MSN in education, online v. classroom?

Specialties Educators

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I've been an RN for almost 2 years on a busy tele floor. I want to go back to school to get my MSN as a nurse educator. I've been looking for online courses, but I'm not sure if that's wise. It seems ideal, bc it's flexible, but I'm not sure if it would behoove me to learn in an actual classroom environment. For those who are nurse educators, do you have any opinions on online vs classroom? Would it affect me, as far as hiring goes? Are they less reputable? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

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I am in online grad school for education with the exact same clinical experience you have.

Get an online degree from an actual four year university. It doesn't matter whether it is classroom based or not. You will be able to take more credits online due to flexiblity and finish the program faster. Best of luck!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I did mine online and thoroughly enjoyed it. Studied when I wanted to, took it slow, and since I work nights it fit my life style exactly. I was close enough to the university (60 miles) to go in when I wanted to. My field work was local, the CC had a contract with the University and there were no problems.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Online!!!! Big fan...

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I am looking into the exact same kind of program. What kind of clinical work did anyone have to do?

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Specializes in Postpartum/Lactation/Nursing Education.

I did both my RN-BSN and my MSN in Nursing Education online and really loved the programs. While there was a lot of work to do, it made it much more manageable since I could do my work whenever I had time. I don't know how I would have managed working full time and raising my kids if I would have had to be in a classroom regularly for an entire degree program.

For my MSN we had the option to apply for an online practicum in which the school would provide a preceptor otherwise we needed to find our own preceptor in our own area. I chose to find a preceptor at a local college. That gave me a chance to get my foot in the door there, so to speak. I figured after 16 weeks (we had to log 150 hours) they would know whether or not I was a fit for their program and I would also know whether or not it was a place I would want to work. It was also great because I got to take part in all aspects of the teaching process. I am happy to say that after graduating in August they offered me a job teaching one clinical group. This semester I am teaching two clinical groups for them and one for another local college. Overall, online learning was great for me and helped me gain career advancement. :D

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Specializes in ER, ICU.
I am looking into the exact same kind of program. What kind of clinical work did anyone have to do?

All of my classwork was online. This was perfect, and the only way I could have done it. I'm a single parent working full time. My Capstone was done at a local community college, and my project- also done online! This meant I didn't even have to go to the campus for most of my project. I made a video you can see here- https://youtu.be/HnDFKBMrAho.

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