More people than ever are interested in obtaining a nursing degree online, and for good reason. There is plenty of opportunity for anyone considering this profession. The question on many people’s minds however, is an important one: what are the drawbacks and benefits of studying for a nursing degree online?
Nursing Degree Online: What are the Benefits?
Studying online can have plenty of benefits over traditional campus learning. The scheduling freedom and comfort of studying at home is a major advantage for people with a busy lifestyle or a full-time day job.
- Work on your own time and schedule
- combine with traditional classes for “hybrid” learning experience
- Degree programs of various lengths offered
- Plenty of programs to choose from
When looking into an online school, it’s important to take accreditation into consideration. An accreditation school met all the required requisites and standards to ensure the school is meeting state and national regulations.
The quality of education at an accredited school is much higher and students can rest assured that getting a nursing degree online will not hold them back from finding a rewarding and high paying job.
Degree programs also come in varying lengths, depending on the type of certification desired. For instance, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can complete schooling in 18 months, and even as little as one year – depending on the course load any particular student is willing to take on.
To become a registered nurse (RN) a four-year bachelor’s degree is recommended. Registered nurses have a higher level of education, and more responsibilities – but also enjoy higher salaries, excellent benefits and great career opportunities.
Pursuing a nursing degree online is a great option for people with specialized scheduling needs. (photo:freedigitalphotos.net)
Drawbacks of Online Education
Pursuing a nursing degree online also has its drawbacks. Many students thrive in the educational experience that can only be offered on a traditional campus. While some people are graced with enough self-discipline to complete coursework online, other simply need structure.
Attending classes in person also offers more opportunity to work hands on with state-of-the-art equipment commonly used by nurses in the industry.While studying online does have plenty of advantages, students who attend traditional campuses have more opportunity to interact face-to-face with instructors and students.
Whether students study in a classroom or online, it’s still important to get hands-on experience through an internship or other professional training program. Both online and traditional campuses with accreditation should offer these programs.
The Stats: Nursing Degree Online Vs. Traditional Campus
According to a recently-published study reported on by the New York Times, students attending class online performed better than those receiving a face-to-face education.
Online learning today has become far more involved, interactive and higher quality than it was just a decade ago. Web-based video and audio lessons, slideshow presentations and virtual study groups have made online campuses every bit as effective as traditional universities or colleges.
The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid programs offer the best of both worlds with a combination of online and in-person classes. This allows students to take prerequisite classes from home, while courses that require the use of specialized equipment or a lab setting are taken at a physical campus.
This option is very popular with students with outside responsibilities and scheduling needs who still want to ensure they get the hands-on education needed to be successful in the field.