Choosing a career in healthcare is both inspiring and intense. Whether you’re studying aged care, disability support, or community health, balancing education with a job—especially shift work—can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can successfully juggle both work and study, without burning out.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through 7 practical, expert-backed tips that will help you stay organised, motivated, and on track—no matter how busy your schedule gets.
1. Set Up a Realistic Weekly Schedule
Time management is everything.
Start by blocking out your work shifts, class hours, and study sessions. Then add in your personal commitments and—most importantly—downtime. Don’t overcommit. Be honest with yourself about how much you can handle.
🛠 Try this: Use Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion to visualise your week. Colour-code tasks for quick reference and set reminders for key deadlines.
Why it matters: Having a clear plan reduces stress, helps you avoid last-minute cramming, and ensures you’re not double-booking yourself.
2. Learn to Prioritise Like a Pro
Not everything on your to-do list is equally important.
A clinical placement or major assessment likely takes priority over smaller admin tasks. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise tasks by urgency and importance. This helps you focus on what truly moves the needle forward.
🎯 Quick tip: Ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I can do today that will make the biggest difference?”
3. Communicate Early with Your Employer and Trainers
Honest communication is your best friend.
Let your manager know about your class schedule—and keep your trainers informed if work commitments pop up unexpectedly. Most healthcare employers and education providers (like Auscare International College) understand the pressures of working students and will often accommodate reasonable requests.
📣 Remember: It’s much easier to ask for help in advance than to explain a missed shift or deadline afterward.
4. Take Advantage of Flexible Learning Options
Today’s healthcare training is more flexible than ever.
Many institutions now offer online learning, blended delivery, or evening and weekend classes. At Auscare International College, our programs are designed with working students in mind—so you can study when it suits you, without putting your job on hold.
💻 Pro tip: If you’re working rotating shifts, ask about access to recorded sessions or self-paced modules.
5. Don’t Forget to Look After Yourself
Caring for others starts with caring for yourself.
When you’re caring for others, it’s easy to put your own wellbeing last—but that’s a fast track to burnout.
Make time for rest, regular meals, hydration, and even just five minutes of mindfulness. Physical activity—even a short walk—can also boost focus and mood.
💚 Self-care checklist:
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7–8 hours of sleep
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Meal prepping for busy days
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Short movement breaks between study sessions
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Saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin
6. Stay Organised and Avoid Last-Minute Stress
Staying on top of your responsibilities reduces stress and prevents last-minute rushes.
Between assignments, exams, and work shifts, it’s easy to miss something important—unless you stay organised. Use apps like MyStudyLife, Todoist, or even a simple spreadsheet to track everything in one place. Set up alerts a few days before due dates to give yourself time to prepare without the panic.
🗂 Life hack: Keep a shared calendar with family or housemates to help coordinate quiet time during study hours.
7. Celebrate Every Milestone—You’ve Earned It!
Balancing work and study is no small feat – celebrate your accomplishments.
Whether you’ve passed an exam, completed a tough shift, or simply stuck to your schedule for the week—acknowledge it! It’s so easy to get caught up in the doing that we often lose site of what we’ve actually done.
🎉 Celebrating small wins keeps your motivation high and reminds you of how far you’ve come.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
The journey to a healthcare career is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With some planning, flexibility, and self-care, you can succeed at both work and study.
At Auscare International College, we’re here to support you with flexible course options in aged care, disability support, and community health. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upskill, our programs are designed to fit around your busy life.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Explore our healthcare courses now.
