Online education is quickly becoming the preferred option for nontraditional students. People can continue to work and take care of their obligations and families, but still have time for studies. Not having to commute to campus frees up more time to spend on actual studies and coursework. To be successful in online classes, you must be self-disciplined, comfortable with using technology and have Internet access. If you can answer yes to these factors, online may be just the venue you need to attain your goals.
An online degree doesn’t mean an easy degree. Interaction with peers and instructors is maximized in an online environment with chat features, discussion boards and video conferencing. Often, the work is more rigorous and time-consuming because of the sheer volume of material that must be read and comprehended for mastery. However, the ability to schedule coursework at convenient times on your busy calendar may be a more important factor in your continuing education.
Master’s in Nursing
Colleges and universities have adapted plenty of their programs to the online environment including advanced degrees in nursing. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you may be ready to expand your knowledge and opportunities to advance in nursing or a health care related field. You can often attain a master’s in as little as 24 to 30 months. Such is the case with the master’s program at Ohio University.
Online health care degrees may require clinical completion in a healthcare institution in addition to the required coursework. A master’s degree in nursing qualifies a nurse for positions in the healthcare industry, such as nurse practitioner and a manager or director of a medical institution. Other positions that may interest a candidate include a post-secondary nursing instructor, pharmaceutical manufacturing or as part of a team that develops computer software pertinent to the health care industry.
Ensure the Program’s Standards
Traditional brick-and-mortar colleges and universities are subject to accreditation by institutions that certify their standards are rigorous. Legitimate online programs are also certified with the same standards the accrediting body uses for traditional programs. A school’s accreditation can be confirmed at either one of these accrediting body’s website: The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Disclosure: This is a guest post from Ohio University.
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