The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a study in 2009 comparing online education to face-to-face instruction. Study findings indicate that blended methods of instruction are the most effective method of teaching. Blended programs combine online or distance classes with face-to-face teaching. The study also revealed that student achievement levels were higher in contemporary programs conducted wholly online than those conducted wholly in the classroom.
Accredited online nursing schools offer many benefits, including the availability of financial aid, credibility with employers and the ability to transfer credits to another accredited college. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two leading accrediting bodies for online and classroom nursing programs. The NLNAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It offers accreditation to institutions offering undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as diplomas and certificates. Other bodies that offer accreditation for nursing programs include the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Division of Accreditation and the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Each accrediting body has a set list of standards and criteria. In your search for an online nursing degree or certificate, find out if one of these accrediting bodies has approved the program.
In 2008, the top 10 online programs according to the Nursing Online Education Database (NOEDb) were Chamberlain College of Nursing, Grand Canyon University, University of Phoenix, Indiana State University, Keiser University, Kaplan University, American Sentinel University, South University, Norwich University and Walden University. The NOEDb only lists accredited online schools.
Rankings of top colleges are published annually by several organizations including U.S. News & World Report, The National Institutes of Health, the Online Education Database (OEDb) and The Princeton Review. Each reporting source uses a set standard for ranking online colleges and universities. Depending on the source, ranking categories might include acceptance rate, graduation rate, retention rate, financial aid, years accredited and scholarly citations.
Chamberlain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Chamberlain online nursing program offers an associate's degree in nursing (LPN to ASN) and a bachelor of science degree in nursing (RN to BSN). The college's ASN program is accredited by the NLNAC and the BSN program is accredited by the NLNAC and the CCNE. Applications for admission are accepted online. Chamberlain offers financial aid and scholarships and serves students living in the U.S. and Canada.
To access classes and course materials, nursing students log onto the nursing school's website. The school offers online demonstrations for prospective students who want to try Chamberlain's online nursing school technology before enrolling in the college.
Grand Canyon offers both bachelor's and master's level degree programs in nursing. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers financial aid and scholarships, and serves students in the U.S. and Canada.
Grand Canyon's distance learning program technology provides online workstations for students. Through the workstations, students can get the class syllabus and assignments, turn in assignments, communicate with teachers and peers, participate in discussion boards and take exams. Students are required to log onto their workstations several times per week to participate in online discussions, work on assignments and study.