So, How Do Online Colleges Work? A Milspouse Guide

Enrolling in a college where you must commit to showing up a few times a week when you don’t even know where you’ll be living in a couple of months? Military spouses know the challenges of academics, so it’s worth asking, “How do online colleges work?”

Online schools are academic institutions that offer distance learning, often with flexible schedules. The best online schools also provide opportunities for hands-on learning, experiential training, and connections to a national professional network to help you land a job when you complete your training.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that nearly 75% of all undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one online, distance learning class in the fall of 2020. Post-pandemic, employers now recognize that quality education is possible without committing to an in-person class.

That’s great news for military spouses who are looking to begin or enhance a professional career in well-paying and high-demand industries like healthcare and information technology.

Online vs. In-Person Courses

In choosing an online school, start by understanding the general differences between online institutions and in-person colleges. Here’s how everything breaks down.

Assignments

Both online and traditional schools will require you to complete homework assignments. However, online schools often do not have the same constricting timeline; if you cannot complete the work before the deadline, you may have additional time.

Testing

In-person schools require students to go to the classroom for supervised testing unless the class offers take-home tests. Online schools test students remotely, reducing the stress of commuting.

Progress Tracking

Often, traditional schools won’t release grades or offer check-ins along the way. The best online schools will help you stay on track by monitoring your progress and supporting you when you need additional help to complete the work. Plus assessments are graded instantly.

Content Delivery

You won’t have to worry about the dog eating your homework with online schools. Remote classes require online submission of work rather than print-outs delivered personally to your professor. A bonus is it’s more environmentally friendly!

Student Support Services

Visits to the registrar’s office at traditional colleges can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience. The best online schools, meanwhile, will connect you with an individual student success advisor to answer specific questions so you can reach your learning goals.

How MedCerts Stands Out

Unlike most online schools, MedCerts offers one-on-one support for every student to help them earn certifications that prepare them for rewarding careers in healthcare and information technology.

You’ll receive check-ins to keep you on track, exam prep, and practice exams, so you’ll feel confident in your knowledge. With experiential learning and seasoned career coaches, you’ll be ready to start or enhance a rewarding career.

Tips for MilSpouses Ready To Learn

When choosing an online school, military spouses must think ahead. Consider:

• Is the school an approved vendor for a MyCAA scholarship?

• Does it offer programs for portable careers so you can work where your spouse is assigned?

• Will you feel supported in your academic journey?

Today’s students are choosing remote learning more often than ever before. Online learning makes the process easier for milspouses looking to advance their careers and find rewarding opportunities anywhere in the world.

With opportunities for government funding, it’s worth investigating which options are best for you. Talk with a trained student services expert from MedCerts today.