Hi ladies,
I would like to know if anyone has done or considered obtaining a degree online. I have been looking into distance learning for a few about a week and still unsure on how I feel about it. I guess my major concern would be;are online degree's taken seriously in the professional world, pro and cons people have experienced.
To give some background on myself, I am enrolled in an LPN program, which is to start 11/01. I have taken multiple classes over the past few years that have related to healthcare. I have worked in a medical office for 5 years. My heart really is in the medical field,just not sure where I belong. My H is getting a bit frustrated with me for all the $$$ I have spent taking courses that don't end with me getting a degree. In fact I am getting frustrated with myself, wondering why I can't figure this out.
To get back to my question, I "feel" I would excel in public health and welless. I want to move forward with this but, I guess, I am looking for some outside opinions.
Re: Online degree
Where are you enrolled?
Why not just go for an RN? What have you taken so far related to the medical field? When you look at where you live, is this program offered locally? I would imagine that you would have rough competition if it is because I'd rather hire someone with hands on experience and classwork from a college I know, even though you work in the medical field already, than someone who received it online.
I am also taking classes in the medical field. I took the in class setting over the option of online classes due to this perception (after asking many people in the medical field locally).
You say that your heart is in the medical field, then mention public health. I have a Masters in Public Health, and I will tell you that medical health =/= public health, they are two seperate things that compliment each other.
So, what is it exactly that you want to do?
I got my grad degree online, as did my husband. But we both have 10+ years in our respective fields; we already had hands-on experience, and were already established in our careers. I wouldn't suggest going to school online when you're still trying to figure out what you want to do, and I wouldn't do an online program for any career in the medical field unless it requires onsite clinicals.
I did the majority of my minor online; I think I took 2 classes on campus and did the rest sitting in the comfort of my apartment.
There is nothing on my transcript or my degree that shows I took over 30% of all my classes online.
If you do go the online route check into your local brick and mortar schools first; try to avoid the online diploma mills.
Do you want to work with patients in the medical field or do you just want to be involved in the field?