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When Jim Leitch (BHSc 鈥�16) crossed the stage at convocation this past spring, he couldn鈥檛 help but wonder what his future would look like had he not visited Dal鈥檚 website back in 2009. It truly was a 鈥渢urning point.鈥�

As a respiratory therapist, Jim had worked in the public and private sector for seven years upon graduating college in 1999. While he had a rewarding career, he knew building upon his education and obtaining a bachelor鈥檚 degree would provide more opportunities. 听

鈥淚 was at a point in my life where the idea of going back to school was intimidating. I was married with two children and a busy career, but the desire to obtain a degree was never far from my mind.鈥�

Through a chance encounter with a colleague, and Dal alumna, Jim learned about Dal鈥檚 Post Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences program. The program is designed for health professionals interested in completing a degree and expanding career opportunities.

But it wasn鈥檛 the curriculum that gave him the push he needed, it was a quote that greeted him on the homepage.

鈥淚t read, 鈥業n 10 years you could still be thinking about getting your degree, or you could have it.鈥� That really spoke to me.鈥�

While Jim says his university experience wasn鈥檛 conventional (it鈥檚 an online-based program), it fit his personal life and career, and he felt his previous experience was valued.

鈥淒al respects the training and knowledge that students have already gained. That factor was so crucial to me, and something I couldn鈥檛 find in other programs.鈥�

As part of the program, students also broaden their knowledge of the health-care system, which provided Jim a chance to learn about other areas and fields that interested him.

鈥淚 was exposed to public health which really intrigued me. Now I鈥檓 looking ahead with a focus on working in public health and the possibility of obtaining my master鈥檚 degree in epidemiology.

鈥淭his whole journey has been about so much more than receiving a credential. I鈥檝e learned a lot about my passions and interests. It鈥檚 also reinforced what is most important to me in a career鈥� ultimately it鈥檚 about helping people.鈥�

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