Why you should consider taking your DNP degree online

If you have been working as a registered nurse (RN) or in a similar role for quite some time, you might be feeling as though you’re stuck in a bit of a career rut. The good news is that there are many potential paths open to you if you’re willing to put the effort in. For the most ambitious nurses, taking a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree is one of the best options because it prepares you for the highest level job roles in your field. 

So what if you’re interested in a graduate-level study like the DNP but can’t afford to take time away from work or family commitments to attend classes on campus? The answer is online nursing programs. These days it’s not only for short courses – you can take full degree programs online, even in vocational subjects such as nursing. Read on to find out more!

Online DNPs: The study experience

Just like a course held on a college campus, online DNPs generally consist of three main types of study: academic modules, 1000 hours of clinical placements, and an independent research project on a topic of your choice. The difference is that your modules and project will all be completed digitally, while the placements will be done in person at a relevant and approved location near where you live. 

When it comes to your classes, you’ll encounter a wide range of innovative virtual teaching and learning methods. These could include:

• Pre-recorded lectures
• Live video seminars
• Zoom tutorials
• Interactive quizzes
• Online reading material
• Audio resources
• Discussion boards and forums
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Individual written assignments

Just like with campus programs, when doing an online DNP, you can choose to specialize in an area of nursing that you are particularly passionate about and relates to your personal career goals. For example, if you want to work with mothers and babies you could take a midwifery degree, if you prefer indirect patient care, you could opt for an executive nurse leadership track, or you could choose a DNP course that focuses on geriatric care and help senior citizens. The choice is yours.

What are the advantages of studying for a DNP online?

There are many benefits to be gained from choosing to take an online DNP. The most obvious of these is the extra flexibility this mode of study offers, which enables you to fit your learning around any existing obligations you may have. You can choose to do your college work at the times of day and on the days of the week that best suit you. This might be first thing in the morning before the school run, in the office on your lunch break, or late at night once your family has gone to bed.

In addition, you can pick a study location that matches your individual learning style. Some people thrive in the creative hustle and bustle of a coffee shop, while others need the peace and quiet of a private home office. Similarly, you are able to study at a pace that suits you, with the option to rewatch lectures at your leisure to enhance your understanding.

One advantage of an online study that you might not be aware of is that it’s often cheaper than attending a traditional campus program. Yes, tuition fees tend to be lower, but this is also because you don’t have extra costs such as commuting or accommodation during the semester to worry about.

Lastly, taking your degree online offers you a great opportunity to use cutting-edge software and technology in a supportive environment. This will give your IT skills a useful boost and look good on your resume when it’s time to apply for jobs.

Are there any disadvantages to choosing an online DNP?

The short answer to this question is no. Although some students worry that employers look down on distance learning in comparison to traditional degrees, this is definitely not the case. These days online study is much more popular and widely accepted. Plus, don’t forget that as a nursing student, you’ll still be doing your clinical placements in person. That means you’ll get all the hands-on experience you need and plenty of chances to hone your skills no matter how you study.

Though, obviously, there will be some differences between campus courses and virtual learning. For instance, all your interactions with your fellow students will be digital. This means you won’t be meeting up for coffee after lectures or having late-night study sessions in the library. As such, those who want a traditional college experience with sports games, parties, and extracurricular activities might be better served by a campus course.

Lastly, choosing to study online means taking a little bit more personal responsibility for your learning. However, many graduate students actually see this added independence as a bonus – plus, it’s a great way to build your time management, organization, and self-discipline skills even further!

Tips for excelling at your online DNP

If you’ve never completed any formal online education before, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit nervous about taking your DNP this way! Have a read below and talk to others on the course to see what works for you.

• Organize a study schedule and do your best to stick to it. This will be more effective than trying to squeeze in your college work randomly.
• Get your reading and written assignments done well in advance of your deadlines, in case you have an unexpected emergency at home or work, and hopefully, this will prevent you from having to pull any all-nighters.
• Set up your ideal study space at home, where you can work comfortably without being disturbed.
• Drink plenty of water to ensure your brain functions at its best.
• Ask for help when you need it, and don’t be shy about using your college’s support services.
• Network with other students so you can all support each other.
• Look after your physical health and mental wellbeing, for example, by exercising and getting plenty of sleep every night.
• Remind yourself why you enrolled on the DNP in the first place – this motivation and passion are sure to get you through the tough times!