Online Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

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1. I am a current NMC student. I have completed my prerequisites and want the online option. What do I do next?
• The online program is an option for students entering the full time program in the fall semester.  Your first step is to take the online survey to self-assess if online is the right choice for you (www.nmc.edu/flo/programs/nursing).  You also need to file an application for the nursing program with the Admissions office.  Be sure to indicate that you want the online option on your application.  Application forms are available in the Health Occupations and Admissions offices.
  
  
2. I am a transfer student.  I believe I have completed all the prerequisites.  What do I do next?
• You need to apply to NMC and forward all high school and college transcripts for evaluation.  Be sure to indicate that you are interested in the online option.  You also need to take the Online Survey to self-assess if online is the right choice for you. (www.nmc.edu/flo/programs/nursing)
  
  
3. I live in a state (or country) other than Michigan (or USA) and am interested in an associate degree online program.  Please send me more information about yours.
• Our program is designed for regional delivery in that the clinical classes will require 2-3 days per week in the Traverse City area in local health facilities.
  
  
4. What if I can arrange with my local hospital to do my clinical here the state (or country) where I live?
• At this time, this is not a feasible option because of Board of Nursing regulations about how instruction can be done for entry level students.  These require that a qualified instructor be hired by the nursing program to provide direct instruction of students.  Such instruction is too costly to do on a one to one basis.
  
  
5. I live in the Detroit area (or other areas in Michigan distant from Traverse City) and would like to know more about your program and if it would work for me.
• Our program is designed for regional delivery in that the clinical classes will require 2-3 days per week in the Traverse City area in local health facilities.   If you are able to commute to our area for part of the week, this may be an option for you.  It may be possible to make overnight arrangements on a space available basis for a minimal cost per night in our dorms.  Or you may have friends or relatives in the area who could help you out.  If you think that commuting to our region may work for you, take the Online Survey to self-assess if online is the right choice for you. (http://www.nmc.edu/flo/programs/nursing).  Once you have completed your program prerequisites, you will need to file an application for the nursing program with the Admissions office.  Be sure to indicate that you want the online option on your application.  Application forms are available in the Health Occupations and Admissions offices.
  
  
6. I am an LPN student  or a part time ADN student or am interested in doing just some of the courses online.  Can I sign up for these courses?
• At this time we have designated 18 spaces in the fall for full time ADN online students.  If we do not fill all of the spaces, we will fill the remaining spaces with other students who are interested.  If you fall into that group, please contact the Nursing Office at (231) 995-1235.
  
  
7. What happens if for some reason, I have to alter my schedule form the “model schedule” for a  full time student after I have started the online option?
• Unless you are willing to wait for the course that you need to be offered again online, you would need to switch to the traditional, on-campus option.  The traditional courses are offered both Fall and Spring semester which makes it much easier to alter from the model schedule without a long waiting period.  However, whenever you get into an “out of sequence” situation, you may run into “space available” problems that can cause delay you in completing courses.  If you find yourself needing to alter you course of study, you need to seek out your advisor immediately for some help in looking at the implications and best alternatives for your individual situation.
  
  
8. As an online student, do I have the option of attending an on-campus class if I wish?
• While we would in general support your desire to have some classroom exposure, the number of seats available in the class could be a problem since classrooms are assigned based on the number of enrolled students.  So you need to ask the instructor for permission prior to each class you wish to attend.
  
  
9. How do I get graded for my online work?
• You will do learning activities for points as well as participating in threaded discussions.  You will use e-mail or your computer online course site to submit written materials or to participate in discussions.  You will have quizzes and exams which sometimes can be taken on your computer at home. These usually are only posted for certain periods of time, and will only be available for a set number of minutes after you begin them.  They may also be password protected.  You will also be required to do some exams on campus during designated times.
  
  
10. Is the online option the best choice for me?
    • This is a good question as studying online is not a good choice for everyone.  You need to think about your comfort with the technology as well as your independence as a learner.  It would be very helpful if you can take a college level online course during the semesters that you are working on pre-requisites.  You also need to do our self-assessment survey which will help you think about how you measure up to the various aspects of online study.  You can find this survey at http://www.nmc.edu/flo/programs/nursing.