Considerations to Make When Studying Nursing Online
Becoming a nurse takes many years of preparation, study, work experience, and patience. Not everyone is cut out for the challenges that each kind of nursing role entails. If you are thinking about studying to become a nurse or have already obtained your registered nurse license, you are probably looking for ways to advance your career through studying and increasing your employability. You no longer have to attend a traditional school to gain your qualification since online education has become so accessible. However, you may be curious to learn more about online learning before you choose where and how you want to study. Here is a brief list regarding the study of nursing online to help you make your decision.
Online Study is More Flexible
One of the most obvious reasons to choose an online nursing program over a traditional or in-person one is that studying remotely allows for greater timetable flexibility. This will vary depending on the school your program is run by. Still, many online institutions pride themselves on offering a flexible approach to learning so that employed people or those with other responsibilities outside of education are able to achieve their qualifications. For example, some schools offer two start dates or pre-recorded lectures.
Nursing is a Highly Practical Subject
Whatever branch of nursing you choose to study will involve learning many practical procedures. This might at first seem like an obstacle for online learners, but some schools have found a way to overcome this. For example, the University of Indianapolis offers a UIndy DNP-AGPCNP program for prospective nursing students and registered nurses hoping to advance their nursing careers. This program is held online but doesn’t compromise the hands-on aspects of nursing since placements are located specifically to your location and needs.
Online Learning is Better Optimized for Intense Focus
Having your own dedicated learning space with equipment and devices that you are familiar with can make it easier to enter the essential headspace of deep work. Often, traditional lessons can be distracting due to the crowds of other students and changing locations. When you study remotely, you can tailor your environment to suit your personal needs.
There Are Fewer Student Lifestyle Opportunities When Studying Remotely
Online learning doesn’t offer as many social opportunities as traditional learning. However, remote students who are studying to advance their nursing careers are usually further on in life and have either already experienced or want to avoid the qaparty side of student life. Of course, there are plenty of people to meet and make connections with during your placements and work experience. You can always strike up an online conversation with your fellow remote classmates if you miss the social aspect of studying.
As you can see, while there are plenty of considerations to make, the advantages of studying for your nursing qualification online far outweigh the disadvantages. It is up to you to decide what you are looking for in your program and how you prefer to study.
