In the last decade, remote learning has transformed the way that higher education is delivered and the number of people it can serve. It is no longer the case that you need to attend a physical university to qualify for a professional role, because online colleges offer the same level of education with added benefits. People who don’t want to disrupt their careers, those who have a family, and those who simply don’t want a daily commute can find time to graduate with an online course. Moreover, it is providing a solution to one of the nation’s most pressing concerns: a medical staffing crisis.
Why is accessible learning vital in healthcare education?
The US is currently experiencing a severe shortage of health professionals, from nurses to physicians and many other types of providers. Widening access to training and encouraging more people to participate in further education can go some way toward addressing this national problem. One of the best opportunities is online or remote study, as it can be a useful stepping stone for people who have the ability and the desire to qualify but are held back by their circumstances. Barriers to studying in a traditional way could include childcare commitments, a lack of funds, or having to work.
Opening up careers in healthcare
Accelerating the recovery of the healthcare system could therefore require a shift to online delivery and the provision of support to students who enroll. Baylor University’s online nursing program is ideal for people who need to qualify swiftly and is designed for those with a non-related degree. On the one-year accelerated BSN, students are assisted with finding a local clinical placement and given a Student Success Coach, who supports them through every aspect of their course. Online programs take full advantage of everything that the digital world has to offer, equipping students from all walks of life with the skills they need to thrive in the healthcare career.
Why has online learning flourished in recent years?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning presented a lifeline to learners, as well as universities and colleges. Although the move was essentially forced, because of the requirements of lockdown, it offered an alternative approach to taking qualifications that proved extremely successful and effective. Even now, with the lockdown well behind us, online learning is valuable for the flexibility it offers. It enables students to learn in a way that suits them and their lifestyle.
Virtual learning is a more flexible option
Remote studying programs are not as rigid as traditional programs when it comes to the period or the mode of study required. Many have short courses on which prospective students can get a taste of the subject and explore its potential before choosing to take a full-time program. Furthermore, many institutions give students the chance to accrue credits during these taster sessions, and these can be put toward a more advanced qualification. These features give additional flexibility to the students who most need it, and in doing so, they promote inclusivity. This nurtures a more diverse workforce, which leads to benefits for employers across all sectors.
How can online learning benefit you?
Online learning can further your education, as well as enrich your life skills. As you learn at your own pace, in a setting of your choice, this style of learning can fit in around you. Remote study is not a substitute for traditional learning – rather, it opens up access to education and optimizes your experience, in a unique way.
Your level of interaction remains high
Being with your peers and your tutors is a valuable part of learning. It gives you the chance to learn from others and mentor people who are struggling. In an online setting, this may look different, but it is still an effective and useful aspect of the course. As part of many programs, you will be asked to use video conferencing to participate in class discussions. You’ll also visit forums to chat with your classmates and maybe have a virtual lab partner who you collaborate with to complete tasks.
Excellent time management becomes second nature
As you won’t be visiting your university in person, it is easier to dodge your professor if you are late with handing in an essay. However, if you miss a due date, you could fall behind and will need to work extra hard in order to catch up with the rest of the class. Therefore, remote learners soon develop their time management skills. They spend more time on independent study, so having a disciplined approach to research and writing is essential. This is a useful skill after a student has graduated and progressed into a senior role that involves managing a heavy workload.
Coordinate your work and your education
The flexibility offered by online learning means that students can plan their schedules without considering classroom hours. You can simply watch your lectures online, take notes and carry out further research at a time that suits you.
Elevating your career from home
Amid the pandemic, many people had the time to re-evaluate their careers and decide on a new direction. For those who wanted to gain new skills or an additional qualification, online learning was the only viable option as it could be done from home. Their success stories have ensured that online education is here to stay and can continue to transform the lives of every student, regardless of their personal circumstances.
