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The Pros and Cons of Nursing CEUs Online

What nursing CEUs online entail

Different online courses have different expectations. Generally, though, in an online class you'll need to do any reading assignments, which may include written lectures. There may be videos to watch online, and discussion questions on a message board to participate in. It's likely you'll also have written assignments to turn in, as well as normal tests and exams as part of the course. Some online courses require some time on campus, but it varies. You may only need to be on campus for the final exam, or you may need to be on campus for once-monthly meetings. This depends on the individual course and professor.

The pros of nursing CEUs online

The biggest positive that comes with online coursework is the flexibility it offers. Instead of meeting for an hour three times a week, you can do your reading and participation when it fits into your schedule. For nurses who often work unusual hours, this can be a big draw. You don't have to worry about fitting your schedule around a class. Instead, you can fit the class around your schedule.

Some people may see a pro of online courses in that they function more like an independent study course. Since you do the reading on your own, and may even get the lectures in written form, the learning is on you rather than the professor and the collective of the other students. Many people prefer to learn this way, so an online course is a good option for them.

Another benefit is that nursing CEUs online often give students a more one-on-one feel with the professor. Unlike in a classroom setting where there are other students who ask questions and give feedback within the class period, online courses allow you to interact with the professor individually and get individual responses. This can make the class seem more personal, even if it isn't face-to-face.


The cons of nursing CEUs online

There are drawbacks to taking online courses. One con is that, though they are flexible, they are more like independent study courses. You are responsible for staying on top of all the work, and without a physical classroom setting, it may be easier to let things slide or miss deadlines.

One con of online courses for many people is the lack of student interaction. By having discussions about the class material in person, students can gain knowledge from other students' opinions and perspectives, as well as raise and answer questions that come from those discussions. Since online courses don't have the same discussions and interactions, there isn't the benefit of student feedback.

There are positive and negative impacts of online courses in any field, and nursing CEUs online is no exception. If you're considering doing your continuing education work online, it's important to think about all aspects of the online courses, good and bad, and decide if it's the best option for you and for your learning style. Would an online course provide you the flexibility you need to learn? Or would you find yourself struggling with the material in the absence of student discussion in person? Only you know what's best for you, what's best for your learning style, and what's best for your nursing career.

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