our Dental Hygiene program helps prepare students for a rewarding career in dental care. In as little as 34 months, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene (BSDH) and start helping others keep their smiles healthy on Halloween and all year long.

Ready to take the next step toward your future career? Schedule an information session today!

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These days, it seems like you can do almost anything online, from shopping to banking to streaming your favorite TV shows. But can you study dental hygiene online?

If you’re interested in becoming a dental hygienist, you won’t be able to get all the training you need from a virtual program. This patient-focused career requires a well-rounded education combining both classroom instruction and clinical practice. With practical hands-on experience, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

This article will walk you through everything you should know about studying dental hygiene online and the requirements to become a dental hygienist.

Can You Earn a Degree in Dental Hygiene Online?

No, you typically cannot earn a dental hygiene degree online. To become a licensed dental hygienist, you must complete a program that includes hands-on clinical training. This real-world experience can help you develop the clinical skills you will use in your future career.

For one WCU-Orange County graduate, clinical training gave him the confidence he needed for his future career path. Jonathon says this hands-on experience “engrains in you the skills and values that you need as a dental hygienist.”

For those who already have an associate degree and want to further their education, there are online dental hygiene programs that result in a bachelor’s degree. However, you can only enroll in those programs if you’re already a practicing dental hygienist.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists help patients protect their oral health. As a dental hygienist, your cleaning patients’ teeth, taking X-rays, and offering advice on proper oral hygiene. Before you get started in this career, you will need to complete a dental hygiene program and become licensed.

Here are the typical requirements to :

1. Complete a Dental Hygiene Program

Dental hygienists need at least an associate degree, but many choose to get a bachelor’s degree because it offers more career options, according to the .

Depending on the program, it typically takes around 3 years to earn a dental hygiene degree. Some classes you may take in a dental hygiene program include:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Oral pathology
• Periodontology
• Patient education
• Dental public health

In addition to coursework, dental hygiene programs usually include laboratory and clinical practice components. This training allows you to expand on the skills you’ve learned in the classroom and practice techniques under the supervision of licensed professionals.

2. Pass a National Exam

Once you’ve earned a dental hygiene degree, you can sign up to take the . This written exam includes 350 multiple-choice questions about dental hygienists’ core responsibilities. It tests your knowledge of various concepts, including:

• Anatomic sciences
• Assessing patient characteristics
• Obtaining and interpreting radiographs
• Planning and managing dental hygiene care
• Performing periodontal procedures
• Using preventive agents
• Providing supportive treatment services
• Professional responsibility

For more information about the exam and how it’s structured, you can check out the .

3. Meet State Requirements

Every state has its own requirements for becoming a licensed dental hygienist. In most states, you need to pass a clinical examination.

For example, you must take a law and ethics examination to become a licensed dental hygienist in California. If you’re applying for jobs elsewhere, you can check with the for specific licensing requirements.

Advantages of On-Campus Dental Hygiene Programs

Dental hygienists spend their days interacting with patients and working closely with dentists. For this reason, in-person clinical training is an invaluable part of your dental hygiene education. The advantages of this instruction include:

• Hands-on training: An on-campus program gives you the opportunity to practice your newly learned skills under the direction of experienced instructors. You can get individualized, real-time feedback to build your skills and confidence.
• Access to equipment: Many in-person programs provide access to technologically advanced equipment you’ll use on the job, such as X-ray machines. You can become comfortable using these tools in real-world settings.
• Real-life preparation for licensing exams: The practical experience you gain through clinical training can help you prepare for the national and state licensing exams you’ll take after graduation. Often, this training is aligned with the clinical and care-based topics you may be tested on.
• Networking opportunities: On-campus programs allow you to build relationships with experienced faculty and other students. The connections you make in school can serve you well, especially as you start your career.

Gain Real-Life Experience Through °Â°ä±«â€™s Dental Hygiene Program

Studying dental hygiene online might sound like a good idea, but it won’t teach you the practical skills you need to learn for this healthcare career. Completing an on-campus program with personalized instruction and hands-on training is the best way to prepare for a career in dental hygiene.

At şěĚŇ´«Ă˝, our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program offers plenty of opportunities to gain real-life experience. You’ll have access to a simulation lab with industry-current dental hygiene equipment, so you can practice your skills in real-world settings. As you get closer to graduation, you can begin working at our on-campus şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Dental Hygiene Clinic, which provides free care to patients in the community who need it.

Our BSDH program offers flexible start dates at our Orange County campus, and you can earn your degree in as little as 34 months. If you’re ready to get started, schedule an information session to learn more!

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şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ dental hygiene instructor Katie B.’s story is a full-circle testament to the power of community, education, and a passion for healthcare. After graduating from °Â°ä±«â€™s Dental Hygiene program in 2014, Katie returned in 2017 — not as a student but as a faculty member eager to give back to the next generation of dental professionals. 

“Being a student here, I really loved şěĚŇ´«Ă˝, and I was eager to come back and continue what the faculty did for me,” Katie said. “They provided me so much to make my dental career so lucrative and also just so fulfilling.” 

Now a dedicated faculty member, Katie is helping students bridge the gap between the classroom and clinical practice. Her dual role as an educator and working clinician allows her to bring real-world experience into her teaching. She focuses on giving students practical tools and insights that help them transition smoothly into professional practice. Hearing from former students who feel confident and well-prepared in their new roles is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. 

“I like to work with students and give them real-life experience because I am still working clinically, so we work in a lot with tips and tricks and things to be able to move from clinical in school to clinical in private practice.” 

Katie is also passionate about community service. One of the highlights of the dental hygiene program is the annual Smile Camp, where students provide no-cost dental cleanings, X-rays, and education to local children. For many students, this is their first hands-on experience working with pediatric patients. 

“It’s an incredible opportunity for them to apply everything they’ve learned in a fun, supportive environment,” Katie shared. “The camp not only helps the community but also instills in students the importance of giving back through their profession.” 

Katie encouraged prospective students to come ready to learn and embrace the fast-paced, hands-on approach at West Coast. With technologically advanced equipment, extensive faculty support, and a commitment to student success, West Coast Dental Hygiene stands out as a leader in preparing future hygienists.  

“When you come to West Coast, we have every experience you could possibly imagine from technology to hands-on training,” she said. “Our faculty are here full-time for you so we bring in the newest innovations that we can use with our students so when they go into private practice, they’re prepared.” 

For Katie, the reward is simple: seeing her students thrive, just like she did. 

“Coming back as faculty after being a student is giving what I was able to receive, so I hope that if one student can take away something that I’ve taught them into their real world — that is exactly what I’m here for,” she said. 

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Another year, another fantastic Smile Camp hosted by our outstanding Dental Hygiene faculty and students at WCU-Orange County.

Providing Free Dental Care & Education

Held in celebration of Children’s Dental Health month, Smile Camp is a special event designed to provide local children with free dental services while educating them on the importance of good oral hygiene.

“Smile Camp is a community service event that the dental hygiene program puts on for students to work with children in our community. We do free cleanings and X-rays and even some sealants,” şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ dental hygiene instructor and BSDH alumna Katie B. shared.

The event also featured a dedicated education room where children could learn about oral hygiene in an engaging way.

“We take students after they’re seen with the dentist and the hygienist, and they go to another room, and they get a lot of education where they learn more about brushing and flossing,” Katie explained. They just get a better understanding about food and diet and how that reacts with their teeth.”

A Valuable Learning Experience for şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Students

Smile Camp is not only a rewarding experience for the children but also for the şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Dental Hygiene students who participate.

“We take all the applications that we’ve used and taught them for the last three or four terms, and we apply it today where they just focus on children,” Katie shared. ” It’s a great place because we have all the balloons and everything to make it so welcoming for everybody to come.”

For many students, Smile Camp offers their first real-world experience working with pediatric patients.

“The students get to use their skills, and while we apply a lot of our application on adults, they don’t get a lot of experience with children. So, this is a great opportunity for all the students to have some experience time with children,” Katie added.

A Strong Community Turnout

This year’s Smile Camp was a resounding success, with an overwhelming response from the community.

“Today, the feedback has been awesome. We’ve had such a turnout that we have people waiting in line, which is wonderful,” Katie said. “The students are so eager to keep working. They have scheduled times to be here, but so many are just over their scheduled time because they see the benefit of volunteering. Community is a huge part of dental hygiene.”

About the şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Dental Hygiene Clinic

The impact of Smile Camp extends beyond a single event — şěĚŇ´«Ă˝â€™s Dental Hygiene Clinic continues to serve the community year-round. The clinic is an educational facility where Dental Hygiene students provide high-quality oral health care under the supervision of licensed dentists and registered dental hygienists.

Couldn’t make it to Smile Camp? The şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public Monday through Friday, offering no-cost services to more than 15,000 adult and child patients a year.

The şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at 1477 S Manchester Ave., Anaheim, CA, 92802 (Fourth Floor). Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call (877) 928-2546. 

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After 18 years as a dental assistant, Chanel A. was ready for a change. She wanted to make a bigger difference, combining her passion for healthcare with a desire to impact communities on a broader scale. In 2020, just as the world was grappling with the pandemic, Chanel found herself drawn to şěĚŇ´«Ă˝â€™s Public Health program. Originally starting in nursing, she quickly discovered her passion lay in public health, especially with a focus on epidemiology. 

When asked what drew her to şěĚŇ´«Ă˝, Chanel highlighted the ease of the application process and the supportive environment. She felt encouraged to pursue her goals, knowing that the faculty and network of support at şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ were there for her. 

“At şěĚŇ´«Ă˝, you learn resilience,” she said 

Chanel explained that the fast-paced nature of the program taught her to learn from challenges, build strong study habits, and develop the time management skills essential for success. 

Despite the inherent challenges of an online program, Chanel never felt alone. She connected with faculty who were always just a message or Zoom call away, ready to provide guidance and support. She joined the African-American Association, which helped her connect with her community and solidify her aspirations in global health. 

Graduation day was a moment of pride for Chanel. Supported by her family and even an ex-partner who came to cheer her on, she stood on the cusp of a new chapter, excited and hopeful. Next spring, she’ll begin her master’s degree in Global Health at Cal State San Marcos, a step closer to fulfilling her dream of working in underserved communities around the world. 

For those considering şěĚŇ´«Ă˝ or an online program, Chanel’s advice is simple: “Make sure you have a strong support system and understand that it will take sacrifices. You might not see your friends as often, but in the end, it’s worth it.” 

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After experiencing hardship and isolation during a hospital stay as a child, Hannie T. knew she wanted to work in healthcare.

“I was admitted for treatment and felt isolated because my family wasn’t able to visit me most of the time due to the long commute and limited financial resources,” she said. “Having to experience that as a child was very detrimental. I was by myself most of the time, and I didn’t understand why I was there or how long I had to be confined in a room with IV lines hooking up to my arms. The only thing that I wanted was to be home.”

The hospital staff was the one part that made her stay bearable, Hannie said.

“I’m very grateful for all the hospital staff who cared for me back then because they were caring and attentive to my needs,” she said. “I realized that having close ones during tough times, especially during hospital stays, was very crucial as it felt like the only support system that I had.”

Now a WCU-Orange County dental hygiene student, Hannie volunteers and works in the community to be present for patients and provide them with the support they need.

“As I grew older, I understood that being present for others was important,” she said. “Not only am I there to provide support, but also to be an active listener for others as someone they can rely on while their family members are not around.”

Besides being a student delegate for both the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Hannie also volunteered for four years at LAC+USC Medical Center. However, her community outreach does not stop there.

“To me, giving back extends beyond the means of providing financial resources. It involves empathy, compassion, and patience towards those around me,” she added. “The current project I’ve been working on is knitting infant beanies. Knitting has always been a hobby of mine, and I want to take it one step further and make beanies for the little ones at the Children’s Hospital. I hope this project will bring many more smiles to those around me.”

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