Weigh the pros and cons of online nursing classes before deciding which option is best for you. Online nursing education allows you to study and interact with peers and instructors from anywhere. On the other hand, some find that in-person classes offer greater structure, social connection and academic enrichment.
During the 2022 to 2023 school year, 53% of U.S. postsecondary students took at least one online class. That’s a slight drop from the prior year’s enrollment, but online education is a trend with staying power. Many students earn a degree entirely online, while others complete some of their requirements online. For example, you could complete online nursing coursework while attending in-person experiential learning components. Before doing so, however, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons of online nursing classes.
At Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), we know that some students prefer online learning, while others do best in a classroom setting. That’s why you can choose between online or in-person nursing coursework for our Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN) Program. Before deciding which is right for you, you’ll want to understand what online nursing classes are like, consider the pros and cons of online nursing, and look at the required in-person learning components.
Overview of Online Nursing Education
NDMU’s hybrid ABSN program allows students to complete nursing theory coursework via an intuitive e-learning platform. With this learning modality, you can complete interactive exercises, participate in class discussions and communicate with instructors without entering a physical classroom.
While you’ll still have to attend in-person labs and clinicals regularly and adhere to instructors’ deadlines, this online-based ABSN program option brings convenience and autonomy to the nursing theory learning process.
We also offer an on-campus ABSN program for those who prefer a more traditional learning format. Both paths provide students with the same access to supportive faculty mentors, state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs and clinical experiences at some of Baltimore’s most renowned health care facilities.
The Pros of Online Nursing Programs
Although online nursing education might not be the right fit for every student, there are a lot of benefits to consider. If you adhere to instructor deadlines, you can work through the course material where and when it suits you best. Other benefits of earning an online nursing degree include:
- Online classes allow for no waitlist. At NDMU, we don’t maintain a waitlist for applicants. We can accept more students than other nursing schools because our online classroom doesn’t impose physical space limitations. That means you can get started on your career sooner.
- Online learning provides a quality education. A common misconception is that online learning compromises quality for speed or accessibility. That’s not the case with our online-based accelerated nursing program. It provides engaging and challenging nursing theory coursework that will provide a foundation for a career in any nursing specialty.
- Online learning offers convenience. As long as you stick to the due dates set by your instructor, you can complete your work at your own pace. This means you have plenty of time to review as needed. You’ll also be able to study from anywhere.
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The Cons of Online Nursing Programs
While online learning adds flexibility to earning a BSN, it isn’t necessarily ideal for everyone.
- Not every student learns the same way. Our on-campus Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program may be the best choice if you're a student who thrives on face-to-face in-person interaction.
- Don’t get too comfortable! Some folks find it hard to study and work in the same place they relax, so learning from home can present a challenge. Our advice is to create a separate learning space to maintain focus.
- Connection issues. As an online student, having a high-speed Internet connection is important. Be prepared for technical issues to pop up occasionally and know how to deal with them, or have a tech help number handy.
If you have concerns about hybrid learning, contact us with questions. Our on-campus learning modality is a more traditional, lecture-based option for those who prefer face-to-face learning environments.
Digital Nursing Programs Require In-Person Components
The curriculum pathway you choose, hybrid or on-campus, will determine where you’ll need to complete your lab work. Even if you choose the online-based path, you still must complete hands-on work in skills and simulation labs. If you’re taking classes online, you’ll attend labs at the off-campus. ABSN learning site in Elkridge.
On-campus ABSN students will complete nursing skills and simulation labs at our Center for Caring with Technology on our main Baltimore campus.
Both state-of-the-art learning sites feature:
- Advanced hospital equipment and medical supplies
- Simulation rooms with medical manikins (patient simulators)
- Breakrooms and lockers
- Testing rooms
In these lab spaces, you’ll practice applying nursing concepts and skills. During skills lab, you and your classmates will meet to learn nursing skills like caring for wounds, checking vital signs and inserting catheters and IVs.
You will apply these foundational skills to mock clinical scenarios during simulation labs. Simulation lab scenarios are designed to give you this practice so you can grow your problem-solving skills, which are among the most essential skills for nurses.
Clinical Rotations
During clinical rotations, you’ll gain hands-on practice at top health care facilities in the Baltimore area. Because our program is accelerated, you’ll begin clinical placements in your first semester, giving you plenty of experience in many diverse settings. This ensures you’ll be comfortable with patients and competent to start practicing once you graduate and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Who Should Consider an Online Nursing Degree?
Since NDMU offers online and in-person nursing classes, we encourage you to reflect on how you learn best. If you would benefit from a more structured environment, perhaps in-person courses would suit you best. If you are a self-motivated and driven individual with strong time management skills, online courses might be ideal for you.
An online nursing degree can be an excellent fit for those who:
- Are nursing students with families who need more scheduling flexibility
- Prefer the option to watch lectures and go through interactive learning modules multiple times to master the material
- Plan to work while attending nursing school
We don’t recommend working while attending nursing school, as it requires a commitment to a full-time job. However, we recognize that some students may need to work part-time. Online classes may help your schedule become more manageable.
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The Demand for Nurses
No matter which program option you choose, you’ll be prepared to help address the nursing shortage in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for registered nurses is expected to be 6% from 2023 through 2033, faster than average. This indicates that health care employers will need to hire about 197,200 new nurses during this period.
Are You Ready to Start Your Accelerated Nursing Education?
There are pros and cons to online nursing classes, most of which depend on your preferred learning style and environment. No matter which option works best for you, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive learning community at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Here, you can graduate in as few as 15 months with the help of dedicated nursing instructors and Academic Success Coaches.
If you’re ready to begin your nursing journey, contact one of our admissions advisors.