Chantaye is reaping the benefits of completing Leicester’s Diabetes MSc
Chantaye Johnson, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Chantaye Johnson is a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at the Sentara Virgina Beach General Hospital in Virginia Beach, USA. In Chantaye’s current role she provides diabetes self-management education support (DSMES) to people with diabetes in an outpatient setting and to those admitted to the hospital. Chantaye also works with the medical team (physicians, pharmacist, and other clinicians) and provides treatment recommendations during admission and provides guidance in determining the antihyperglycemic medication(s) discharge plan.
Chantaye recently graduated from the University of Leicester’s Diabetes MSc by distance learning course, created with diabetes experts based at Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC). She explains why she applied for the MSc and the benefits she has seen in her role.
“Finding the University of Leicester’s Diabetes MSc by distance learning programme was the best google search of my career. Since enrollment, my knowledge relating to the subject of diabetes has heightened to a reach beyond my expectation. I find myself working at a higher level than many of my colleagues, some of whom have verbalised this evaluation of me.
“I’m humble in my words when I write, but I am proud of the educator I have become over the last 2 years and very appreciative of the existence of this programme. The course work is strategically put together to ensure that students are exposed to all areas of diabetes care and in turn improve the care they provide to people with this chronic disease.
“Furthermore, having classmates of different professions allowed me to better understand decisions made by other clinicians regarding patient care. I truly enjoyed and learned a lot from the class forums: a patient scenario was described and we as students give our reasoning for our treatment approach. The class assignment described in combination with other avenues of learning has strengthened my confidence when providing education and recommendations (verbally or within the medical record) especially if my evidence-based way of thinking is of greater benefit to the patient.
“Due to different time zones, communication was of great importance to me, when attending a University outside the United States. I encountered no communication issues. I received responses to my emails in a timely manner.
“Last, it is well recognised that the MSc programme team genuinely wants you to succeed. From the beginning, as students we are encouraged to keep communication open regarding our progress and or any challenges meeting assignment deadlines. This allows the professors and tutors to provide appropriate guidance. If you are thinking about enrolling, I say to you…enroll! Both you and the people with diabetes you encounter will reap the benefits!”
Janet Jarvis, Co-Course Director, and Senior Nurse Research Associate for LDC, said: “Congratulations to Chantaye for completing her Masters! We wish her the best in her career going forward!”
If you are a healthcare professional with an interest in diabetes care, the Diabetes MSc by distance learning could be for you. This part-time distance learning course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to specialise in diabetes care.
To learn more about the course and apply visit the University of Leicester page