Katie Lee, Ph.D., RN, CNE, OCN
Program Director, Online RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion Program
If you have decided to further your education, you have likely inquired whether in-person or online courses are a better option for you, especially if you are already working and/or have family obligations. What suits one person may not suit another. The methodology of teaching and learning that works better for you is a personal decision that considers your schedule, life commitments, learning style, and preferences.
Maria offers a reputable RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion Program, which can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Additionally, in Fall 2022, a 12-month, fully online asynchronous RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion Program was launched. By offering both RN-BS degree programs, the needs of diverse student populations can be met. Whether you choose an online or in-person program, Maria’s faculty members are chosen for their combination of expertise and dedication. As instructors, advisors, and mentors, faculty members model the care and personal attention that distinguish both Maria and our graduates. The programs offered at Maria College instill in learners the importance of caring and compassionate service to others.
Some advantages of in-person classes may include the ability to participate in a structured environment with fewer distractions. In-person learning allows students to interact with other learners and instructors in a physical setting. Students can develop deep and meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. Through seeing body language, engaging in conversations, and socializing through class, students participate in valuable social and emotional learning practices every day in the classroom. These experiences increase a sense of well-being, belonging, and comfort. Face-to-face interaction is beneficial for gaining clarity and understanding of course content. Moreover, participation in clinical experiences in the region’s top hospitals, long-term care centers, and other nursing practice settings gives students invaluable hands-on experience.
Online education has proliferated in recent years and continues to grow as it meets the
needs of adult students. With online programs becoming increasingly popular, teaching and learning strategies must be thoughtfully constructed to provide students with a high-quality education that compensates for the physical distance between students and faculty. Potential advantages of taking online classes include having greater scheduling flexibility while maintaining high academic standards.
Online learning may be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning describes any type of education or instruction that occurs at the same time, but not in the same place. Asynchronous learning happens when both learning and instruction occur at different locations and at different times. Self-direction and self-discipline are needed in online courses to ensure that work is completed in a timely fashion.
The online learning platform allows educators to embrace more interactive tools and approaches that students will find engaging. For example, in the online RN-BS degree program, virtual simulation experiences using Lippincott vSim™ and Shadow Health™ are incorporated in the curriculum to help refine nursing skills and promote safe, effective nursing practice in a complex and evolving healthcare environment. In addition, students have opportunities to present research findings using software such as Canva and Panopto to advance nursing knowledge. Students can interact with their faculty and peers through several platforms such as discussion boards, video conferencing, and email. Group discussions help students better understand course material while also getting to know and build connections with their classmates and professors.