"I was really unsure how I was going to do. I've been surprised," remarks Katherine Getchel of her academic success at Kaplan University. The 47-year-old graduate student is studying online to earn her Master of Science in Nursing degree, with a focus in nursing education.
Katherine earned her RN-to-BSN degree in 2008. Just months after graduating, she gained admission to and enrolled in Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. "I didn't want to lose the momentum," she says. "I knew I would not have gone back at my age."
For 23 years Katherine has been hitting the books, but was not able to complete her degree. Aside from the additional burden of commuting to a campus, it can be hard to advance in a degree program if studies cannot be completed at the same school. For any number of reasons, a school may not accept course work or credits earned elsewhere. Katherine estimates that, over the years, she has completed about eight courses that were not accepted by or transferable to other schools. Going online has fit her life the best. As a wife, mother, and full-time nurse manager overseeing three units and approximately 100 employees, "there'd be no way I could attend college [without distance learning]. That's why I never finished my degree."
For Katherine, a job opportunity prompted her desire to go back to school. "Was I willing to get the degree?" she recalls asking herself. After making the decision to pursue a degree in nursing, she shared her goals with her family. "We sat down as a family. It was going to take some sacrifice. My husband was right there for me, saying 'This is the right thing.' He's a great support." She does not romanticize going back to school. "It's not for everyone. It has to be the right time for you—and fit into your life." Working adults, especially parents, have to consider the priorities in their lives and how their schooling may affect their families or job performance. "I was grateful; it was the push I really needed." Shortly after discussing her academic plans with the family, Kaplan University contacted her about its RN-to-BSN program. "It was kind of fate," she says, describing the timing.
Katherine speaks volumes of her experience at Kaplan University. "The education is first rate. When I heard they were also coming out with a master's program when I was completing my bachelor's degree, I was thrilled. It worked out perfectly." She had previously attended another online nursing program, but it was not a good fit. "There was no interaction. I didn't like that kind of education." Kaplan University is different in its approach. Rather than having its students work in a hands-off environment, the classes maintain "a lot of interaction," describes Katherine. "The professors are very supportive. We're not on our own in a silo somewhere."
Kaplan University helps new students acclimate to the online classroom environment. Katherine found the Web-based classroom to be accessible and intuitive. "They make it very simple. We have an online orientation; it's like a course to help you take your courses." Online students even have access to a full library—completely online and available around the clock. Rather than readjusting life to fit around school, she now enjoys the kind of flexibility only online education can offer. "I make my own schedule," she says.
Kaplan University's MSN students can choose a specialization in their degree, either administration or education. "I've been in management for a number of years. With the nursing shortage, [nursing education] is the area with the greatest need. I've always been interested in it," says Katherine, referring to how she decided which area of specialization to pursue.
As part of her MSN program, Katherine must complete what is called a nursing practicum: a student is required to spend 150 hours putting into practice the theory and concepts they have studied throughout the curriculum.She is on track to earn her master's degree in December 2009.
"I think it's never too late to learn. You can never give up on learning. I encourage my peers to go back to school," she says. "It's never too late. That's probably what I've learned the most."
Learn more about the degree and continuing education programs at Kaplan University.