{"id":7052,"date":"2018-08-27T07:17:09","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T11:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=7052"},"modified":"2018-08-27T07:17:09","modified_gmt":"2018-08-27T11:17:09","slug":"how-to-find-the-best-online-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=7052","title":{"rendered":"How to Find The Best Online Program"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"css-m89dac e345g291\">\n<div class=\"css-30n6iy e345g290\">\n<div class=\"css-acwcvw\">\n<div class=\"css-pqwbx7 e1hs04dy0\">\n<div class=\"css-1baulvz\"><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?attachment_id=6898\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-6898\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?attachment_id=6898\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/download.png?fit=240%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"240,210\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"download\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/download.png?fit=240%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/download.png?fit=240%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6898 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/download.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>Scott Kilgore was frustrated. He had been a registered nurse for 18 years, specializing in oncology and emergency care, but every time he tried to advance his career in nursing administration he hit a wall.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cAfter three years of interviewing and being told by recruiters that I was going to have to get a master\u2019s-level degree in order to progress further, I finally took their advice,\u201d the 44-year-old said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">He enrolled in George Washington University\u2019s online master of science in nursing program.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cThe flexibility was key for me,\u201d he said. \u201cTwo cross-country moves for my husband\u2019s job and the adoption of our daughter, Parker, never disrupted my education.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">That was four years ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">After graduating with his master\u2019s degree in 2016, he enrolled in the university\u2019s online doctor of nursing practice program and graduated in May.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-14jsv4e\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"story-ad-1-wrapper\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-storyBodyAd--35v2w\">\n<div id=\"story-ad-1-slug\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-adSlug--3H3QM\">\n<p><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">This year, millions of adult students will enroll in online courses ranging from those that are part of an advanced degree curriculum like Dr. Kilgore\u2019s to a professional certificate program to a single course to acquire a specific new expertise. The impetus for heading back to school is often a desire to change jobs, or to add skills. But sifting through the slew of online offerings can be puzzling.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p><strong>Read here <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/08\/02\/education\/learning\/choosing-best-online-program.html\">The New York Times<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Here are steps to help sort through the options.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Interview Schools and Professors<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7055\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7055\" style=\"width: 150px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?attachment_id=7055\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-7055\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7055\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?attachment_id=7055\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?fit=310%2C163&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"310,163\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"images\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Louanne Saraga-Walters&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?fit=300%2C158&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?fit=310%2C163&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-7055\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/images.jpeg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7055\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Louanne Saraga-Walters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Louanne Saraga-Walters, 50, who runs\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellnessme.life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a video production company<\/a>\u00a0in St. Petersburg, Fla., spent months researching an online program to select for her master\u2019s of science degree in\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uws.edu\/human-nutrition-functional-medicine\/online-learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine<\/a>. \u201cI have a full-time business and knew I wanted an online program, but I really got lost in a quagmire of what\u2019s offered,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">After some soul-searching, she discovered she had an interest in functional medicine, or a holistic approach to health and wellness. Then she began to drill down and ask questions of the program directors. The program she chose was offered at the University of Western States in Portland, Ore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Two professors from the university also interviewed her. \u201cThey had their own process for vetting students,\u201d she said. \u201cThey wanted to make sure I was a student who was dedicated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Dr. Kilgore interviewed admissions officers by phone and peppered them with emailed questions. \u201cI paid particular attention to how well they responded,\u201d he said. He checked the\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/info\/blogs\/press-room\/articles\/2018-01-09\/us-news-releases-2018-best-online-programs-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">U.S. News &amp; World Report online rankings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-14jsv4e\">\n<div class=\"css-z3qape ek9z99y2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"story-ad-2-wrapper\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-storyBodyAd--35v2w\">\n<div id=\"story-ad-2-slug\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-adSlug--3H3QM\">\n<p><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Other important questions: Are career services available to help online students find internships or jobs after graduation? Does the program or school have an alumni network of prospective employers? Will graduates be prepared to pass a professional certification or licensing exam in their field?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Calculating the Cost<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">The range of virtual offerings provided by public, private and for-profit institutions is extensive and eclectic, and the tuition per course is varied.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cYou can take an online class for anywhere from $25 to $700, or enroll in a full-online program, where you will generally pay the same tuition as a face-to-face program,\u201d said Karen Miner-Romanoff, the assistant dean for academic excellence at New York University\u2019s school of professional studies. \u201cSome courses are a blend \u2014 part online, part face-to-face. It\u2019s important to understand exactly what you\u2019re buying and what you\u2019ll be able to do at the end of the course.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Look for Accreditation<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">If you\u2019re paying to take a course for credit, make sure the institution is accredited, Dr. Miner-Romanoff said. There are about 75 regional, national and specialized\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/ope.ed.gov\/accreditation\/agencies.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">accrediting agencies<\/a>\u00a0that serve as overseers for postsecondary institutions that have access to federal student aid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">The agencies regularly appraise the quality of institutions to certify they comply with federal education law. Most public, private and nonprofit higher education institutions are regionally accredited, while national and specialized accreditors review for-profit and trade schools.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\"><a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitymatters.org\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quality Matters<\/a>, a nonprofit organization providing standards for courses and program review, is another indicator of worth in the online universe, according to Dr. Miner-Romanoff.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Course Structure<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">It\u2019s really important to have \u201cpeer-to-peer opportunities,\u201d Dr. Miner-Romanoff said. Building that connection and having the ability to share diversity of thought and teamwork with students meeting together from all over the world can be valuable, she added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\"><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Another crucial component is \u201can instructor that pulls students in, gives immediate feedback and engages them,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Other questions to consider: Are there live online question-and-answer sessions? How are the teachers vetted? How many students are in the typical online class?<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cAt George Washington University, we have 15 students to one professor,\u201d said Toni Marsh, director of the George Washington University\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/cps.gwu.edu\/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paralegal Studies master\u2019s degree<\/a>\u00a0program, who also oversees the Paralegal Studies online\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/cps.gwu.edu\/paralegal-studies-graduate-certificate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">graduate certificate<\/a>\u00a0program. \u201cI might have a class with 60, but I will have three instructional assistants who are also professors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Having the ability to visit the online classroom while you\u2019re shopping for your program is advantageous. At George Washington, for example, each semester prospective students can sign up for a free weeklong module of a course, or a course sampler, Ms. Marsh said.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Course Expectations<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cIf you are going to invest in an online program, you should understand how many hours a week are expected of you,\u201d Dr. Miner-Romanoff said. \u201cYou have to say, all right, with my job and with my other obligations, is this something I think I can do?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Ms. Saraga-Walters discovered that firsthand. \u201cI was really gung-ho, but the amount of work was a reality that I did not expect,\u201d she said. \u201cSomething had to give.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-14jsv4e\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"story-ad-4-wrapper\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-storyBodyAd--35v2w\">\n<div id=\"story-ad-4-slug\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-adSlug--3H3QM\">\n<p><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Some courses run smoothly on a self-paced autopilot with no need to interact with a professor or other classmates, but others will require your attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">One advantage of online learning is \u201cit doesn\u2019t advantage the extrovert,\u201d said Daniel Redwood, director of human nutrition and functional medicine at the University of Western States.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cQuite often the person who might not feel free to speak out in an in-person class, contributes. The online discussion forums are an essential piece of the class instruction and content every week, and that\u2019s one of the great strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">A potential downside, of course, is \u201ca feeling of isolation,\u201d Dr. Redwood said.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Computer Setup and Tech Skills<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Every school will have its own online teaching platform. Check that your computer, internet connection and tech savvy are up to the task. Most courses now allow for access on a mobile device.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">For online programs supported by large colleges and universities, technical help is generally available around the clock. But it\u2019s vital to know how easy access to assistance will be and whom to turn to for troubleshooting at midnight when you log in to do your homework.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cInevitably, at the start of every class there are a few students who can\u2019t work the technology,\u201d Ms. Marsh said. \u201cI have a pre-session orientation so they can get in and get comfortable with it in a situation that is low-risk \u2014 a test run. We use\u00a0<a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webex.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WebEx<\/a>. You can\u2019t break it, so I tell my students. It\u2019s O.K. to get in and get comfortable with it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cAs long as you are familiar with the way that search engines work and you\u2019ve spent some time on a website and use email, that should be enough to get you up and running,\u201d Dr. Redwood said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-14jsv4e\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"story-ad-5-wrapper\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-storyBodyAd--35v2w\">\n<div id=\"story-ad-5-slug\" class=\"ResponsiveAd-adSlug--3H3QM\">\n<p><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Dr. Kilgore tapped into George Washington University\u2019s online tutorial before he started his course. He was able to learn how to best operate on\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"css-1g7m0tk\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" title=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.blackboard.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blackboard<\/a><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">, an online education portal, which is what he needed to use to navigate assignments and the syllabus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-18sbwfn StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-1h6whtw\">\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">For Ms. Saraga-Walters, it took a little time to adjust. \u201cIf you\u2019re 40 and above and you have not become familiar with a variety of software, it can be challenging to learn,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a learning curve for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1caa3mc eqpy7av0\">Be Disciplined<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cThe biggest problem I see with my students is time management,\u201d Ms. Marsh said. \u201cThe level of commitment and engagement are the same in an online course as they are for a campus course. It\u2019s more convenient, but it\u2019s not easier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">\u201cThere are still deadlines, deliverables and accountability. But if you don\u2019t open your laptop it doesn\u2019t exist. It\u2019s not there. There\u2019s a feeling of anonymity,\u201d she said. \u201cIt feels easier to shirk your commitment and think that you don\u2019t have to do it, if there is not that enforced engagement that you get in a classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1i0edl6 e2kc3sl0\">Her advice is to log in to the class every day, even if there is nothing going on. \u201cMake it part of your routine,\u201d she said. \u201cPut yourself on a schedule. Set clear study and class times into your paper or electronic calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>By<a href=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\">\u00a0<span class=\"css-1baulvz\">Kerry Hannon<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-14jsv4e\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bottom-of-article\">\n<div class=\"css-1hc8e7p\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"css-3glrhn\">A version of this article appears in print on\u00a0<time class=\"css-10rvbm3\" datetime=\"2018-08-05T04:00:00.000Z\">Aug. 5, 2018<\/time>, on Page\u00a0F9\u00a0of the New York edition\u00a0with the headline:\u00a0Multiple Choice.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytreprints.com\/\">Order Reprints<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/pages\/todayspaper\/index.html\">Today\u2019s Paper<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscriptions\/Multiproduct\/lp8HYKU.html?campaignId=48JQY\">Subscribe<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_toolbar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-small.png?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_t=new Array(\"Twitter\",\"Facebook\",\"Google Plus\",\"Pinterest\",\"Linkedin\",\"StumbleUpon\",\"Digg\",\"Reddit\",\"Bebo\",\"Delicious\");var hupso_background_t=\"#EAF4FF\";var hupso_border_t=\"#66CCFF\";var hupso_toolbar_size_t=\"small\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_t=\"\";var hupso_title_t=\"How to Find The Best Online Program\";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/share_toolbar.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scott Kilgore was frustrated. He had been a registered nurse for 18 years, specializing in oncology and emergency care, but every time he tried to advance his career in nursing administration he hit a wall. \u201cAfter three years of interviewing and being told by recruiters that I was going to have to get a master\u2019s-level [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_toolbar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-small.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_t=new Array(\"Twitter\",\"Facebook\",\"Google Plus\",\"Pinterest\",\"Linkedin\",\"StumbleUpon\",\"Digg\",\"Reddit\",\"Bebo\",\"Delicious\");var hupso_background_t=\"#EAF4FF\";var hupso_border_t=\"#66CCFF\";var hupso_toolbar_size_t=\"small\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_t=\"\";var hupso_title_t=\"How to Find The Best Online Program\";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/share_toolbar.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6898,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[59,237],"tags":[162,509,305],"class_list":["post-7052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers","category-retirement-2","tag-career","tag-degrees","tag-education"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/download.png?fit=240%2C210&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3YFQS-1PK","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7052"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7052\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7056,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7052\/revisions\/7056"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6898"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}