Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The quote may be decades old but it still rings true today.
A quality education is essential for a fulfilling and prosperous career. However, financial and emotional challenges can hinder this goal.
Maybe you didn’t get the opportunity to complete your studies and earn that degree. The good news is that there’s always a way.
Whether you’re at a crossroads in your career or considering restarting your education, there are many online pathways to achieving your study goals. We’ll take a closer look below.
Online Learning
Online learning grew in popularity during the pandemic. Many students were forced to stay home and enroll in virtual classes. During the height of Covid-19, about 75% of students took distance learning courses, according to Forbes. Graduates took the opportunity to brush up on their qualifications.
Let us consider the example of the nursing industry. The demand for nurses with master's and doctorate degrees grew substantially, resulting in many upskilling themselves by enrolling in accelerated online programs.
Remote learning has transformed the education landscape with more college students taking online classes. Contrary to popular belief, some of the world’s best universities and colleges offer online courses, thus meeting high academic standards.
Taking the online route saves money but also cuts the costs of commuting to campus and other administration fees. Here are a few options nurses take:
BS Programs
A popular online bachelor's degree is a bachelor of science (BS) program. Many aspiring nurses choose collegiate nursing education pathways to qualify as registered nurses (RNs).
A bachelor of science degree (BSN) equips students with the qualifications to enter professional nursing.
ABS Programs
According to Online ABSN Programs, these courses are ideal for nurses looking for fast-track degrees. The accelerated bachelor of science program is a sought-after pathway for people who desire a career change. Many online courses are structured for those who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
The general format of the online program is divided into three modules: coursework, residency and clinical placement. Also, keep in mind that the right online program depends on your preferences.
Free Online Courses
A few Ivy League colleges have entered the free online course space. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone to do short courses for free and earn certification.
People entering the workforce gravitate towards free online computer courses to arm them with the basic skills for working in an office environment. Others pursue their passions outside their jobs and take creative writing or philosophy courses.
It’s worth considering this route to expand your career prospects or add something unique to your resume.
Advantages of Online Learning
The biggest advantage of online coursework is the cost. Traditional education pathways are expensive, excluding many students from considering this option.
The tuition costs of online programs vary. However, some institutions offer discounts for online coursework and financial aid.
Flexibility is a huge drawcard for students. The majority of students work full-time while earning their degree. Unlike traditional classes, virtual lessons are flexible and can be taken at a time that suits your schedule.
Red Flags
The New York Post says the average cost of an online course is $1,400. That’s a lot of money to part with if you’ve made the wrong choice or you’ve been scammed.
While the online education industry remains unregulated, you must do your due diligence. Look out for the following red flags:
Little or no Information on Course Offerings
You have a clear objective for your studies and the type of modules needed to gain a degree. Compare the course materials offered by several institutions.
If there’s little or no information on classwork, it spells a huge scam warning. Remember to check the credentials of lecturers and teachers. Are they properly qualified? Do they have experience teaching a specific course?
Accreditation
A legitimate degree must be recognized by a national or state body. For instance, when researching BSN degrees, look for CCNE-accredited institutions. Avoid ones that fall short of this credential.
No Student Support
Excellent online programs have advisors or mentors to support students in their quest to earn their degree. Limited or no access to faculty members means you’re not getting value for money and academic support to ensure you pass the program.
Few or no Online Reviews
The internet gives you instant access to information. Use it to scan for reviews on online programs and the institution or company offering them. If the most recent review is more than a year old, you should be questioning it.
Many websites have testimonial sections. Check the names are real and that the reviews are from past or current students.
Fraudulent websites do a good job of mirroring the real deal and it takes a certain degree of online finesse to spot fakes. Surefire signs are of poor design quality, spelling errors and no “contact us” page.
The online learning space is constantly evolving and will soon dominate the education landscape. More inclusive and cheaper than conventional colleges, online learning is the future.