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Distance Education

Distance Education

Distance Education Readiness Survey

Programs at Meridian West Central College are offered in a blended format. This means that at least some components of each program are offered online through our Learning Management Systems. In order for students to thrive in our programs, they must have at least basic computer skills. You must have current enough computer equipment and internet connection and be able to use e-mail, web browsers, printers, video conferencing and use various internet and media resources.

Students considering entering one of our hybrid/blended programs should take our Distance Education Readiness Survey to help you determine your state of readiness for studying online. The survey provides useful responses to your survey answers.

Distance Education

Online learning can be a great educational experience allowing access to the nursing programs despite geographic or scheduling constraints, which is our goal. We know that students choose online learning for many different reasons, but whatever their reason, we at Meridian West Central College want to make sure each student is prepared to have a positive learning experience.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about online learning at MWCC is that each online course provide the same level of quality, content, and learning as our face-to-face courses. Thus, Meridian West Central College online delivery of specific nursing program courses are delivered through non-traditional assessments, modes, and methods pursuant to Rule 6E-2.0041, F.A.C.

The college online learning courses are not self-paced. Students follow a set academic calendar that is equivalent to campus-based courses in academic rigor and transferability, but with greater flexibility. A mix of learning resources is used, which include online access to digital course materials, textbooks, assignments, exams, online discussions, papers, projects, simulation labs, presentations, synchronous and asynchronous lectures, and review sessions. Interaction with instructors/faculty and other students occurs via course discussion boards, such as GoToMeeting, Zoom and/or other videoconferencing systems.

Meridian West Central College’’s online nursing programs are ideally suited for learners who work well independently and can effectively manage their time and priorities. Students can use our Readiness Assessment Survey linked on this page to see how well they are prepared for online learning. Prospective students are also made aware of the rigorous work they will need to complete in their courses.

The college defines blended learning (also known as hybrid learning) as a teaching method that combines traditional classroom activities with technology. Most often, people use the terms interchangeably. The (blended/hybrid learning) terms are two different learning styles. Blended learning only works by combining e-learning and traditional learning. Hybrid learning works by simply allowing students to choose online or classroom. Both methods offer students more flexibility to their learning experiences. One of the pitfalls of hybrid learning is that a student without proper time management skills will be most likely to fall behind on their coursework. The same for instructor/s.

However, MWCC chooses to offer a blended learning environment and has in place rigorous policies and pitfall prevention strategies.

Rationale for the College Nursing Program Distance Education Statement

The Associates of Science in Nursing Degree program at Meridian West Central College is designed as a hybrid program providing both the online delivery format, the blended learning approach synchronous and asynchronous learning components, the benefits of online delivery, program requirements and expectations, in person lab and in-residence clinical experiences.

MWCC is approved to offer its Associates of Science in Nursing Degree program via blended mode of instruction. The blended nursing program contains didactic content online. Campus labs and seminars are provided in a face-to-face format on our campus. The synchronous online portion of the program is live in a virtual GoToMeeting classroom.

Online Delivery Format

The online delivery format of the ASN nursing program at Meridian West Central College offers a flexible and convenient approach to learning. It includes interactive virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and access to course materials through user-friendly online platforms. The curriculum is designed to provide a rich learning experience and meaningful engagement with instructors.

The online component of the class is through Evolve, a virtual learning environment, offering students guided study through the various course modules while ensuring participation through assigned readings, weekly assignments, as well as discussion board postings. Typically, students will be given a week to submit assignments online, with periodic commentary and discussion board postings to be included by the instructor(s) and other students. This course is ideal for students who are in need of a flexible classroom schedule who need to balance their work and family commitments.

Blended Learning Approach

The program follows a blended approach, combining online instruction with in-person practical training. This approach allows students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, ensuring a well-rounded nursing education that prepares students for the current demands of the modern nursing profession.

Synchronous Learning Components

The synchronous learning components involve real-time interaction between students and instructors. This includes live lectures, discussions, and virtual simulations that enable immediate feedback and collaboration. The synchronous elements aim to replicate the traditional classroom experience, but in an online setting.

In our program, the face-to-face simulation education program focuses on three key areas:
1.) Curriculum integration
2.) Advanced debriefing
3.) Evaluation in simulation.
The Nurse instructor(s) is to transform a portion of the content from classroom-centric to web-centric.

Benefits of the Online Delivery Format

The online delivery format offers numerous benefits, including greater accessibility for students in different locations (Florida or New Jersey, the college jurisdiction), the flexibility to balance study with work or family commitments, and the opportunity to develop strong digital communication and time management skills essential for nursing practice.

Program Requirements and Expectations

The Associates of Science in Nursing Degree program has clear set requirements and expectations for student performance, participation, and professional conduct. This ensures that MWCC students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the nursing profession and uphold the high standards of patient care, ethical practice, and continuous learning.

Student Orientation

The online/hybrid student orientation is offered as a face-to-face course with three main areas to prepare the student to be successful for asynchronous and synchronous (online/hybrid) learning. Upon acceptance into the program, all students are required to attend a mandatory four-hour pre-program information session:

Additional topics components will be covered during the training session:

The following method is in place for determining student suitability for participation in a hybrid program.

The MWCC Nursing program does not furnish equipment and Wi-Fi hotspots to students. Testing of the student’s computer equipment and Internet connection is to take place before the start of classes. Therefore, the student must meet the equipment and internet connection requirements of the following:

Course Schedule

Online Component

The third and final component of the hybrid ASN nursing program classes is the clinical component and is comprised as previously stated of the required clinical rotation hours completed in approved healthcare facilities. During these clinical experiences, students will gain hands-on practical experience under the guidance and supervision of registered nurse and/or registered professionals healthcare .

What Students Need to Know About Professional Licensure

Many students attend college to earn a certificate and/or degree that prepares them for a specific field such professional nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or one of the many other occupations regulated by State and/or other government entities. States and other government entities have established standards of practice for the occupations or professions they have chosen to regulate, and they provide legal permission to practice those professions only to individuals who meet those standards. This is called professional licensure: professions for which people need to meet certain criteria in order to practice in that field.

MWCC is approved to offer its Associates of Science in Nursing program via blended mode of instruction. The blended nursing program contains didactic content online. Campus labs and seminars are provided in a face-to-face format on our campus. The synchronous online portion of the program is live in a virtual GoToMeeting classroom.

Programs with Licensure Requirements

Meridian West Central College ADN program requires licensure for employment as a registered nurse in the State of Florida. Information about the licensure requirements in the State can be found here: Florida Board of Nursing

If you are planning to apply for professional licensure/certification outside of the State of Florida, please contact that State’s licensing board to determine whether Meridian West Central College’s ADN program meets the professional licensure/certification requirements in that State.

States Where Program Applies

Program Name and Credential AwardedState(s) Where Enrolled Students Are Physically LocatedState(s) Where The Institution Determined That Program Curriculum Does Not Meet The State Educational Requirements For A License Or Credential
Nursing (Associate of Science)Florida, New JerseyN/A
Program Meets the State Educational Requirements for Licensure or CertificationNo Determination Has Been Made If Program Meets State Educational Requirements for Licensure or Certification
Florida AL, AK, AR, American Samoa, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, Guam, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, Virgin Islands, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY