Getting a degree used to mean attending classes on a college campus. That’s still the case for many students, but others get their degree through online programs. What’s beneficial about getting a degree this way? What’s not so good? How do employers view online degrees?
Pros and Cons
In a traditional college setting, classes are held at a specific time in a specific place. Online programs can offer more flexibility. Online schools provide a great service to those with busy schedules…being able to set your own schedule when to attend your online class is a bonus for those with kids or a full-time job. This option can be great for people who are considering online training to become a sterile tech. it’s important to note that the lab portion of this training cannot be completed online.
As with everything in life, there can be downsides to online training, too. Online education is a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It tends to be a monologue and not a real dialogue. The Internet teacher…can never have the immediacy of contact that the teacher on the scene can….
What Do Employers Think?
For many people considering online degrees, the biggest factor is what employers think about these degrees. In a survey done by Excelsior College and Zogby International, 83 percent of executives…say an online degree is as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program. That comes with a few caveats: the accreditation of the college or university, the quality of its graduates, and the name of the institution awarding the degree were among other things they considered to make an online degree more credible.
The same is true in healthcare: although initially viewed with a certain amount of skepticism due to unfamiliarity and a handful of “bad seed” colleges, today online nursing degree programs are widely accepted – employers included. That’s good news for people who are considering online programs to enter a career in healthcare.
Finding the Right Program
As noted above, certain factors make an online degree more credible. What’s the best way to choose a program? Reputation is important: is it an institution that provides only online degrees or does it have physical locations as well? Having actual campuses helps to establish credibility. A red flag would be the existence of only a post office box or suite number. Accreditation is also very significant: is the school accredited by a fake agency or one that is recognized by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation?
Many people assume that an online education will be easier than a traditional program, but legitimate programs require the same amount of work one would expect attending class on a campus. If the program requires very little work, that can be a red flag.
Today’s Students Have a Choice
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. In today’s world, online education is a viable option for those seeking a career in healthcare. If you are looking for per diem, travel, or permanent employees, we can help. Give us a call at 310.436.3650 today!
