In-Person vs. Online Nursing Programs: Which Is Right for Me?

Lisa Eagans, MSN, RNC-MNN, has 20 years of experience in healthcare and teaching. She finds her students have greater flexibility and balance while attending an online nursing program.

“In-person nursing programs don’t always offer the kind of flexibility that’s needed for adults that are already working full time, but want to upskill as a nurse and further their education,” she says.

Students who must also work full time can weave their coursework and study into their schedule in a way that makes sense for them, instead of trying to weave work around a set in-person class schedule.

Other factors that can make an online nursing program more flexible include:

• Greater work-life balance, especially for caregivers and those working
• Recorded video lectures that can be watched several times
• Online tests and quizzes that can be taken around your schedule and scored immediately
• Different locations to attend classes from anywhere with an internet connection
• Easier scheduling for virtual group work

Linda Joyce Gunn, Ph.D., has taught in traditional and nontraditional settings and has served in many settings at Western Governors University where she has been since 2005. Gunn believes one of the biggest benefits of an online program is the ability to move through the nursing program at your own pace.

“… you have the support of a community of care that will help the student be successful whether it is with the program mentor, instructor, writing center, student success center, and others to make sure the student has the tools to learn, grow, and become successful,” she says.

To accomplish online learning for nursing students, students have access to different learning formats. Videos satisfy visual and auditory learning styles and enable the student to speed up, slow down, or repeat certain lessons. Other learning options include:

• Online discussion groups
• Slide decks available to download
• Audio-only podcasts you can listen to while driving
• Integration of digital tools to connect students and teachers in a social network
• Student presentations through online video, slides, or lecture

Online nursing programs may cost the same as an in-person program or might be more affordable. Students must compare the costs between programs.

For example, one online program 200 miles from your home may seem much more cost-effective, but it requires students to attend clinical labs during the semester on campus. This commute can contribute to the cost.

However, overall, online nursing programs may cost less if you aren’t paying for room and board or transportation.

Students need to be self-disciplined to attend and complete an online nursing program. If self-motivation and time management is a personal challenge, then an online learning program may not be your best choice.

“As for disadvantages, online programs are best suited for students who are self-starters and self-motivated,” Eagans says, “meaning this kind of learning format could prove to be challenging for those who struggle with self-discipline and keeping the momentum going when it comes to deadlines.”

Additional skills needed for students attending an online nursing program include:

• Basic technical and computer skills
• Familiarity with technological problems and how to troubleshoot
• Ability to research and find the necessary materials online
• High level of internal motivation to succeed
• Independence to seek help when needed
• Ability to set and commit to clear expectations for study time and coursework
• Strong organizational skills to keep work, school, and life in order

The very nature of online learning often leaves students feeling disconnected from classmates and instructors. Jenna Liphart Rhoads, Ph.D., RN, is an educator, freelance author, and editor. She has taught in traditional and online nursing programs across several states.

“In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage can be feelings of being disconnected from the program and from peers. Online schooling can easily make students feel isolated,” she says.

Gunn believes that students can seek out and find ways of connecting with other students, even with distance learning. Students can find ways to engage with other students online, or find students in the same or similar nursing programs in their geographical area.

However, some students may thrive on face-to-face interaction and may not do well in a strictly online nursing program.

While many take technology for granted, to successfully complete an online nursing program you must have access to the necessary software and hardware. Nursing programs typically provide students with a list of computer requirements needed to complete the program.

Students who are not technologically savvy can receive help in their local area to learn how to use the programs before classes start.

The necessity for appropriate technology also rests with the online nursing program. The program must have designed the instructional material in a way that works well with online learning and offers the necessary technical support for students.

Eagans appreciates the advantage of face-to-face interactions in an in-person nursing program.

“One of the biggest benefits of a traditional in-person nursing program is that students are able to get that in-person connection and oftentimes are able to network with their peers a little easier,” she says.

Rhoads finds her students benefit from better peer support and relationships, which stem from a greater ability to professionally network with nurses and other students. Networking also helps students develop stronger relationships with their instructors. This is helpful when students need letters of recommendation for jobs or a master’s program.

While online nursing students have the advantage of immediate scoring on quizzes and tests, Rhoads points out that students and professors can benefit from face-to-face feedback.

“The benefits of a traditional in-person nursing program are the ability to seek immediate feedback for both the students and the professors,” she says. “When teaching a class, it is easier to see if students are not understanding material than it is online. Also, students can ask questions and receive immediate responses.”

Additionally, real-time responses can contribute to collaborative learning in the classroom. In-person programs allow students to work together more easily, so they actively learn with and from their peers.

Colleges and universities have developed many resources to help students be successful in their education. Many of these resources may not be available online. Also, online resources are not as easily accessed, especially for an adult learner.

On-campus resources can include writing labs, library research assistance, counseling, advocacy services, career center, social groups, and accessibility services. Some programs do offer online tutoring or office hours with professors.

However, while technology has expanded the reach of educational services, face-to-face interactions have significant benefits. They help establish trust in a relationship, boost active participation, and enhance conflict resolution.

In-person programs follow an inflexible course schedule. They may not meet the needs of working students or others who are caring for someone else at home. Gunn recognizes the challenges that traditional in-person students face.

“The disadvantage for students in a face-to-face environment is travel, life, job, and other obligations that may not allow the student to be present (i.e. both physically and emotionally),” she says.

Nursing programs can be expensive. Students who must repeat a class because they were unable to attend or did not get a passing grade, increase their costs. The inflexibility of the program may also cause a student to drop out of the program, leaving them with the expenses and no degree.

Some programs offer nursing mentors to in-person students to give them an accountability partner. Mentors can help students develop creative strategies to overcome the obstacles they face.

Nursing students are often short on time. Many are working outside of their course and clinical obligations. This leaves little time for other activities, including commuting back-and-forth to class.

A commute to class may take 30 minutes one way or longer with driving, parking, and walking to class. This adds an hour or more each day to an already packed schedule. In the past, traditional students have found ways of using this time. This may include listening to lectures on tape, dictating notes, or watching lectures on a commuter train.