The greatest advantage of Web-based nursing degrees is the convenience that comes with online learning. Web-based courses allow students to access course content from any Internet connection in the world. What this means for many students is that they can continue to work at their current jobs while studying for a degree. Family obligations can also be an obstacle for working adults trying to earn a degree. Some students have found that online learning allows them to adequately fulfill family obligations. Many students will allot certain periods of time each day or week specifically for coursework.
Another advantage to Web-based learning in nursing degree programs is its cost-effectiveness. This can be an advantage to both students and schools alike. For students, cost savings for online degree programs generally do not occur up front. Students still continue to pay tuition costs regardless of where they take courses. Some students save money, however, by completing their education quickly and starting their new nursing career sooner. Online courses sometimes allow students the opportunity to take more than the usual undergraduate or graduate workloads because the time spent in class is reduced each week. Students can begin working sooner and pay off student loans more quickly, thus saving on interest costs in the long haul.
Cost-effectiveness can be an advantage to nursing schools as well. Many schools utilize qualified nurse educators for their programs, but many of these instructors are adjunct faculty members. Adjunct faculty members generally do not receive health insurance, retirement funding, or other benefits that full-time staff members enjoy. By not having to take on more full-time faculty members, schools save money as well.
One of the misconceptions about online nursing programs is that they are less effective in teaching students because nursing education requires a mixture of theory and clinical training. Many schools have developed two options for students to gain the necessary clinical training needed to be a nurse. First, some schools are now using simulated 3-D environments that allow students to interact with other students in order to simulate the interpersonal aspects of nursing education. An article at geteducated.com published in April 2010 noted that these activities are not meant to replace real-life practice, but they at least prepare students for real-life clinical training sessions and lessen the time needed to complete such training. Second, most online nursing programs have ongoing collaborative efforts with hospitals and other health care facilities that allow students to choose a location that is convenient to them. This can save students both money and time in their nursing education.