If you're interested in advancing your nursing career by leveling up your certification, you've probably thought about taking classes online. There are several misconceptions about online nursing programs regarding how they work, what’s involved, and the overall benefits. Let’s clarify some common myths about online education so you can make the right choice for you.
Misconceptions About Online Nursing Schools
When it comes to online nursing schools, there are three common misconceptions:
1. It's easier.
2. You don't need a live instructor.
3. All online schools are the same.
Let's examine each one.
It's easier
There's a persistent belief that replacing regular classroom attendance with an online course's study materials and books makes learning easier. While online learning does offer several conveniences — including being able to learn from home — students still have to put in time and effort in order to be successful.
Both in-person and online programs require students to learn new materials. This could include attending lectures, doing homework, writing papers, completing projects, and more. Online learning may limit your classroom time, but the academics will be similar.
Learning via a screen can be an adjustment for some students, especially those who are less familiar with technology or who have only experienced classroom instruction. It can take time to feel comfortable and focused with this format; the tradeoff for taking class while wearing your pajamas is that you’ll need to develop new skills to stay attentive and productive.
A good online nursing program will have built-in structures that support learners from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Many online programs lack the structure—the pattern of scheduled lectures, assignments, and tests—of a traditional classroom. Instead, they provide a heap of self-study materials and expect the student to take it from there. Some students do find success with this arrangement, but many others feel aimless and unmotivated when left to their own devices, and make no progress for weeks, months, or even years at a time.
While online school may not be easier academically, online nursing programs offer several benefits that can make your education journey more convenient and less stressful. When compared to traditional formats, online programs typically are:
- Less time consuming: Taking classes online means you don’t have to commute to and from campus. Also, some programs move through material at a quicker pace.
- More flexible: Programs that offer day, night, or weekend class availability make fitting education into your schedule much easier.
You don't need a live instructor
Online programs are taught one of two ways: synchronously or asynchronously.
Synchronous learning means that all students learn together in real time. Students log into class at a specific time and receive lessons taught by live instructors.
Asynchronous learning means that students learn at their own pace. There are no specific meeting times, meaning that each student has to self regulate and move through material all on their own.
Many online programs are taught asynchronously. Classes are previously recorded; this means that traditional, face-to-face (or browser-to-browser) interactions with a human instructor are discarded. While you can learn a lot from reading documents and watching videos, issues arise the moment you have a question and there's no one to answer it. You shouldn't have to track down external teachers to finish the job your nursing program started.
If you’ve struggled with keeping yourself accountable in school, finding a synchronous online nursing program will be your best bet. Instead of learning on your own, you’ll have live instructors available to help whenever you need additional support. Being able to ask questions and get answers in real time is a significant advantage during especially challenging subjects. Otherwise, you’ll have to hunt down answers on your own, and even still you won’t know if they’re correct.
Synchronous learning also fosters a sense of community since you’re learning alongside your peers.
All online schools are the same
Many online nursing schools are legitimate institutions with an absolutely professional focus on helping their students learn, pass certification exams, and get better jobs.
But online school is big business, which means there are also many lower-quality and/or less scrupulous outfits competing for your dollars. If you put your faith in the wrong school, someone else will profit from your decision.
It’s important to verify an online nursing program’s accreditation before you apply. You can do this by searching online. Schools are either regionally or nationally accredited. Both accreditations are valid, though regional accreditation is more rigorous and therefore perceived as more prestigious. There is no such thing as international accreditation so beware of that designation.
Outside of accreditation, there are other factors that set online schools apart. For example, accelerated degree programs move through material at a faster pace. Depending on your availability, this pace may or may not work for your goals.
There are also online programs that support college students through the education process but aren’t schools. College prep programs, for example, help fill in gaps that nursing schools may not provide, such as tutoring, mentoring, or test out options such as credit by exam.
Questions to Compare Online Nursing Programs
Finding the right online nursing program takes time. Researching the ins and outs of how each program works will put you in a better position to succeed.
While most online learning programs have similar features, research can uncover some major differences between one school and another. Plus, what works for one student may not work for another. Here are some questions that'll help you select the educational organization that is right for you.
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Does this program's format match my learning style?
As mentioned above, many online programs will test your discipline and self-motivation. If you have no deadlines, will you study and progress through the material? Would the structure of attending classes and completing assignments help keep you moving forward?
On a related note, will you be able to learn independently and glean the knowledge from self-paced tutorials on your own? Or do you thrive on interaction with instructors and fellow students?
Note that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Preferring a more traditional approach doesn't mean you can't still choose an online program. It just helps you narrow your choices.
2. Does this program offer enough individualized support for me?
You're going to have questions about a lesson at some point. Everyone does. You may even find yourself struggling to pass an exam. How will the program help you in those situations? Are instructors available to work with you one-on-one? Are there any free remediation programs to help you in the event that you fail an exam? How far is the organization willing to go to help you successfully complete the program?
Get answers to these questions early—so you can get answers to other questions later.
3. Is this program affordable?
Online programs are typically less expensive than traditional nursing schools, but it can still be a real shot to your pocketbook when an online program racks up extra fees (book charges, for example) that you didn't expect. Make sure you find out all fees up front, so you aren't blindsided by unanticipated expenses you didn't work into your budget.
Don't let these questions spook you. Online RN Bridge Programs are still a wonderful way to earn a more advanced nursing certification. You just want to be sure you understand how each program is structured, so you have accurate and realistic expectations. That way, you can select the program that's best for you.
Succeed in Online Nursing School with Achieve
If your research tells you that you might like a hybrid system that blends the structure and interaction of a traditional system with the flexibility and convenience that learning online enables, Achieve Test Prep can help. We’ve supported thousands of students while they make manageable progress toward their RN. Schedule a call with our Advisors to learn more about how we can support your education goals.
