What Is Online School Like? Insights From UMA Grads

Key Insights:

• If you're considering enrolling in an online school, you may wonder what it's like to take classes virtually. Hearing about the experiences of students who have engaged in online learning can provide insights that may help you make your decision.
• Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) graduates indicate that online schooling helped give them more time with family and enabled them to study during downtime in their days. They also indicated that keeping a positive attitude helps, as does choosing a school that provides support throughout your academic journey.
• UMA provides academic and career support for learners in its online healthcare degree programs, from start to finish. Our caring and compassionate staff are committed to helping learners achieve their professional goals.

If you're thinking about pursuing your degree online, you're not alone. In a national survey of 2,000 adults who were either attending or considering college, almost 90% said they'd consider online programs — a 17% increase from 2023 survey findings.¹

At the same time, it can be a big decision to enroll in an online school, especially if you've never taken classes virtually. To help you better understand what it can be like to learn online, we'd like to share what a few graduates from Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) have said about the subject.

You Choose When You Study

One reason people might choose an online program is the flexibility they offer when gaining career skills. "It gives me more time to spend with my family," says Farida Z., "and it gives me more opportunity to know what I'm doing."

Instead of having to report to a physical classroom every week at a predetermined time, you get to decide when to do your studies. As long as you meet course deadlines, you can generally work on your coursework when it is convenient for you.

Online Learning Requires Time Management

Online schooling can enable you to pursue your degree while still handling other obligations in your life. But one of the challenges students may face when juggling school with work and home is time management. Figuring out when to fit your studies into your days can help you stay on track.

"I have a four-hour downtime," says Michelle J., "so I was able to incorporate school into that downtime at work. Because when I get home, it's mommy mode all day; it's a lot of distractions. So, I just used that time at work, pulled out my laptop, and got it done."

Staying Positive Helps

Colton N. is a single father of two who decided to pursue a career in healthcare after working in the restaurant industry for 15 years. One piece of advice he offers for others who are thinking about pursuing a degree is the importance of keeping a good attitude.

"If you're going to pursue it, just pursue it," says Colton. "It's going to take time. It's going to take day by day, but you will get through it. Just do it with a smile on your face. Wake up with a positive attitude every day and just work hard towards what you want to do in life. It's not about everybody else, it's about what you want."

It May Take Time to Adapt

"I've tried schooling before," Karen W. explains, but it wasn't until her kids were grown up and out of the house that she decided it was time for a career change. "I hadn't been in school for a number of years," Karen says, "and going back to school — and online at that — it was just totally new to me. It became easier as it went along, so it was a great journey."

If at the beginning you have a hard time sticking to your new study schedule or struggle to navigate online discussion boards, for instance, give yourself time to get used to online schooling. It may take a little bit to feel like you know what you're doing and/or create a system that works for you, but once you do, you'll be one step closer to pursuing the career you want.

Choosing an Online School That Offers Support Can Make a Difference

Another thing that it's important to understand about online learning is that you don't have to figure it out alone, especially if you choose a school that supports you throughout your academic journey. "At first, I was kind of nervous," Gekiva W. said about doing schoolwork online, "because of not being able to see someone in person. I overcame it because we have a great support system here" (referencing UMA).

Chauncia G. also found UMA's support helpful, sharing: "When a UMA recruiter called me, I had pins in my legs. I said, 'Ma'am, I'm just really not in the mood. I'm in pain. I don't feel like doing this. I get off task easily. I'm not going to be able to do it.' She said, 'UMA will support you from day one to the end,' and she did not disappoint. They have been so, so, so supportive. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have never finished this program."

Learn More: UMA Student Services

Could Online Schooling Be the Right Choice For You?

Online schooling can offer a lot of benefits, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's the right choice for you. To help you make your decision, consider the pros and cons of online versus in-person degree programs. Also, think about how each scenario could fit into your life.

If you do decide to pursue programs that offer this type of learning, check out these questions to ask when researching online degree programs. This can help you select the one that aligns with your needs, desires, vision, and goals.

UMA Offers Online Degree Programs in the Healthcare Field

If you're interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, UMA offers several online healthcare program options. Some of these can help prepare you to pursue positions that involve direct patient care, while others are designed to prep you for more behind the scenes healthcare roles.

No matter which program you choose, UMA is committed to school support for all students throughout their academic journey. Contact us to talk about your career goals, and to learn how we may be able to help you achieve them.

FAQs

• Are online schools worth it? Only you can decide whether enrolling in an online school is worth it for you based on your situation and career goals. An online school can offer the ability to pursue a degree that may not be available in your local area, along with the flexibility to fit your studies into an already busy schedule. If either of these sound good to you — or you simply prefer online learning — then attending an online school to earn your degree can help you pursue your career goals.
• Is online schooling better than in person? Neither option is better than the other; it's more a question of your learning style, needs, and preferences. If you're looking for schooling that offers flexibility, eliminates commutes, and provides access to programs not available locally, online learning may be a good option for you. Conversely, if you learn better when face to face with an instructor in a traditional classroom, you may find an on-campus program more beneficial.
• Are online schools legit? While there are many legitimate online schools, others are not. One way to help determine whether a school is legitimate is to look at its accreditations. For example, UMA is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org).
• Are online schools good? Online schools can vary in terms of the education and services they provide. To determine whether an online school is "good" or meets the criteria you desire, take an in-depth look at its programs, student services, and accreditations. Also, read reviews to learn more about what past students have to say about that institution. This can help you determine whether a specific school is the right one for you.