The Advantages of Obtaining an Online ABSN Degree in Maine

This content was produced in partnership with Archer Education.

In the dynamic field of healthcare, the growing demand for competent nurses has called for innovative ways to educate and train nurses and expedite their entry into the profession. One such means of education is the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. In the state of Maine - just like in other states - completing an ABSN degree program through online studies has gained prominence among aspiring nursing professionals.

Accessibility and Flexibility: Fostering Inclusivity

One great advantage of enrolling in an ABSN degree available online in Maine lies in the accessibility it provides. These programs are well structured to accommodate students of diverse backgrounds and needs who need to balance their work commitments with their studies. The online delivery of the program and the convenient setup for taking classes and dealing with coursework, enable students to gain the knowledge and training they need to fulfil qualification requirements of the nursing profession just like their peers who study in on-campus programs.

This bespoke flexibility, underpinned by a robust online infrastructure, eliminates the barrier of having to be physically present at an educational institution for the duration of the study program. It particularly benefits those individuals who for one reason or another, cannot afford to relocate for their studies. In essence, online programs like the ABSN helps in the democratization of nursing education, rendering it accessible to a broader spectrum of prospective practitioners.

The Accelerated Nature of the Program

ABSN programs are designed for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than nursing. They build on the academic background of the student to offer courses that are essential to bring the learner to par with the academic and professional requirements for graduation as a nursing student, and for writing the licensing exam. The programs therefore, serve as a compact curriculum comparable with the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Usually, ABSN programs in Maine take approximately 12-18 months to complete based on the previous coursework the student undertook and their pace of completing the required ABSN credits for graduation.

A Holistic Academic Program

Online ABSN programs in Maine are carefully planned and delivered to include all the required components of the knowledge and skill for entering the healthcare workforce hitting the ground running. A typical ABSN program involves class-based teaching and coursework, substantial clinical immersion and advanced simulations of the patient care and health delivery environment. It aims at delivering a holistic nursing education, and so it has developed affiliations with several healthcare organizations in the state that provide the clinical training component of the program. This enables students to gain the required experience of working in diverse healthcare settings.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage: A Pragmatic Approach

Maine, like other states is grappling with the shortage of nurses across the state, especially in rural and underserved regions. Creating the opportunity for more students to access the online ABSN program is a step in the right direction to help alleviate shortage. Graduates of the program are as qualified as their counterparts from other accredited nursing degree programs in the United States.

A Program with a Contemporary Curriculum

Online ABSN programs in Maine are distinctly characterized by curricula informed by the requirements of contemporary healthcare. These programs impart knowledge in the latest evidence-based practices, contemporary technological applications and innovative healthcare delivery models. Graduates emerge from the programs well equipped with the knowledge and skills required for efficient patient care, and the capacity to learn and adapt quickly to the changing landscape of modern healthcare delivery.

High Caliber and Experienced Faculty

It is possible some people may think online ABSN programs are of inferior quality in terms of teaching and faculty. However, these programs are developed and taught by real faculty at prestigious institutions that teach courses in similar campus-based programs. So, students in online ABSN programs in Maine are taught by seasoned faculty members, who are experts in their fields and have a wealth of experience in nursing education. These faculties provide support and guidance to learners on the online programs just as they do with students on their campuses.

A Supportive Learning Community

The online ABSN programs have a supportive online learning community of students and faculty that interact at various levels. There are online forums, discussion boards and communication channels that ensure students not only gain knowledge, but also cultivate a sense of academic camaraderie. Essentially, this community helps students feel a sense of belonging and draw motivation from peers as they take classes remotely and strive to complete their studies on schedule.

Conclusion

Embracing an online ABSN program in Maine represents a prudent investment in the future because of the advantages it offers. The flexibility to be able to study and work, the accelerated pace of the program, the high-quality faculty that deliver and support the program are just a few of the benefits to the learner.

Moreover, against the backdrop of the nursing shortage in Maine and across the country, the significance of the online ABSN program in addressing the shortfall cannot be overstated.