Silvia Hinze found the perfect course for her professional and personal development at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. On the part-time Master's degree course in “Management in Healthcare”, the current team leader gained further qualifications on the beautiful campus in Magdeburg and was able to benefit from a practical course of study.
As an alumna on the Master's degree course in Healthcare Management, Silvia Hinze looks back: “I can structure myself very well and follow through. If something needs to be done, I do it. I took leave for the Fridays on which the lectures and seminars took place at the university and I had Saturdays off anyway.” The regular duration of the course is four semesters, including the Master's thesis.
The 53-year-old course team leader from Stendal describes management as her hobbyhorse, which she wanted to learn more about. As a native of the Altmark region, the proximity to Magdeburg was practical, and the comparatively low tuition fees for this further education course were a decisive factor in her choice. “I haven't regretted my decision to study for a single day,” she sums up today.
The study profile was also convincing: the fee-based continuing education course imparts knowledge in the areas of healthcare management, finance, law, marketing, personnel management and organizational development, which can be used for successful management in the healthcare industry. Lecturers from the field have shared their valuable expertise and innovations. Students learn how to create an effective and efficient organization. The skills and competencies learned in the areas of management and economics also support students on their way to management positions - for example in the operational or strategic areas of healthcare and social services.
Bringing everything under one roof
Silvia Hinze trained nurses in a large hospital in the Altmark region for 28 years. In 2021, she moved to the vocational training center in Stendal, where she trains and expands training courses in the field of nursing as a course team leader. She now teaches midwives in management positions and management students at Akkon University in Berlin on a part-time basis. Until recently, she worked for 26 years as an expert witness at the social court for the tasks arising from SGB XI, which meant that she examined the care needs of people who had appealed against their intended care level.
Born in Stendal and mother of two children, she initially wanted to expand her education with a bachelor's degree. “Funnily enough, my two children and I all started studying at the same time in 2018.” Her Bachelor's degree was ultimately the basis for the Master's in Healthcare Management, for which she enrolled at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences in April 2021. “Luckily, my fellow students and I were able to get started - despite the pandemic.” Yes, it even had advantages, as online teaching also brought more flexibility.
And how was the course?
“Reliable course coordination was crucial to the success of the course. Our coordinator Cornelia Reinhold guided us very well. My fellow students also felt that they were well advised. It was a well-rounded experience from start to finish,” summarizes Silvia Hinze.
She particularly enjoyed the Summer School, a multi-day course with social events in the fourth semester. Here, in addition to the contact with her fellow students, she was able to choose the topics and offerings with great freedom and according to her personal interests.
She advises future students not to be discouraged. “I was seriously at the point of giving up three times,” she admits. Today, she is very glad that she always picked herself up again.
Getting ahead professionally
The knowledge she acquired during her studies is very valuable for her current role as a course team leader and deputy coordinator, as quality management also exists in schools. For example, Silvia Hinze is responsible for preparing and conducting lessons. “I am also entrusted with organizational tasks.” She also benefits from her knowledge of change management, for example, in her part-time teaching work. Thanks to her studies, she can now answer her students' questions even more specifically. “And studying at the university was a game changer for my very own view of the healthcare sector.”
Part-time courses at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences not only offer a variety of study options, but also flexible qualification opportunities alongside the job and for career planning.
(Article: University Communication)
(Photo: Kerstin Seela)