In addition to the overall attributes that AP recommends to help ensure an online program is competitive in the market, the Academic Services and Products team has identified additional attributes that facilitate successful program implementation and delivery.
Competitive Characteristics
Program Attributes
- Good standing with regional accreditors and other relevant accrediting agencies and state boards
- Has necessary approvals from university and/or system governing boards
- Commits to annual or biannual program review with AP after initial courses have been built to support course enhancement and
updates - Strong program director with time available to lead the program who has oversight over faculty assignments
- For graduate programs, modifying the part-time Financial Aid definition to 3 credit hours/semester
Design Attributes
- If the program has a high-stakes licensure exam post-graduation, ensuring that test preparation is embedded and/or aligned within the curriculum and that the program actively monitors passing rates.
- Mid-term and/or final student evaluations are included in the courses, with feedback shared with AP to support program review and enhancement.
- An online student orientation/resource area is available to students prior to their first class online.
Faculty Attributes
- Agreement for faculty to engage in professional development and adhere to a quality course rubric.
Additional Competitive Characteristics for Specific Types of Degrees
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
RN-BSN
Education Programs
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Existing FNP on-ground (prior to online)
- Clinical courses of sufficient length to optimize preceptor set-up and student immersion in clinical practice and work. (Approximately 180 clinical hours/course)
- If required, students prompted in student orientation or early in program to upload required background documentation (e.g. background check, licensure information, etc.)
RN-BSN
- Minimization of lock-step courses
Education Programs
Ed.D. and Other Programs with Dissertations
- Program utilizes embeded dissertation model
- Provide plenty of advance information about practicum requirements to help students plan ahead
