When it comes to career progression within the field of nursing, education is crucial. So, here are the benefits of online nursing degree programs that nursing students must know.
To put it frankly, if you don’t have the right level of qualifications, you simply aren’t going to move up in the world.
Learn more: Golden Rules To Build A Successful career
That being said, as a busy working nurse or other nursing professional, it can seem almost impossible to imagine how you would balance your professional life, your personal commitments, and full-time study.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution.
Online nursing degrees.
Once thought of as inferior and less influential than traditional degrees, online nursing programs are now equally as good, if not even better, than on-campus courses.
Still not sure if online learning is for you?
Read on to discover seven benefits of online nursing degree programs and how they can help you achieve your dream career in nursing.
What are the benefits of online nursing degree programs?
1. Increased flexibility
Arguably the biggest benefit of studying online is the flexibility of your learning schedule. Unlike on-campus degree programs that require you to turn up and participate in classes at set times each week, online courses are a lot more flexible.
Most accredited online courses will allow you to watch lectures when and where you want and to complete any coursework when it is most convenient for you, not them.
This means you can juggle work, school, and family life much more easily and with much less stress than if you were studying in a physical classroom.
Furthermore, when it comes to a variety of courses, there are so many to choose from, such as the increasingly popular pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs online which are ideal, for those who want to focus their career on children’s primary and acute care.
2. More affordable
Although you will undoubtedly be able to earn more money once you have a new nursing qualification, that doesn’t make the process of paying for tuition fees any less daunting.
If you are on a tight budget or you simply want to cut the cost of further education, then online courses can save you money.
Typically, online degrees cost around the same as on-campus ones. However, you can save lots of money on course materials, transportation, and living expenses. Not to mention any childcare costs that you might have to incur when studying away from home.
It is worth noting that just because online nursing programs can work out more cost-effective, this doesn’t make them any less beneficial or authoritative.
Know more: NEET Controversy & Criticism That Triggered the Entire Nation
3. Enhanced accessibility
As briefly touched on above, when you study online, the course materials and resources are provided in a virtual format. These are of the same quality as on-campus resources but in a much more accessible format.
You can enjoy online tutoring, access to an online library, and virtual counseling, all without the need to travel to a campus or carry a heavy book around with you.
If you struggle with your mental health, you should also know that some online nursing universities offer free online therapy where you can talk with mental health professionals in real-time.
4. Low student-to-faculty ratio
If you hate the thought of sitting in a classroom surrounded by lots of other students, trying to make your voice heard, then you will be pleased to hear that online nursing degrees typically have a much lower student-to-faculty ratio than on-campus ones.
This means that not only will you get more attention from your online tutors, but you will also be more likely to establish real connections with your fellow learners.
You will also have the opportunity to network with people from all over the world, as online students can come from anywhere. This is great for broadening your horizons in the world of nursing and for making valuable contacts.
5. Build self-discipline
Although not everyone will see this as a plus, when you choose to pursue a nursing degree online, you have to become very self-disciplined. Yes, you can work to your own schedule, but that means that you need to hone your time management skills and be motivated to listen to lectures and complete your coursework.
If this seems like a lot of effort, just remember that all of the above skills are needed in nursing, so simply by choosing to study online, you can improve your skillset and make yourself more appealing to future employers.
6. Suitable for a variety of learning styles
Are you a visual learner? Or perhaps you prefer to study via audio? Do you thrive when in the company of other students, or do you prefer to work alone?
Whatever your preferred style of learning, online courses are much more adaptable than on-campus ones. The online learning system offers an extensive range of learning options and resources which enables you to personalize your learning experience and make the most out of your studies.
Plus, if you struggle with in-person interactions, online courses are perfect because you get to meet new people without the need to leave the comfort of your home and enter a daunting classroom.
Know more: Which Opportunities Does Distance Learning Provide?
7. Opportunity to hone computer skills
New technologies in nursing and healthcare, in general, are being developed all the time, so if you want to make yourself indispensable as a nursing professional, you need to know your way around a computer.
When you enroll in an online course, you need to at least have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and other online learning tools. Plus, throughout your studies, you can learn how to use more technologies to your advantage.
This is particularly useful for nurses who have limited technical abilities and are struggling to keep up with the next generation of nurses.
Conclusion:
Undertaking an online nursing degree program is by no means easy. However, this way of learning does provide enhanced flexibility, affordability, and accessibility, all of which can make the process of completing an advanced degree feel less daunting.
Also Read: Top 10 Tools or Softwares for the virtual classroom
If you are still not sure if this is the right choice for you and your nursing career, why not take 10 minutes to Google some online universities and see what they have to offer?
What have you got to lose?
Leave a comment