Online learning has grown in popularity in every field, including nursing. The benefits of an online nursing education range from cost savings to flexibility. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online learning, innovations in technology and online learning platforms have increased the value of an online degree by providing a more customizable learning environment for nursing professionals looking to advance their careers. What is the difference between an online nursing education and a traditional one, and what are other benefits to learning online?
Online vs. Traditional Nursing Education
From interaction and time management to the coursework, online education and traditional education have overarching similarities. However, while these attributes are consistent, the ways they are implemented and executed differ slightly.
Interaction
Interacting with peers and professors is a valuable part of education, as this is how students can grow and learn from others, rather than just through reading a textbook. Interaction looks different in the online setting compared to a traditional classroom. For example, in a traditional course, students are interacting face-to-face with peers and are able to participate in live conversations. Online courses may not have the same daily live interactions, but they do offer many opportunities for collaborative learning and engagement.
For example, nursing students may have a virtual lab partner with whom they meet virtually to complete coursework. This collaboration can be through online forums such as discussion boards or video meeting platforms.
Time Management
Online and traditional courses require students to maintain time-management skills. They both assign students outside homework with a set due date.
However, students taking online courses typically spend more time working independently than students who attend in-person classes, so a disciplined approach to studying reading materials and lectures is critical. The ability to work efficiently outside of the classroom is particularly important for nursing students, who often have heavy course loads.
Coursework
AdventHealth University’s online and traditional nursing degrees, for example, both offer a community health course. The differences are in the delivery.
For example, online courses offer virtual labs where nursing students can learn and virtually dissect human anatomy. An in-person lab may take hours to complete, whereas online courses allow nursing students to complete their work more quickly while learning the same material — one of the benefits of an online nursing education.
The ability to complete labs at any time online also allows students the flexibility to work and gain hands-on experience through jobs within the nursing field.
Benefits of an Online Nursing Education
Whether they complete their coursework online or in person, nursing students learn the same material. However, online students experience some added benefits.
Scheduling and Location Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of an online nursing education is schedule flexibility. Online courses allow students to complete their work or watch lectures when and where they want. This makes it easier for many nursing students to work while going to school and gain practical experience. For example, an online nursing student can work as a nursing assistant in a clinic while enrolled in an online program.
Cost Savings
Operational fees, course materials, and transportation and living expenses all affect tuition. These costs have risen 31% between 2007 and 2017, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Online programs mitigate these costs, as students receive all their materials online and do not go to an actual building. As a result, graduates of online programs typically have less of a financial burden while advancing their careers.
Support Resources
Online nursing programs offer the same support resources as traditional programs, but the virtual resource format makes them more accessible. These resources include tutoring, counseling, and research libraries. AdventHealth University Online, for example, gives online students access to the writing center and online library. This allows them to meet with writing advisors to produce their best work. It also gives them access to a multitude of nursing journals to study and reference when writing research papers.
Furthermore, AdventHealth University Online provides tutoring and counseling to online students, understanding the importance of their education and mental health. Free e-therapy is available so students can talk with mental health professionals in real time and receive the help they need to be in the best state to complete their programs and enter their careers.
Additional Benefits of an Online Nursing Education at AdventHealth University Online
AdventHealth University Online maximizes the benefits of an online nursing education through its Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation, low student-to-faculty ratio, community, and interactive systems.
CCNE Accreditation
AdventHealth University is CCNE-accredited — a national recognition offered by the U.S. secretary of education. This ensures that nursing students are receiving a high-quality education from a program with proven integrity. This accreditation applies to all of AdventHealth University’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN).
Low Student-to-Faculty Ratios
Another added benefit of AdventHealth University Online’s nursing programs is the low student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1. Students get the attention they need while establishing real connections, helping them to feel like they matter and are more than a number.
Community Connections
AdventHealth University Online nursing students develop lasting connections and are members of an expansive network. This community allows students to receive additional recommendations and job opportunities in various healthcare settings. These connections often last long after students have completed the program.
Interactive Course Management Systems
Finally, AdventHealth University’s online nursing programs offer interactive course management systems. Specifically, Canvas helps students connect with both faculty members and other students. The platform makes online learning easy, as it reminds students of deadlines and test dates. It also provides them with an instant connection to their professors through the chat feature.
Expand Your Nursing Education at AdventHealth University Online
AdventHealth University Online offers a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN). Both programs aid registered nurses in advancing their careers through courses such as Strategic Leadership in Nursing and Nursing Informatics for RNs. Invest in your future and start or resume your online nursing education at AdventHealth University Online.
Recommended Readings
Managing Nurse Stress: Mental Health Tips and Resources
Registered Nurse Responsibilities
Tips for Registered Nurses Applying to Nursing School
Sources:
AdventHealth University Online, Benefits of AHU Online
Class Gap, “Online vs. Traditional Education: Which One Is Better for You?”
ELearning Industry, “Traditional vs. Online Learning”
EzTalks, “Traditional vs. Online Learning: What Are the Differences?”
Seattle PI, “Compare and Contrast Online vs. Classroom Instruction”
