This school year, 34 nurses from across the country and Michigan pursued their bachelor's degrees by enrolling in the BSN Online Completion program. The online program benefits time-pressed nurses who want to further their education in 28 months but cannot find a class that fits into their work schedules.

"It's not any easier online but it is more flexible," says Bonnie Korn, assistant professor of Nursing and chair of the BSN Completion program. "These students have to be computer savvy, disciplined and self-directed to set aside a period of time to work online."

The flexibility is the appealing factor for these nurses who prefer to log on anytime, day or night. They communicate with classmates through discussion boards and e-mail postings exchanging information and problem solving. Designated online office hours help students connect with faculty members. Homework is assigned on Mondays and required to be turned in by midnight on Sunday.

"These students already have an associate's degree in nursing. They are working many hours and have families to care for. Attending a class online is ideal for them. It doesn't interrupt their busy schedules," explains Korn, who notes that 34 students is large for an online classroom.

In 2002, UDM's McAuley School of Nursing designed the program specifically for Trinity Health nurses, which has 28 facilities across the country. Educating nurses online made sense as many of the students lived out-of-state and across three time zones. In 2005, the program was opened to all nurses seeking an alternative to regular classroom instruction.

With the program's success, Korn is in the process of recruiting a new class, which will likely begin next winter.

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