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Online Learner Profiles: Joan G.

Profiles of Real Online Learners

Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Joan G., M.S. in in Nursing Education

She has the distinction of being one of the very first to have graduated from Walden University's Master of Science in Nursing Education program. So it's no wonder that Joan Goudounis's new degree is opening her up to a number of firsts.

Joan, a married mother of two children, 15 and 19, began working on her graduate degree in 2004.

While it wasn't her first degree - she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland in 1982 - it was the first time she relied solely on distance learning to fulfill an educational goal.

"Obtaining my Master's degree from Walden University opened up more doors for me and provided me with the tools I need to create a positive social change for health issues in my community," says Joan sincerely.

With twenty-two years of experience logged in a hospital and a private doctor's office, Joan is now an assistant professor of nursing at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD. This tireless 51-year-old Annapolis resident says she has plans to forge ahead and continue her education with a Ph.D.

So why choose an online degree over a traditional, face-to-face program?

The online environment made it more convenient for me. Assignments were more specific and I had everything I needed right at my fingertips. I could choose when and where I would study. This would not occur if I attended an on-campus program.

How many other online schools did you consider?

Just one. I looked into attending the University of Phoenix Online.

What criteria guided your decision in choosing a school?

It had to have years of experience with online courses, faculty credentials, and accreditation status. Walden was founded in 1970 and the M.S. Degree in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Why did you ultimately select Walden University?

Besides meeting the criteria mentioned above, the people at Walden University provided no pressure to sign on and were courteous, considerate and helpful. They would say, "You can take your time to think about your decision to attend Walden University. Please feel free to call us anytime and when you are ready we will assist you."

Walden portrayed itself as not being greedy for your money. They did not demand that you sign up immediately. In other words, they were not pushy.

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