There is no question that there are many online nursing programs in the United States and they continue to grow as universities are riding the wave of the growth in health care to expand their earnings and increase student numbers.
Online programs in particular continue to grow at a record pace and are now plentiful, reasonably priced and easy to access. Why is it that these programs are beginning to gain momentum in comparison to the traditional on ground universities? There are many probable answers to this question.
1. Quality of online programs
Early in the evolution of online programs, educators in traditional universities did not believe that such programs were close to the quality of face-to-face programs so they were approached with great skepticism. This was one factor that led to concerns of prospective students as to whether their online education in nursing would be of high quality.
Research now suggests that online learning is effective and at times more effective depending on the needs of the learner than traditional programs. The Sloan-C consortium for online education has not only studied this phenomenon but has also worked to improve the quality of online education through innovation and training for providers of distanced learning programs.
With the movement to connectivity in everything that we do as a society, traditional universities are attempting to keep pace with online education to provide programs that are convenient and meet the needs of a certain segment of the learning population. Courses can also be easily revised to meet the demands of changing technology and theories including the selection of books and publications. Since distance programs are not confined to a geographic location, high quality professors can be accessed from across the country.
2. Forces in nursing
There is no question that in order for the nursing profession to be viewed in the highest esteem, a base level of academic preparation is required. There have been many disputes about the quality of a BSN versus a diploma or two year programs. Many professions have effectively dealt with this question and now we see disciplines like pharmacists and physical therapists that have opted for doctoral and masters preparation respectively as their entry to practice.
Last year, the board of Magnet Commissioners revised the requirements for Magnet organizations to have 80 percent of their RN staff BSN prepared. This bold move by the Commission is guiding hospitals and health care organizations to the creation of strategies to achieve the 80 percent requirement. Online RN to BSN programs are a great solution to this goal.
3. Supply and demand
It is well reported that there will be an increase in demand for nurses in the future for several reasons including the aging of the population, increase in disease secondary to lifestyle issues, the changes in health care reform to accountable care organizations and continued immigration. The demand is there. Universities, both traditional and online, are attempting to meet this demand by providing access to programs.
4. Second careers
As jobs continue to be lost in this country due to economic forces, motivated employees are looking for industries whereby they can be somewhat guaranteed a job. These individuals have found opportunities in second degree programs. Many components of these nursing programs can be taught online and with the onset of effective simulation, the futurists believe that simulation is an effective alternative to hands on learning with real subjects.
5. Convenience
Lastly, you cannot overlook the notion of convenience in an online environment. Classes are asynchronous where nursing students can go to school 24 hours around the clock at their convenience. Online programs have also become very sophisticated in their learning platforms, and available student success programs and technical support are now readily available. Working parents do not have to give up precious time with the kids and it is easy to complete coursework around other commitments. Also, in regards to learning materials, many of the books and publications are available in electronic formats.
6. Reality about online programs
Although online programs are convenient and accessible, they are not necessarily for everyone. To be successful, the learner needs to be organized and self-motivated to independently do the work. Someone who likes to procrastinate will not do well in this type of program because it is very easy to get behind. Individuals that need a high degree of emotional or peer support may also not do well in and online environment.
Another misconception is that online programs are easier than traditional programs. This is far from the truth. Although there is a community of learning and support in every class, the learner is totally responsible for their own work including the readings, discussion boards and assignments. Online programs maintain this rigor through strict learner expectations and the grading process.
In conclusion, online education will continue to grow. They are an effective means to meet the needs of the learners as well as the needs of the profession for more BSN prepared nurses. If you think that this type of program is for you, do the research by looking for online nursing programs and contacting the school of your choice to see if this approach is a fit for you. All learners are different so find the program that suits your unique personality and learning style.