Nurse Practitioner: Is Online Learning for You?

• This article provides guidance for nurse practitioners who are considering online learning strategies to continue their education.
• This article describes characteristics of successful online learners.
• This article notes the public protection function of educational regulation and describes criteria that identify a quality online program as well as strategies to verify that information.
• Only an informed nurse practitioner can decide whether an online program is the right choice for him or her.

Online or blended learning is growing as an option for nurses who want to continue their education to improve patient care outcomes, advance their careers, and contribute to a more effective and efficient health care system. As the options for education increase so do both opportunity and responsibility for the learner. Only an informed advanced practice registered nurse can decide whether an online program is right for him or her. There are both personal and institutional variables that can guide the potential student in making this choice and reliable resources and strategies for collecting critical information.