Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Student Spotlight: Johanna Walley
| 4 Min Read
When Johanna Walley stepped into a more project-focused role, she saw an opportunity to expand her expertise and explore healthcare delivery in a digital world. With years of clinical experience, she decided to pursue courses that combined digital innovations with clinical insights and was led to La Trobe’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Health. In this spotlight, Johanna shares how the course has not only equipped her with the technical skills to succeed in her role, but how it has also inspired an interest in change management and a desire to lead digital innovation from the forefront.
Why did you choose La Trobe’s digital health course?
As an occupational therapist, my background has been primarily clinical. However, last year I stepped into a more project-focused role at iLA, working on digital innovations and contributing clinical insights across digital platforms in both healthy ageing and disability.
To build my knowledge in this evolving area, I explored further study options and came across the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health at La Trobe University. While the master’s program also appealed to me, the Graduate Certificate felt like the right fit at this stage. The course complements my current work-life balance and allowed me to select units that directly align with my role.
What were your favourite subjects in the course?
The core subjects I completed in the Graduate Certificate were Communication in Digital Health, Virtual Care and IoMT, Digital Health Design and Implementation and Digital Health Trends. I’ve found each subject to be equally valuable, likely because I was able to choose units that align closely with my current role.
In particular, I enjoyed Digital Health Design and Implementation. It’s given me a solid understanding of digital health solution design principles, implementation strategies, and change management, which is an area I’m increasingly interested in exploring further. I’ve also appreciated the practical insights and support provided by our online tutors, which have really enhanced my learning experience.
What did you find most challenging during your studies?
The course has been quite intensive, and I’ve found that it comes with both benefits and challenges. Being based in Perth has meant I’ve missed out on several opportunities to engage with others, and if I were on campus, I’d definitely take advantage of those events. One of the main challenges has been maintaining a strict schedule to manage the workload – especially with assessments due every two weeks! That said, I really value the flexibility of studying online and the sense of achievement that comes with staying on top of it all has been incredibly rewarding.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
Above all else, I’m a mum to two teenage boys, so life mostly revolves around football and managing a steady stream of smelly uniforms and never-ending snacks.
Outside of work and study, I love reading (non-work or uni related!). My reading preferences shift depending on how busy I am. Right now, with the demands of uni and work, I tend to gravitate toward sci-fi fantasy and escapist fiction. I also have a passion for travel, good food, and spending time at the beach with our two golden retrievers whenever I get the chance.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I’d like to have developed a strong, practical foundation in digital health and play a key role in leading and delivering impactful digital innovation projects. Through my studies in Digital Health at La Trobe, I’ve also developed an interest in change management. Currently, I’m working in an Allied Health Lead role, and I see myself continuing in this space or stepping into a more senior leadership position, where I can further influence strategic direction, support collaboration, and navigate digital transformation.
I also hope to remain actively engaged in the digital health community through ongoing learning, collaboration, and mentoring.
Students of the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health complete their studies equipped to lead meaningful change in healthcare. Combining practical insights with digital innovation, they are industry-ready to shape healthcare delivery with clinical skills, technical fluency, and strategic thinking.
Learn more about La Trobe’s online Graduate Certificate in Digital Health course or get in touch with our team of Enrolment Advisors via (+61 3) 9917 3009 or onlinecourses@latrobe.edu.au.