Proponents insist that these programs can be successful, as long as they are accredited by the appropriate agency and demonstrate high educational standards (comparable to traditional programs). Programs also need to provide clinical experiences in which the students observe and actually work with patients in order to develop skills in the art of history taking and physical examination, establishment of a differential diagnosis, creation of a plan of action, and appropriate decision-making with regard to available tests and treatment options. Advocates of distance learning also agree that students must be observed by peer clinicians who can confirm that they are ethical and competent to practice, have good bedside manners, and demonstrate respect for the profession and for life.
And who knows? Distance learning may create opportunities to improve access to care in remote, rural, and underserved areas, as these could become fertile training grounds for NPs and PAs (a return to our roots, in a sense). In this age of successful telemedicine, why shouldn’t “tele-education” be the next success story? Although the jury is still out on this concept, the proverbial cat has already been let out of the bag! Only time will tell what results we will see. But I think with the significant enhancement of technology, and participation of committed educators who are willing to step into the arena to ensure that competency-based education persists, we will be pleasantly surprised by the success of this venture.
I would be interested in your views. Please email me at PAEditor@frontlinemedcom.com.
REFERENCES
1. Monir M. Yale to offer full-time master’s program online. USA Today. www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/12/yale-full-time-online-masters-program/70163994. Accessed May 2, 2015.
2. Kushniruk AW. Advances in health education applying e-learning, simulations and distance technologies [editorial]. Knowledge Manage E-Learning Int J. 2011;3(1):1-4.
3. Robley LR, Farnsworth BJ, Flynn JB, Horne CD. This new house: building knowledge through online learning. J Prof Nurs. 2004;20(5):333-343.
4. Yang YTC, Chou HA. Beyond critical thinking skills: investigating the relationship between critical thinking skills and dispositions through different online instructional strategies. Br J Educ Technol. 2008;39(4):666-684.