I am a proud RN and (many years ago) attended a traditional classroom program to earn my nursing degree! In 2007, I graduated the University of Phoenix's online program with my MBA. I can attest to the many myths regarding nursing online learning or distance education, and can affirm the 'fact' that these are simply myths.

Myth No.1: Online learning is easy and I will not have to work hard.

Many people think, "I won't be attending class so the courses will be so much easier." This is not the case. You have required reading, homework assignments, discussions to participate in, and possibly papers or projects due. Your online professor– who, by the way, likely teaches this course live as well– has the same expectations of you as he/she does of his/her resident students. I have found that getting your nursing degree online is actually more difficult than traditional classroom education. There are no live reviews for exams and the full expectations of online professors are not as easily gleaned!

Myth No. 2: I am a procrastinator. This is perfect for me.

Wrong again! You will have to keep up with weekly assignments and discussions, and will have due dates during each week and items you must accomplish weekly just as in the traditional classroom. You can't wait until the last day of an online class week to get started for that week!

Myth No. 3: You don't learn as much as you would if you were going to a traditional classroom.

Simply not true! You have the same course requirements as the student who attends in a traditional classroom setting. You actually work harder – in my opinion – because you have to be prepared for anything when exam time rolls around!

Myth No. 4: It would be much easier to slack off (or dare say cheat) attending online classes.

Who is going to know if I cut and paste my assignments before turning in online homework or essays? Your nurse educator. He/she is a real person– not an e-character or soemthing fictional. You will not be able to con, bamboozle, swindle, dupe, or otherwise deceive him/her. Your assignments will be graded comparably to your classroom student counterparts.

Myth No. 5: I will not have to contribute to class discussions.

Not so quick! Most nursing programs online require discussion questions be answered each week. You will not only have to answer the questions (in detail– no one liners allowed) but will also be required to respond to several other students' opinions in the class. You may have group projects in online classrooms where you have to e-meet other students and partner for assignments.

Myth No. 6: Online nursing degrees are not accredited.

This may be true of some online "fly by night" degree offerings. Like anything else, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is! The vast majority of online programs are affiliated with reputable, accredited colleges and universities. These schools have either added online degree programs or offer certain classes online, in addition to their traditional format. Before starting any type of education, you should always confirm the accreditation of the school.

Myth No. 7: My employer will not recognize online learning.

Again, myth, not fact! Earning an online degree tells your employer something extremely important about you– you have initiative and discipline! Employers understand that if you have enough drive and self-discipline to complete an online degree program, these qualities will transfer to your work life, making you just the type of employee they are looking for.

Are you interested in obtaining an online nursing degree? Visit our Schools and Universities forum to discuss online schools with other NurseTogether members.