Our healthcare system is struggling under the weight of a growing, aging population. There simply aren’t enough workers to meet the demand. Nurses and assistants are in short supply, and many hospitals and clinics around the country are struggling to fill roles, especially in rural areas. Thankfully, advancements in education technology mean it’s getting easier to train for a career in healthcare. In this article, we’ll explore how schools and health organizations are using online learning tools to train new staff.
Speeding Up the Process
Historically, training to become a medical professional involved lengthy, in-person courses. Today, the landscape has totally changed. While some parts of education can only be handled on-site, plenty can be done online. If you’re unable to attend frequent physical classes, you don’t necessarily need to give up on the idea of a healthcare career. For example, online ABSN programs let you learn theory online before completing hands-on training in a local clinic or hospital. That way, it’s quicker and easier to join the industry.
Training That Fits Around Life
Even if you’re super motivated, sometimes it’s just not possible to move cities to go back to school. If you have a full-time job, it’s often even more difficult. Online learning offers the opportunity for remote education, so your physical location doesn’t matter as much; at least until it’s time for placements.
Along with being able to study anywhere, many programs are self-paced. This means you can learn around your schedule: in the evenings, weekends, or whenever suits you best. If you’ve got family or work responsibilities, it changes everything. It also opens the door to people in remote communities. Rural areas are vastly underserved, even with the development of telehealth, so training staff in these places could prove even more vital.
Learning By Doing, Without the Risk
Educational tools and systems are developing fast. Many programs are embracing technology like video tutorials, digital models, and even virtual reality (VR). As a student, this means you can simulate real-life scenarios safely, with no risk to real patients. While simulated and virtual reality are no substitute for hands-on experience, they’re incredibly useful for helping build confidence and skill.
Challenges
Education tech in healthcare is coming on in leaps and bounds, but that doesn’t mean it’s without drawbacks. A lack of regular in-person support means some students find it hard to stay on track. It’s also limited in terms of what can be learned, as a career in healthcare typically involves a high level of practical skills.
Online learning is making a real difference in the number of students able to pursue further education in the healthcare space. With the US aging faster than ever and a shortage of workers, this boost to student numbers is welcome progress.
Endnote
Online education, digitized learning, and other modern tools and technologies are helping address the staffing shortage in our healthcare system. They’re bringing more people into the field, making the learning process faster, more convenient, and more affordable. These kinds of future-focused training and educational methods can help prepare the next generation of healthcare workers; everyday heroes who are waiting to improve patient lives through diligent care.