Advantages and Disadvantages of an Online Health Science
Degree Program?
The worth of an
online associate degree in health science is ultimately up to you. You have to
consider your needs and goals in order to make the right decision. However,
there are some concrete pros and cons to studying health science online.
Studying online
provides an option for students who work, have other commitments, or who don't
have/can't attend a program close to where they live. The class schedule is
often flexible, there's usually multiple start dates, and students have the
option to study part-time. Even if you don't lead a busy life, studying online
can be a great option to earn a degree from the comfort of home at a pace that
works best for your learning style. The costs of an online degree are often
lower as well, thanks to not having to pay for living on campus or taking fewer
classes than needed because of credit transfers.
Health science
requires lab courses and, while these may be done online, you have to consider
what the best learning format is for you. The same applies to any class taken
in an online program, but laboratory classes in particular are hands-on;
consider whether you will learn just as effectively in a virtual setting.
Online degree
programs can be recognized and reputable, but there are scams out there. It's
especially important to graduate from a recognized, well-respected school or
program if you are interested in a medical or health career. Making sure a
school is accredited is one way to avoid scams, but be sure to check the
organization that accredits the school. Sometimes online schools will be
accredited by an organization that is false, biased, or not respected within
the education field or health science industry.
The regular time to
complete an associate degree is 2 years when studying full-time with few to no
transfer credits. This can be sped up through flexible online schedules and
generous transfer credit policies. Some online programs follow a more
traditional format, where you take multiple classes over an 8- or 16-week
period, and others follow a one-class-a-month format.
Since online class
schedules are more flexible than traditional learning, a more accurate way to
measure time to completion is credits. Associate degree programs require about
60 credits for graduation. Each class is typically worth between 2 and 4
credits and most students average 15 credits per semester. However, if you feel
you can knock out 20 credits per semester (or take extra classes in the straw-hat),
you may be talented to get your degree in a year and a half. Lab requirements
can make this more difficult in health science versus a typical associate
degree.
How Much Does an
Online Associate Degree in Health Science Cost?
Online associate
degrees are generally less expensive than their on-campus counterparts because
students don't have to pay room and board costs. The tuition itself may also be
lower because students are not using classroom resources, but this varies. Many
online associate degree programs charge tuition by credit, meaning you pay a
flat fee for each credit you earn. For example, a school that charges $139 per
credit would charge $417 for one course because that course is worth 3 credits.
One academic year is usually around 30 credits, so the tuition would be $4,170
per year. In health science, lab fees might add a bit more to that total. Be
sure to ask your school about the total cost, including fees, of each course.
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