As the world evolves, changes naturally need to be made in every field. This is especially true in education. Online learning has changed the way that educational institutions function with developments in teaching methodologies. This has caused a shift in perspective for many students looking to enroll in practical learning courses, such as nursing.
Many nursing schools are offering online degrees for both local and international students. For numerous students looking to pursue a degree in nursing, this represents a great opportunity. Virtual labs, community interaction platforms on various communication channels, and video lectures all provide a great way to learn.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs – how do they work?
Online DNP programs offer an opportunity to learn from the comfort of your home wherever you may be. However, clinical sessions for a degree need to be executed in person at a hospital, healthcare center or clinic. The credit hours for these sessions are always specified on every program’s website, and you will need these to fulfill your degree requirements. During these practical experience hours, you get real patient interaction and can further work on the practical skills that you learn in person during the course.
Many universities, including Wilkes University, have started to offer online DNP programs to produce more effective healthcare workers with proper training and education.
What makes an online nursing course different?
There is a vast difference between going to class every day and managing classes online at your own pace and schedule. Many students have jobs, so having a flexible schedule makes mixing work and studying a lot easier.
Most DNP courses require you to complete a certain set of lectures, virtual lab work and assignments to earn credit hours. You can use the rest of your time to gain practical experiences if you finish these timely. Other than that, you will have a lot of interaction with people from different regions, so you will form long-lasting connections that may also work to your benefit at some point.
Online nursing courses offer attractive tuition rates and cause an overall cost reduction in the process of obtaining a degree. Tuition is impacted by administrative expenses, learning materials, transportation and living costs. As per the National Center for Education Statistics, these costs have risen by 31% between 2007 and 2017. Online programs cost less due to less expenditure on living costs and access to online resources.
In terms of resources, not only is the cost reduced, but the accessibility also increases with a vast library of research journals available on the internet. Students aiming to research possible healthcare system improvements can use their connections to collect more information from different parts of the world.
Conclusion
Online learning has changed how education works and has also resulted in changes in nursing education. It is now more accessible to students internationally, offers the flexibility of hours, and still has the same credibility. This massive change is likely to attract many students to enroll in such courses.
