As a nurse, Marten Humphrey spends long hours at the bedside helping those in need of medical care. While he enjoys his work, he recognizes that it might not be sustainable in the long run.
“As our bodies age, I think it's important to adapt the type of work we do to our potential. At a certain point it's no longer feasible to be a bedside nurse,” Humphrey said.
This realization led him to enroll in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he’s pursuing an online Master of Legal Studies. He learned about the MLS program from a friend and was impressed by its corporate and health care compliance emphasis and its certification by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics.
The online program's flexibility allows Humphrey to avoid commuting, giving him more time to enjoy activities such as gardening and catching up with friends. Although he was initially wary of online education, he now finds the experience rewarding.
"I was initially concerned that the lecture recordings might be monotone, unclear or poorly aligned with the readings,” Humphrey said. “However, I was pleased to find the audio clear and pleasant, the video sharp and the content well organized. The program reflects a great deal of effort and professionalism."
The courses Humphrey has taken have already benefited his work as a nurse, helping him re-evaluate his career goals and improve his interactions with patients, peers, health care administrators and regulators.
“Health care compliance is a fascinating and evolving field,” Humphrey said. “It introduces opportunities to work in health care administration, as well as roles in law and human resources. I'm very thankful to be a student in the MLS program, as it’s a doorway to a brighter future.”
He expects to graduate in December 2026 and plans to use his new skills to advocate for patients and explore the next steps in his career.
