Are online ANP degrees destroying our credibility?

[jilljw]

I was talking to a private practice doctor about an opening in his practice. Currently, I am employed by the hospital. He told me that they will only consider PA's due to having more of a hard science based training and longer residency. I have heard this before and brushed it off. Especially, considering that would only be of factor for new grads possibly. I brought this up and he gave me a second rejection with a whole new excuse. His practice as a whole were considering hiring NPs until a PA brought up you can get your degree online. He stated they can not take our education seriously with such low standards. UUUURRRGGGHH. I didn't really know what to say. Mostly due to not expecting that response. Either way he is not someone I would want to work for with that attitude. I want to know what other people's thoughts are regarding the online programs? Will it hurt our profession and the quality of our reputation?

[TennesseeNP123]

As a new grad getting feedback from different employers, I haven't heard any negatives about those graduating from online programs bc in the end the actual clinical hours are done, and they have been interested in where clinical time has been spent, etc...Something I've seen hinder some of my friends from getting jobs is the lack of RN experience before getting their Masters...When I went into grad school I didn't even realize you could get into a APN program without working first as an RN...

Some of the local schools in my area that are NOT online have a lot lacking that some of the online programs do have, so I'm not totally one to rule out online programs...I graduated from my state university and when comparing my program to other NPs I've met over clinical hours I've been impressed with some of the online program requirements...

[CoolhandHutch, MSN, RN]

I did my RN-BSN completion through an online program and currently I am doing my ACNP through a "traditional" program. A few thoughts about this whole thing: Being an online/distant educated student requires, IMHO, a higher level of organization and motivation when compared to onsite programs. It's also true that a certain amount of learning happens in the classroom, especially within discussions with classmates, yet many online programs are discovering this and trying to bring this to the 'net. I agree with the consensus that many private and for-profit programs are starting to erode at our credibility...now if we can stop all the infighting that trying to determine our "best education" credentials and stop changing the alphabet soup behind our names....that's a wholly different matter.

Ask your doctor if he/she ever heard of telemedicine. If you cannot educate someone over Wi-Fi, how could you possibly treat them?

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

I did my RN-BSN completion through an online program and currently I am doing my ACNP through a "traditional" program. A few thoughts about this whole thing: Being an online/distant educated student requires, IMHO, a higher level of organization and motivation when compared to onsite programs. It's also true that a certain amount of learning happens in the classroom, especially within discussions with classmates, yet many online programs are discovering this and trying to bring this to the 'net. I agree with the consensus that many private and for-profit programs are starting to erode at our credibility...now if we can stop all the infighting that trying to determine our "best education" credentials and stop changing the alphabet soup behind our names....that's a wholly different matter.

Ask your doctor if he/she ever heard of telemedicine. If you cannot educate someone over Wi-Fi, how could you possibly treat them?

Very good reasoning!

[FuturePsychNP]

I'm in an online program (for the most part). We sometimes have to go to campus, a dedicated brick and mortar institution that is well ranked nationally, but I'd rather be in most classes. I think the research, theory, and filler classes are fine online, but although I've learned a lot and put effort into it I know that you could open your book, take an online test, pass it, and move on with an A without having learned anything or at least retaining anything. For the practice-crucial courses I'd rather be in a classroom with a veteran instructor. I think PA, MD, and a host of others will maintain more credibility, in the inner circle, because they are actual classes. Even the DNP crutch that will supposedly shore up nursing professionalism is almost always online and wrought with filler classes such as research, leadership, theory, etc. Those are all good and necessary, but they don't have an immediate impact on making patients well which is what RN, APN, PA, MD, DDS, and many other initials are on the Earth to do.

Edit to add: clinicals are actual, and procedural training such as suturing, I & D, radiograph, 12 lead, etc are all in person.

[nursetim, NP]

When they start online med schools and PA schools, then maybe I'll listen. Until then, it's the rocko & sluggo school of turntable repair, time.

[zenman]

When they start online med schools and PA schools, then maybe I'll listen. Until then, it's the rocko & sluggo school of turntable repair, time.

Many med school students, way more than you can imagine, skip med school classes and wait till their instructors posts the videos. A lot of our homework references at Rush university were videos from prestigious medical schools. The reason I learned physical exams so fast was because I could watch a video countless times till I had it down as well as the doc performing it. In clinical my doc told me I didn't have to be so thorough for the "real world."

[SycamoreGuy]

When they start online med schools and PA schools, then maybe I'll listen. Until then, it's the rocko & sluggo school of turntable repair, time.

I have yet to have anyone explain to me the difference between sitting in a crowded, stadium style room, barely being able to hear what's going on and sitting comfortably in my computer chair, where I can pause, replay, or adjust the volume. Clinicals, practicals, and labs obviously need to be in person, but there is no need to be physically present to get everything out of a lecture.

[KansasFNP]

What Sycamore said.

[Tinabeanrn]

I think the issue is that not all online schools are created equally. Many schools that I have heard of are not offer online videos of lectures. There is not even a powerpoint. Its reading x amount of chapters and articles and then taking the test. Not everyone can learn like that. But I do get what your saying in the comparison you made. I would have loved to have had the chance to rewind my lectures.

[zenman]

I have yet to have anyone explain to me the difference between sitting in a crowded, stadium style room, barely being able to hear what's going on and sitting comfortably in my computer chair, where I can pause, replay, or adjust the volume, get up and get a drink, make out, run down the street in Bangkok to the market, etc, etc. Clinicals, practicals, and labs obviously need to be in person, but there is no need to be physically present to get everything out of a lecture.

Fixed it for you...

[SycamoreGuy]

Thanks, can't believe I forgot that

[kevagonia]

yes, they are.