| For those of you who intend to take up online | | | | Cons: |
| programs to become a nurse practitioner (NP), you | | | | 1. Some investment is needed on the equipment |
| might want to consider the pros and cons of online | | | | based on your online program's requirements, if you |
| programs before signing up to join any of them. | | | | do not already own them. |
| Below are some of the pros and cons to help you | | | | 2. Interaction with instructors is often limited during |
| decide whether online programs are suitable for you | | | | specific time only. |
| or not. | | | | 3. Instructors need to be comfortable with teaching |
| Pros: | | | | online, as this might be new to them, and would |
| 1. Save your time by not having to travel to classes. | | | | require more time to adapt to the new environment. |
| This in turn would save on traveling cost. | | | | If the instructor is unable to adapt, you might face |
| 2. Another saving is on accommodation cost if your | | | | problems due to lack of materials or interactions with |
| college is far from your home. | | | | instructors. |
| 3. It is more convenient to take up online courses if | | | | 4. Taking up online programs require sheer |
| you are working, since you can schedule your classes | | | | determination and self-discipline, as the learning |
| or learning period during your free time. You can also | | | | process is entirely up to you. |
| work out your learning period so that it would not | | | | 5. You need to set up a special area for you to |
| clash with your practice session at your local hospital, | | | | study. If not, you would be distracted with your |
| if you are currently practicing or volunteering as a | | | | surroundings. |
| registered nurse. | | | | Based on the list of pros and cons above, hopefully |
| 4. Learning pace is not controlled by a specific | | | | you would be able to make a wise decision. |
| schedule. Rather, you can set your own pace to | | | | Whatever your choice is, it is important that you |
| learn. | | | | have the right attitude and determination in order for |
| 5. Usually the cost for online programs is less than | | | | you to succeed. |
| traditional courses. | | | | |