Online nursing classes can be a great option whether you’re just getting out of high school and want to become a nurse, or you want to advance your career. Online nursing degrees could also be a good choice for people coming from other fields who want to transition into a new career as a nurse. Online learning and nursing classes are not for everybody, however. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of online nursing classes to help you in your decision.
Pro – Online Classes Could Help You Get Your Credentials Faster
If you are from a non-nursing-related field, did you know that you could use your credentials to fast-track your way to a bachelor’s degree? If you already have a bachelor’s, you could go for online ABSN programs like the ones Baylor University offers. These will allow you to get your bachelor’s much faster and start working in the field right after you’ve graduated.
Nurses who have an associate’s degree can also find programs that could help them get their masters faster, and those with a bachelors can fast-track their way to a doctorate. This could give hope to many nurses who always wanted to advance their careers but didn’t want to spend too much time on getting their credentials.
Con – Less Camaraderie
One of the biggest benefits of traditional nursing classes is that you get to work with other like-minded nurses and grow together. The proximity makes it easier for you to exchange ideas or ask other people questions about things you may have not caught the first time. You’ll also get to make friends for life and possibly work in the same places as some of the nurses you’ve graduated with.
We’re not saying that you won’t be able to get that camaraderie through online programs, but it’s going to be different. You’ll still be able to speak with other students through chat but there will be fewer interactions and some students might feel disconnected. You should know, however, that there will be plenty of clinical assignments where you’ll get to meet with other students face to face and that you can always meet and form groups with other students if there are many close to where you are.
Pro – More Convenience
For some nurses and workers, getting a traditional nursing degree while they keep their day job is close to impossible. That’s even worse if they have a family and are the sole breadwinner on top of it.
Online classes could give you just the flexibility you need to fit your studies around your regular schedule. When you take online classes, you can decide to take them in the evenings, during the day, or part-time on the weekend. You can also pick a program that will allow you to follow classes in your own time.
These are referred to as asynchronous programs and they allow you to watch lectures at any time you want as long as you respect a certain time frame. This could be a perfect option if you have an irregular schedule or have to work on calls.
Con – Not All Programs Are Equal
With that being said, you have to be very careful with the program you choose. Not all schools have mastered online learning, and if you choose the wrong program, your credentials could be invalid.
This is why you must check how well the school’s nursing program is ranked and if the school is accredited. Accreditation is essential if you want your degree to be respected but also want to get the best level of education possible.
The two most important certifications to look for are the CCNE and ACEN. Besides that, you can look for regional accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the WASC Senior College and University Commission, among others.
It would also be a good idea to speak with other students who went through the program and hear their impressions. The school might give you a rosy speech about the quality of their program, but it’s always better to hear it from the horse’s mouth, so ask former students what they liked and didn’t like about a program before you make your decision.
You should also ask what level of access you’ll have to your teachers. Some schools allow students to speak with their teachers either through video chat, email, or phone, while others will only allow students to speak with a representative. You should also know that you won’t be able to interact directly with your teachers during asynchronous classes, so think twice about choosing that type of program.
Pro – More School Options
One of the biggest and most underrated benefits of online nursing programs is that they allow you to choose from a wider variety of schools. This is very important as there are faculty shortages around the country, and even qualified nurses with experience are getting turned down in certain areas.
Going for an online program would allow you to get into the school of your dreams even if you’re in another part of the country. It could also give you a chance to find a spot if you weren’t able to get one where you are.
Con – Requires a Lot of Discipline
If you lack discipline and aren’t a great self-starter, you will struggle with online classes. It’s easy to get side-tracked when you’re studying from home with all the distractions or when you have to stay on top of assignments without someone in your back reminding you. So, if that’s your case, you’ll need to either find someone who will push you or look at other options.
Online nursing classes could be a great choice for you depending on your situation, but they don’t work for everybody. So, make sure that you have the proper disposition and learn as much as you can about what it’s like to get your nursing degree online before you make the jump.
About The Author
Stephanie Braga
Hi, I am Stephanie Braga. A professional blogger and content community manager on this platform. I love to write and post content on different niche. Contact me, if you need any help related to digital marketing or content marketing.
