So.. whats online schooling like?

curliegirl80RN · May 21, 2007

I am doing an online ADN program through University of South Dakota. Don't be fooled, it is HARD WORK. We have the same curriculum as the traditional students, except that we learn it all online. Instead of going to an actual class, you are able to stay home and learn the material at your leisure. In my program, the instructors send us a reading schedule and assignments with due dates, that way you can follow the schedule and not fall behind. We have to come to campus to take our tests. Other than that, we have to go to clinicals just like the traditional students. I LOVE the format of this program. I usually do all of my studying at night when my baby is in bed! After I finish my ADN, I plan on taking an online RN-BSN. Good luck in your decision!

scallywags · May 23, 2007

Hi,

I have just completed a LVN program. During this time, I have taken six online classes through my community college. I am also looking into the possibility of doing U of Indianna in the future.

From my experience with online classes, I will say that you have to be committed to the time schedule. Even though you may have a week between due dates, it is important to schedule your time appropriately. For instance, I had a statistics class online. I found that when I waited until the last day to complete the assignment, I was frustrated and did poorly. I quickly learned to follow a time management plan and this worked well for me.

On the other hand, I really enjoy taking online classes because they allow a lot of flexibility in terms of when you do the assignments. Being that I have a busy household with kids, this sometimes means 10 p.m. at night..or later. It has worked out well for me.

Good luck in your LVN program :)

NICUrn2B · May 23, 2007

thank you for your reply. Its good to know that it is do-able! :)

BigB · May 25, 2007

I finished up my Bachlors degree online and it was great. The ability to do school assignments of my terms was great. Online learning is not for everyone. It takes a lot of determination and grit. You have to be self motivated. It is not easier, it is just more convinent. I would go for ISU over UoP.

arual56 · May 26, 2007

so im about to start an LVN program in August and I'm interested in either UOP or Indiana after getting my LVN license and basically, I just want to know what online schooling will be like...
Some people keep telling me that i'll be a better nurse if I go to a traditional school. What do you all think? I'm certain that online students learn the same material and do the same clinicals, right? After all, its state mandated... the clinical hours.. So.. please give me some insight
Thanks a bunch!
:gandalf:
Online classes differ from traditional classes in only two ways that I can tell. First, you don't have someone sitting in front of the class reminding you when your assignments are due, and two, you don't have to sit and listen to lectures that simply cover the information you could read for yourself in a book. Online classes are hard, demanding, challenging, and at times nightmarish. But in the field of nursing, it gives the student a good example of how important it is to keep up with your paper work, something we all know that we will be doing in mass quantities for the rest of our careers. The rest depends on you, the school you go through and the program they offer. I am certain that some are very good, just as there are some that are horrible.

Ambition13, MSN, RN · May 26, 2007

Discipline, organization, motivation, planning, and did I mention discipline? You are your own instructor. You shedule your reading assignments and deadlines. I would suggest to plan it as if you're in a traditional classroom. Compose your own outline/syllabus with assigned readings, etc. Also schedule realistic times during the week that you can actually devote to your studies, just like you're going to class. I'm seriously considering doing online studies myself.

shizaina · May 28, 2007

Does anyone know how the financial aid process works at ISU? Do you have to pay out of pocket for it? How do the clinical work?

misspuryearLPN · May 30, 2007

I am going to be starting an online LPN-RN program with the College Network. I am nervous but ready. I wish you well!

DanisTeeta · May 30, 2007

I Graduate With My Lpn In August And Plan On Starting Lpn To Rn Bridge As Soon As I Pass My Boards. Also Looking At The Online Way (excelsior). How Does It Work? Are There Books Or Is It All Online??? Thanks

luv4nursing · May 30, 2007

Im in an online LPN to RN bridge that was recently started at my community college. Its very convenient for us working folks, but its hard work! Matter of fact its harder than the on campus generic program....we are learning in one year what they learn in two. At the same time, we arent learning any new material that wasnt covered during LPN school. Thats the only thing that makes it doable to go thru it so quickly (the program is 11 months, 10 if u count the month off we have in august!). We have clinicals and we go on campus for exams, but we do our weekly quizzes online, and we have discussion forums/case studies do weekly. We have a zillion reading assignments that I ignore for the most part bc there is no way Id ever have my nose out of the book if I read as much as they want us to. I go by the study guides and read what we will be tested on and study that.

I plan to take my BSN online too. And MSN if I continue on from there.

arual56 · May 30, 2007

I Graduate With My Lpn In August And Plan On Starting Lpn To Rn Bridge As Soon As I Pass My Boards. Also Looking At The Online Way (excelsior). How Does It Work? Are There Books Or Is It All Online??? Thanks

I dont' know how Excelsior works. I am going through a program at Rio Salado College (don't take the name dropping as an endorsement). We have hard copy books to read, do our quizzes on line, and take proctored exams at a local facility. Our clinicals are held at the hospital where I work, or at one of our sister hospitals. I like the freedom it provides, but it is not "easy" compared to the traditional programs. You have to be more motivated, more disciplined, and stay on top of things more on your own. You don't have someone there in person to remind you that you have an assignment that is due next week.