Pros and Cons of Studying Nursing Online

Online nursing programs have become a popular choice for aspiring nurses. The programs offer many benefits, such as flexible schedules, innovative classroom interactions, and low-cost options.

The programs have become a major springboard in preparing future nurses with the necessary skillsets and knowledge to advance in the profession. Although they offer many benefits, there are some disadvantages that students may experience.

Consult the list of advantages and disadvantages of obtaining your nursing degree online below to learn more and make an informed decision.

Pros of Online Nursing School

The following list explains the top benefits for students who are enrolled in online nursing programs.

1. Flexibility and Convenience

It is no secret that work schedules, family life, and other priorities may make it difficult for students to commit to a school's schedule. To help with this, many institutions offer flexible course schedules that allow students to complete the program at their own pace.

Often, online nursing programs are designed with no set class schedules, no on-campus visits, and extended deadlines. Because of these conveniences, online nursing programs have become a popular option for working students. Some students may find the flexibility of online schooling to be an easier way to get a nursing degree.

2. Greater Peer Interactions

The majority of the online nursing program offers plenty of opportunities for students to participate in interactive classroom sessions and live discussion boards.

Through the use of these methods, students are able to interact with fellow students all over the world. Great networking opportunities are sure to be created from these interactions.

Not only that, some students may feel limited to further education due to fewer options in their area. Online programs are a great tool to provide access to colleges and universities to more students beyond their immediate geographic area.

3. Adaptable Learning Styles

Each student is different when it comes to learning new material. Some students learn best through video classes, audio lectures, or interactive lessons.

Luckily for them, the material and coursework in online programs can be delivered in multiple ways, such as:

• online discussion groups
• slide deck presentations
• lectures delivered via audio
• video presentations
• digitalized books

Students in online programs are exposed to a wide variety of learning methods and are able to choose which method works best for them.

4. Less Expensive

Cost plays a big part when it comes to students pursuing higher education. Due to increasing costs, online degree programs have become an attractive option for prospective students.

Along with tuition costs, college students pay various school fees in order to attend school. Through the use of online programs, students are able to bypass technology and various classroom attendance fees.

In addition, students are able to save on meals, gas, and other essentials. Online nursing programs have become a cost-effective method for earning a nursing degree.

5. Improves Self-Discipline and Self-Motivation

Pursuing a degree online requires increased self-motivation and self-discipline to complete the program. Online degree programs are a great option for people who are independent and self-reliant.

Due to less direct interactions with fellow students and teachers, online students must depend on themselves to successfully work through the degree programs.

6. Easier Access to Teachers

In a traditional classroom setting, students may experience limited interactions with their teachers due to various reasons. The common reasons are:

• large classroom sizes
• lecture time limitations
• limited office hours

With online programs, students can email their teachers or recruit other communication methods that are convenient for them. Due to no classroom sharing, online students can receive a more personalized experience.

Cons of Online Nursing School

The following list explains some of the disadvantages that online nursing students may have.

1. Lack of Daily Structure

As stated before, online students are not given a set schedule for the completion of their coursework. With less face-to-face interaction, some students are susceptible to missing deadlines and course assignments.

Learning can become much more challenging in the process. In order to succeed, students must personally schedule their study time, develop lesson plans, and find study areas that are effective.

2. Lack of Accreditation

There are online nursing programs that do not meet the accreditation standards. Nursing students who attend non-accredited programs will experience challenges in obtaining employment and fulfilling licensure requirements.

Accreditation is a form of quality control that ensures that the nursing programs are meeting a set of standards and certain criteria.

It is important for all prospective students to make sure their institution of choice has the proper accreditations in place.

3. Less Direct Access to Teachers

Depending on the student, some students perform better when they have direct access to their teachers and tutors. In-person courses enable students to ask the necessary questions and receive answers directly.

Students may need further clarification on the material or may seek out one-on-one tutor services. Unfortunately, online students will experience a lack of those services.

Online nursing students will have to adapt to email or virtual office hours to get feedback from their professors and TAs.

4. Lack of Social Interaction

Students who thrive on social interaction may experience challenges with online nursing programs. Online students rely heavily on email, discussion boards, video calls, and other means of communication with their fellow peers and teachers.

With that, they may also have delayed email responses or connectivity issues with their teachers and peers. Face-to-face interactions pair better with some students.

By enrolling in online programs, students are exchanging increased flexibility with fewer interactions with their classmates and teachers.

5. Difficulty Staying Motivated

With the intensity of nursing school requirements, some online students can struggle to stay motivated and on task. As stated previously, the lack of daily structure is sure to bring challenges to online students.

To counter this, online students are advised to create a set daily schedule for them to prevent procrastination and incomplete assignments from accruing.

Enroll in an Online Nursing Program Today

Although there are some disadvantages that a student may experience when pursuing a nursing degree online, online nursing programs still offer great benefits to their students and will remain a popular option in the upcoming years.