The pandemic altered life on a global and personal scale, but one of the massive changes it had was to the education system. During COVID-19, universities and colleges across the United States had to rapidly shift from in-person learning to remote options.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reports that over 7 in 10 schools moved to online learning in early 2020. Online learning is also the fastest-growing market in the education industry, and the number of online learners is expected to increase to 57 million by 2027.
For busy professionals looking to further their professional development, there’s never been a better time to consider online learning. There are online programs for all fields, and they can be an accessible pathway for career advancement.
For example, online FNP programs are one of the most popular education options for healthcare professionals. It offers flexibility to pursue advanced nursing degrees without disrupting existing work.
What is online learning?
Online learning, also known as remote learning or distance education, allows people to experience the U.S. education system without having to leave home. It’s possible to study online for all levels of study, whether it’s an undergraduate degree or a master’s.
Popular reasons for students enrolling in online learning include:
- They have (child or elder) care obligations
- They can’t take time away from their current workplace to study in-person
- The program may be offered at a location that isn’t feasible to attend
The benefits of online learning
Online education can be advantageous for a range of reasons, particularly for fields like healthcare. Several benefits include:
- Flexibility: One of the main benefits of distance education is the flexibility it offers. There’s no requirement to visit a campus in-person and attend classes on a specific date/time. If you’re employed, this can make learning and higher education more accessible, as you can complete coursework and watch lectures when it’s convenient for you.
- Reduced costs: Education can be expensive, especially for postgraduate degrees. Online programs are typically cheaper than traditional learning alternatives. You can also save money on transportation costs and in-person course material.
- More variety: A massive benefit of online learning is that there’s more program variety. Because you’re not restricted by distance, you can enroll in courses from institutions across the country.
What to consider
Before selecting an online program, there are a few things you should consider. Online learning modes may differ between institutions. For example, one institution may still require attending virtual classes at designated times, whereas another might post recorded lectures.
So, before you jump into distance education, you should think about:
- How long has the institution been investing in online learning
- Are there any reviews/evaluations from students for the program
- What is the average duration of study for the program
- What are the employment outcomes? Do they align with your goals?
- Will the program be recognized by your state and/or employers?
Online learning and healthcare
Almost every healthcare profession requires a formal education. While some occupations in the field only require an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s, higher education is necessary if you’re seeking to advance your career.
Many healthcare occupations are known for being time-demanding, leaving little room for higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the delivery of schooling across the country, leading to the rise of online learning has changed this.
Statistics reveal that over 3900 post-secondary degree-granting institutions offer some level of distance education out of the 5999 colleges in the United States. Many of the nation’s most prestigious universities also now offer fully remote degrees.
The workforce shortage
The United States is currently experiencing a workforce shortage across the entire healthcare profession. Data reveals that the nationwide shortage of registered nurses, physicians, and aged care workers is expected to worsen over the next decade, too.
This issue is being compounded by the country’s aging population, unprecedented levels of burnout, and fewer enrollments in healthcare-related degrees. This workforce shortage has driven up demand, so if you’re looking to climb the career ladder or transition into healthcare, online learning is a great opportunity for a busy professional.
The different educational pathways
For people interested in online learning, it’s important to understand the different educational pathways available before choosing a program. In the United States, there are four levels of college degrees: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. These are covered below alongside certificate programs.
Certificate programs
Certificate programs are great for busy professionals, as they offer fast-track training and professional development. The duration of the programs is typically shorter than most other educational pathways, only lasting 3 – 12 months.
Associate degrees
Associate degrees are between high school diplomas and bachelor’s degrees. The courses typically last for two years or 60 course hours, and are offered at community colleges or technical schools.
The goal of associate degrees is to prepare you directly for the workforce; however, some courses’ credits may go toward four-year colleges if you want to continue studying.
Bachelor’s degrees
A bachelor’s degree usually requires four years of study or 120 credit hours. Offered by traditional campuses and online institutions like Carson-Newman University Online, the curriculum combines essential general education in subjects like English and Math with specialized training in a chosen major.
Master’s degrees
A master’s degree requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree (undergraduate education) and usually requires 1 – 2 years of study. If you’re looking to advance your career, master’s degrees allow graduates to specialize, creating opportunities for better employment and salary.
Doctoral degrees
Doctoral degrees are the highest level of degree, requiring years of research and study. The length of the course will depend on what’s being researched. Most occupations will not require a doctoral degree; it is more suited for people who want to go into research, academia, and/or highly specialized fields.
Why you should pursue higher education
Every field and profession benefits from a commitment to lifelong learning. Not only can education bring self-fulfillment, but it can also open doors to new opportunities and is essential for staying up to date with your industry’s latest advancements and practices.
Statistics reveal that a higher level of education correlates with higher incomes. For many industries, higher education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, is required for specialized fields, like surgery and advanced nursing, which are in-demand and well-paid.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: The pursuit of a higher education at university.. Cover Photo Credit: Pexels
