Degrees in medicine have never been so accessible for people from all over the world as with the invention of distance learning. Nowadays, people who are concerned with the health problems and strive to care for people are given unique opportunity to get medical education in highly acclaimed colleges that provide online learning. Today, people can no longer afford allocating years to studies and have to adjust to dynamic, constantly changing rhythm of life searching for ways to get a degree quickly without distracting from their jobs.
 
Taking into account practical character of various medical professions, it may seem doubtful that a person can get substantial knowledge in the field of medicine only taking online courses. But in reality, a lot of students pursuing a career in medical sphere have proved that distance learning is the best alternative to the money-, and time-consuming traditional way of education.
 
The offer of colleges providing online medical degrees is so enormous, covering various subjects in this sphere of knowledge, that sometimes it is difficult to set a choice on a particular educational institution. The current article provides information about advantages and disadvantages of three top medical schools, which can be of immense help for people who hesitate about what online college to enter to acquire medical education.
 
University of Phoenix
 
Phoenix University is one of the largest private accredited, highly respected universities that have an exceptional experience in providing distance learning as well as traditional campus education in multiple subjects which increase students’ career opportunities.
 
The university mainly focuses on online courses offering various associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as certificates. Indeed, the number of available degrees exceeds all expectations, which is a major advantage of this university. As far as medical degrees are concerned, the university provides a number of associate’s programmes: Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration, Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration and Medical Records, Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration and Pharmacy Practice, and Associate of Arts in Psychology.
 
Among bachelor’s degrees students also enjoy a vast choice: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, of Science in Health Administration and Health Information Systems, and Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and Long Term Care. Master’s degrees in the sphere of medicine include various aspects of Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Psychology. Certificates are presented by the only variant, Gerontology Health Care Certificate, which requires bachelor’s degree. Doctor’s programmes provide multiple variants and can be mastered on the basis of a master’s degree.
 
Though University of Phoenix attracts thousands of students annually providing allegedly highly effective methods of online learning, there is no reliable official data concerning its graduates accomplishments and efficiency of the models of teaching used in the university. Another point that may seem to be a disadvantage is that the university is relatively young and has short history of teaching. However, accreditation in medical degrees should discredit all apprehensions.
 
Walden University
 
Walden University is a private university that provides a number of degrees in the sphere of medicine aiming at advancing students’ chances to successfully compete in job market and increasing graduates’ career opportunities. Walden University practices online education catering mainly for adults who already have a degree in medicine and either want to get additional education to increase career prospects, or people who want to change their career.
 
Above all, it should be emphasized that Walden University offers doctoral, bachelor’s, and master’s programmes, certificates and even individual courses in health science. Doctoral, bachelor’s, and master’s programmes embrace the following majors: Ph.D. in Psychology, Ph.D. in Public Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Nursing, M.S. in Clinical Research Administration, M.S. in Forensic Psychology, M.S. in Health Informatics, M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, M.S. in Psychology, B.S. in Health Studies, and B.S. in Psychology. As one may see, the list of programmes are impressive not to mention that these degrees are accredited and fully available online.
 
Providing opportunities to adjust curriculum, schedules of studying, using various learning techniques, implementing cutting-edge technologies in learning, Walden University seems to be perfect. However, some students may be discouraged by slightly high tuition costs which depend on the major and degree. On the other hand, the university provides extensive financial aid for its students that can cover some expenses. All in all, Walden University is ranked very high among universities of this kind.
 
Kaplan University
 
Kaplan University is one of the leading educational institutions that offers distance learning in the sphere of medicine for busy adults with medical education, who want to advance their efficiency in the health care industry, providing various programmes that are highly valued by the accreditors.
 
Flexible and convenient online bachelor programmes include Advanced Start Bachelor Degree in Health and Wellness, in Health Science, in Psychology, in Nutrition Science, and Bachelor Degree in Health Science, and in Nutrition Science. Among certificates students may choose the following majors: Legal Nurse Consulting, Forensic Nursing, and Geriatric Care Management. Offers in master’s programmes are presented by two options: MS in Nursing Nurse Administrator and MS in Nursing Nurse Educator. What is beneficial about the available programmes in the sphere of medicine is that they may cover different periods of time, from six months to four years.
 
Another advantage is that the university provides students with possibility to get internship and clinical experience, which is an invaluable advantage for prospective practitioners. However, it should be pointed out that the reputation of the university suffered from allegations in financial fraud, which has never been proved or refuted. However, this fact may have affected the university’s overall positive image.
 
All things considered, it should be mentioned that availability of online medical degrees has boosted students’ interest in healthcare sciences and made education more accessible for people all over the world regardless of their age and accomplishments.