Is Online Education Respected? (Yes, But Follow These 4 Tips)

Online degrees allow you to develop skills and credentials to prepare for a rewarding career without attending in-person classes. They’re great for people with busy lives who can’t participate in traditional programs because of work, family, or financial obligations. 

Getting a degree online used to be rare, but now even top universities offer online programs. However, you may be wondering, "Are online degrees respected?" Although some online programs are suboptimal and even fraudulent, many others provide the same high-quality education you’d get from an on-campus degree. With some research and investigation, you can find a reputable, respected program to help you achieve your career goals. 

4 Tips for Choosing a Respectable Online Degree Program

Most business leaders see an online degree as equal to – or even better than – an on-campus degree unless the program has a reputation for turning out unqualified graduates, so it’s essential to find a quality school. However, choosing an online degree program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to tell if an online college is legit:

Check for Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that a program meets specific standards and makes it more likely that an employer will feel confident that you’re qualified for the job. Different agencies grant accreditation for educational programs.

Schools that are accredited usually list their accreditation on their website. For certification training schools, like for healthcare or IT, you can check to see if a school prepares you to pass industry-standard accredited certification exams.

Look Into Student Support Services

The difference between success and failure in an online training program is often the amount of support you get as a student. Online programs allow you to learn in ways that suit you best, but without adequate support, you may flounder. It’s easy to feel anonymous in an online program, so look for a program that provides one-on-one support every step of the way.

Your online course quality checklist should include questions about career counseling and placement. Does the school have a career center to help you hone your resume and find job opportunities?

Check the Course Design and Use of Innovative Technologies

One of the most significant advantages of online training is the array of learning technologies available. Programs that just record lectures for you to watch are missing out on all the innovative learning opportunities technology provides.

An excellent online education program should include features such as 3D animated demonstrations, immersive environments, and interactive skills activities. These features allow you to do hands-on learning in a realistic, simulated environment.

Examine the School’s Track Record

Ask admissions counselors about how students do when they graduate. For example, are most of them employed? Are they working in their field of study? If they can’t provide information about their graduates, this should be a red flag.

Next Steps on Online Learning

If you’re looking for a top-notch online learning program, MedCerts provides the most in-demand certifications in healthcare and IT – two fields that are always in demand. Our innovative learning technologies, extensive student support system, and lucrative career partnership networks allow us to set our graduates up for success. In addition, our proven curriculum prepares you to begin or advance a rewarding career in less time than a traditional degree program.