The way we learn and earn degrees has changed with the acceleration of internet connectivity and speed as well as the changing needs of students and the working class. Now, it is no longer necessary to visit a classroom or attend a lecture in person to earn a degree. This trend has become popular in nursing too where a lot of universities and colleges are now offering online nursing programs. Nursing is becoming more popular as the demand for nurses grows, compensation levels rise and the number of opportunities and career paths balloon. So, if you are considering a career in nursing, here are some reasons why enrolling in an online nursing program is a great option.
Lower Costs
When you attend a traditional university, the tuition you pay has to cater to its overhead costs. These include the building, power, supplies, janitorial services, property taxes, and more. These costs do not apply to online programs and this is why, generally, online programs are often cheaper than taking courses at a traditional university. In many cases, the difference is not too large but it is large enough to make you consider online programs.
Savings can also be realized in other areas, namely travel and boarding. When taking online classes, all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection. You do not have to incur additional expenses commuting to and from the university. Additionally, you do not have to pay for boarding and you can always cook at home, which can be a lot cheaper than eating at a school cafeteria.
Flexibility
Flexibility is perhaps the most significant benefit you get by enrolling in an online nursing program. While many online nursing programs require that you visit the university or college one or two times a semester, most of the coursework can be done online. You get access to coursework, lessons, and faculty online without visiting the university or college.
This is a massive advantage for those who work. If you work, you do not have to schedule your life around your classes. Instead, you can continue working and taking your classes and only make yourself available for exams and any on-campus classes that you may be required to take. This flexibility is one of the reasons why those who want to keep working prefer to take accelerated BSN programs online.
The flexibility afforded by online nursing programs also gives space to schedule learning around what is happening in your life. For example, if you fall sick or have your workday rearranged, you might miss a lot of classes and lectures that will be a lot harder to catch up on. In an online program, all lectures are recorded and available so that you can catch up when you come back.
Personal Instruction
Many nursing online programs make a point to make instructors available for more hours than traditional universities. The increased opportunities for one-on-one interactions with instructors is a massive advantage over attending brick-and-mortar universities.
Technology has made this easier to reach instructors and have a concept you do not understand explained.
Such interaction with instructors also leads to a much more interactive learning environment. Online learning provides fewer opportunities for not participating or opting out. This is because this is a more open learning environment where even those who may not participate in class due to shyness or feeling uncomfortable can participate from the privacy of their homes.
Fostering an Active Learning Environment
Students who enroll in online nursing programs are responsible for their learning journey. They can steer their learning experiences and outcomes in ways that benefit them and work best for them. Although instructors will still guide you, you have to take responsibility.
This type of active learning has been shown to foster better outcomes than passive learning. This is because students who take responsibility in this way are much more likely to be emotionally invested in their learning outcomes which leads to better retention of information.
Setting Your Own Pace
Everyone learns at their own pace; some learn and grasp concepts faster while others do so slowly. This does not make any learner better than the next; it just means that everyone’s learning style has to be accommodated. Online programs do this by allowing students to learn at their own pace.
In contrast to traditional programs where slower students can be left behind, all learning materials are available for students who want to move slower or re-watch certain portions of lectures and lessons. The ability to set your own pace is also beneficial for those who need to pause the video to look up something they do not understand or reference other learning materials.
Availability of Learning Materials
Most students do not think about documentation but it is another reason why online programs are the preferred option for many. The availability of lectures, videos, notes, assignments, grades, transcripts, and projects in a digital format is a massive advantage. There is no risk of losing paperwork or forgetting it at a café where you decided to read some more. Now, everything you need is an internet connection and a few keystrokes away.
Teaching You Other Skills
Online programs do not just teach you the material you need to know to pass your exams and practice; they also teach you other skills you can use elsewhere. One of the most significant skills is self-discipline.
When you enroll in an online program, there is no one to remind you to take your classes or when assignments are due. You have to be disciplined enough to set time aside to learn the material and to organize your life so you do not miss any classes.
Self-discipline is a skill that comes in very handy as a nurse and so does time-management. You not only need to have enough discipline to get up early to watch lectures or study, you also have to plan your days so you have enough time to study. You do not want other events in your life interrupting your learning and this is where time management comes in.
Enrolling in an online nursing program is a great option for a lot of people, especially those who have other responsibilities such as work, those who enjoy setting their own pace, and those who like taking responsibility for their learning outcomes.
