There are four Graduate Nursing Degree Instruction Formats: campus classroom, online, hybrid, and executive. Each instruction format has advantages and disadvantages. Choosing an instruction format that works best for you depends on personal circumstances, preferences in how you learn, and professional goals.
Individuals living in a large metropolitan area might have ready access to campus classroom format programs. Online programs may be better for individuals who do not wish to relocate or commute long distances. Hybrid format programs enable students to study remotely and travel to campus for courses best taken in person. Executive programs occur during evenings and weekends for students with ongoing work obligations.
Your choice of instruction format may be limited if you are seeking a graduate nursing degree in a specific specialty. On the other hand, if you pursue a more widely offered degree or subject of study, you will likely have a broader range of instruction format options.
The adjacent chart shows that the classroom format is the majority of the four instruction formats for graduate nursing degrees and post-graduate certificate offerings.
Campus Classroom Format
Classroom-formatted instruction takes place in traditional on-campus lecture halls and classrooms. In some situations, lectures may use two-way closed-circuit television (CCTV) or an online video system that links to satellite classrooms.
A significant advantage of classroom instruction is the close professional relationships between students and between students and instructors.
Close connections with instructors and other students provide a more immediate and rewarding exchange of knowledge. Students with varying experience levels and backgrounds can share their experiences and learn from each other. Students often form study groups to support each other and ease the learning curve.
Most classroom-formatted programs provide access to a Simulation Laboratory. Some classroom-based programs may present a limited amount of material in an online format.
This table lists a few of the advantages and disadvantages of classroom instruction:
Advantages
- Closer interaction with instructors,
- Networking – face-to-face interaction with peers,
- Access to a campus environment, and
- Access to a Simulation Laboratory.
Disadvantages
- Potentially higher living expenses,
- Fixed classroom schedule, and
- Travel or commute time.
Online Format
Online instruction is becoming the most popular of the four Graduate Nursing Degree Instruction Formats. Online formatted instruction provides courses over an Internet connection. This delivery method is more common and generally works best for non-clinical, management, or leadership course material. The Online instruction format may be the only viable option for obtaining an advanced degree for individuals living far from campus classroom-based programs.
While Online instruction is available for many clinical specialties, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), the lack of immediate instructor and peer contact and lack of Simulation Laboratory access may be a drawback. These drawbacks can be especially disadvantageous for students with less patient care experience.
Interaction with instructors may be limited to written communication via email.
While the goal is to provide learning at a distance, some programs require students to make at least one campus visit to meet with department members.
Before registering for an Online program, it’s important to consider two eligibility requirements. These are Residential and Licensing Eligibility, both of which vary by school and state:
- Registration Eligibility – Most Online graduate nursing programs limit registration to individuals residing in selected states. You must be able to prove residency in a selected state to register.
- Licensing Eligibility – Some states do not recognize specific Online graduate nursing programs for licensing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Since it may be difficult to predict where you might reside in the future, selecting a program with many qualifying states may be wise.
Advantages
- Convenience – study from home without relocation or commute,
- Lower Expenses – avoid the cost of transportation, housing, and living expenses, and
- Greater flexibility to set study time.
Disadvantages
- Requires more self-discipline,
- Limited peer networking opportunities,
- Limited access to an instructor,
- No or limited access to a Simulation Laboratory,
- On-campus visits may still be required, and
- Potential future Licensing Eligibility issues.
Hybrid Format
Hybrid formatted programs attempt to combine the best aspects of Campus Classroom and Online instruction. The more interactive portions of the coursework are delivered in a classroom environment, while less interactive material is provided online for individual study. The delivery format used depends on the nature of the material. Loss of person-to-person interaction in a classroom environment is a trade for the convenience of studying from home.
Executive Format
Executive formatted programs schedule Campus Classroom-based lectures during evenings and weekends. Scheduling classes outside of standard work hours enables most students to maintain a full work schedule while pursuing an advanced degree. The Executive format is a commonly used delivery format for Nursing Administration and Healthcare Leadership programs.