London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hello! My name is Lindsay, and I am a nurse from Ontario, Canada.

A Global Perspective in Nursing

I decided to take the DTN programme after working abroad and realising my traditional nursing practice hadn’t fully prepared me for many of the common health issues encountered overseas. Much of my career has been as a remote/northern nurse in Canada, with postgraduate designations in Emergency, Haemodialysis, and Maternal Newborn Nursing.

Why I Chose the DTN

The DTN programme’s online platform appealed to me due to the ability to study asynchronously while travelling for work. A major benefit is the recorded weekly sessions which ensured access to course content at any time, which is incredibly helpful. The material is easy to follow and highly engaging, presented by professionals with extensive experience and a clear passion for their fields. Their passion easily translates to the content being applicable and interesting. 

The Value of Online Lab Sessions

My favourite part of the course has been the online lab sessions. Being delivered remotely, the content is well-structured. If you can attend the online lectures, the instructors are extremely helpful and will answer any questions asked. The instructors know that an online lab can be daunting and will support you in any way possible to ensure your success.

The lab sessions of the course has added an invaluable skill set to my practice moving forward. The diagnostic skills and clinical applications can be applied to a wide range of care environments ensuring students are prepared regardless of the care setting they are in. 

Connecting with a Global Network

Beyond the academics, my fellow students have created a strong sense of community. We maintain a group chat for support, questions, and discussions about course topics. The variety of classmates from all over the world is the best part of the class as well. Each Wednesday you can sit in one class and connect with fellow students from Ghana, Australia or Ireland. The different experiences, cultures and knowledge of the group have only made the class that much more interesting and applicable. 

Balancing Work, Travel, and Studies

Balancing course work, professional work, and travel can be challenging, but the educational support team have been incredibly understanding and accommodating. The DTN programme has uniquely strengthened my career. As a North American nurse, I seldom encounter tropical illnesses, and this course has bridged that gap, opening new avenues for career and volunteer opportunities abroad.

Opening Doors to Global Opportunities

The DTN programme has opened a door for me to be able to confidently pursue opportunities worldwide. I would suggest this programme to anyone looking to build their skills or learn more about global health and tropical diseases. Nursing has become a largely mobile workforce now, and being prepared for any possibility increases the likelihood of the best possible outcome for your patients. With countries becoming more diverse, knowledge of tropical illnesses is an asset anywhere.

I look forward to applying the skills I’ve gained and seeing where this programme takes me!

• Learn more about the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing
• You may also be interested in:
  • Advancing Nursing Practice in Global Healthcare
  • Infection Prevention and Control in Global Healthcare
• All short courses at LSHTM.