The Australian Perspective


 2

Editorial 
 

ONLINE LEARNING 
 

Marietta Stanton 
Editorial Board Member 

 
Learning online is all the rage today and with good reason. It provides a level 

of access and convenience that is not possible with traditional forms of education. 
This is especially true for rural nurses who may be miles away from academic centers 
and wish to pursue a degree. It also may be a convenient source of continuing 
education and staff development for working nurses who need an update on 
information in their area of practice. 

As an educator who provides a graduate program on line, I am often surprised 
at how nurses who are usually very cautious about products and services are not 
always cautious when it comes to their own education. I have students who attempt to 
transfer in credit from institutions that are not properly accredited and they are totally 
unaware that they probably will not be able to use that transfer credit towards their 
degree. 

If you are considering an online degree, there are certain questions you should 
ask to make sure that this is the best choice for you. First and foremost, make sure the 
nursing program is properly accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing 
Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing (NLN). Do not attend 
programs that do not have one of these accreditations. 

Other issues you should examine before enrolling in online nursing programs 
is to: 
 

1. Ask about the support services for online students. How will you 
access the library, student services, and financial aid and how will you 
purchase books? You will need to use these services and the program 
should have these available to you. 

2. Who are the faculty and what are their credentials? Are they doctorally 
prepared? Are they faculty employed by the academic program or are 
they contracted from outside the institution? Faculty for online 
programs should be as well credentialed as faculty that teach in more 
traditional settings.  

3. Will you have an advisor and good access to your instructors? You 
want to be able to ask questions if you do not understand material or 
contact the instructor if you have a crisis and can’t complete an 
assignment. 

4. Make sure that your computer and equipment is up-to-date and 
compatible with programs and software the program may utilize. They 
should be able to provide you with requirements before you enroll. 

5. What kind of financial aide or scholarships are available to you?  
 
Online learning is a great approach for nurses who live and work in rural 

areas. Shop around and find accredited and quality programs. Be wary of programs 
that are not properly accredited and faculty not that are not suitably credentialed. 
Always make sure that you will be able to get the support and services you need to be 
a success with your program. 

Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, vol. 7, no. 2, Fall 2007