For one American National University student from Pike County, Kentucky, pursuing her education is just one part of Madison Charles’ busy and rewarding life. At 23, she is balancing her Radiologic Technology studies with her work as a surgical and gastroenterology scribe at Pikeville Medical Center and life as a new mom to her five-month-old son. Married to her high school sweetheart, she says her son is her greatest blessing and enjoys spending her free time with her family. Now, as a Term 262 Term Trailblazer, she is showing that even a full schedule can leave room for working toward a meaningful career.

Because Madison lives in Pike county, she has known of American National University because of a campus location in Pikeville. Additionally, with the university’s partnership with Pikeville Medical Center, she has worked with nurses who graduated from the nursing program. “I work with quite a few [American National University] nurses that went through the nursing program, so I got introduced to [the university] through that,” she explains. “And then I saw a Facebook post about the radiology program and that’s how I found out about the [Radiologic Technology] program.”

“Really the biggest thing for me was the online program, that way I could still work, I could still provide for my family, and do classes in the evenings.”

One of Madison’s closest friends attended American National University’s nursing program at the Pikeville campus. “He was talking about how he still worked the whole time he was in school, and it’s a very good balance so I could keep working. That was the biggest thing for me,” she said.

As Madison is a provider for her family, being able to jump into the workforce after she graduates in December is important to her educational goals. The skills she’s learning in her courses are preparing her for a job as a radiologic technologist. “I really like how they provided the virtual [experience]… We still got to be in the room with a patient, position, and perform our exams all virtually. I thought that was a very, very interesting thing,” she says with a smile. “It’s been a very quick program, we’ve sped it up. All my professors have been wonderful, I’ve dealt with so many wonderful people, they are very knowledgeable in their field.

“It’s going to prepare us very well to go into clinicals next term. I’m excited to start clinicals so I can get with the patients. But the [virtual reality] has been very helpful for me so that I can still be in the room while not being patient facing [yet].”

As one of the first students within the Radiologic Technology program, she breaks down what happens in her courses. “I like Zoom! We meet usually once a week with our professors. During those Zooms, they go over pretty much everything. It’s a lot at one time, but it’s really interesting. I think it’s a great tool,” she explains. “And actually, there are some professors that will get on the [virtual reality] and show us the positioning and how we’re supposed to do certain exams – which has been very helpful!”

Of her professors in the Radiologic Technology program, Madison says Dr. Quincita Dennis has left a positive impact on her education. “She’s our dean, she was the first professor we ever had, so she’s been wonderful – it’s her program!” Additionally, Kanika Mosley is named as an instructor who has left an impression on her. “She was my professor back in December, but now she’s my externship coordinator. She has been wonderful!” But overall, from the beginning of her program now to the near end, Madison has had no issue with her professors whatsoever. “They’ve all been great, I can’t complain about any of them!”

In her future, Madison already knows that she will stick with Pikeville Medical Center. “I got to sign a contract with them when I started the program! I’m already familiar with the people – so I’m really excited!”

Her future goals include staying loyal to Pikeville Medical Center. “For my future, I do look to stay at Pikeville Medical Center. It’s been my home for three years!” However, she is not denying future opportunities later on if they come for traveling.

Would she recommend American National University to others? “Yes, absolutely I would! And mainly it’s because of the work balance. When I first started to look at programs, I did check out a few [other] radiology programs. But [American National University] – when I applied, they had me accepted within a week or two and had me in the admissions processes. I mean they were on top of everything – that’s one thing I could brag enough about… I mean I feel like it was within a few weeks I ready for classes!”

“So absolutely I would recommend [American National University]. I’ve seen [the university] nurses, I have now experienced radiology – but overall, it’s been wonderful. I would definitely recommend it!”

Her advice to new students includes “you’ve got to stay on top of your stuff. It’s week to week to week. Unfortunately, if you’re not on the train, you’ll get left behind.” She explains that the discipline, however, has allowed her to stay on top of her work and fully prepare her for her career. “But I would still say – take time for yourself! Our assignments are due by Saturday, get them done by Friday, and have the weekend to refresh.”

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For Welishia Brown, the path to nursing has been shaped by perseverance, life changes and a determination to keep moving forward. After earning an associate degree in Medical Assisting, Welishia gained experience working in medical offices before eventually discovering a renewed desire to become a nurse. Her work in radiation and oncology helped reaffirm that goal and inspired her to return to school. When she learned about American National University’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, she knew it was time to take another step toward the career she had envisioned for years. Balancing school with her career and raising her young son, Welishia is embracing this opportunity with the belief that now is the right time to pursue her nursing goals. And her hard work and dedication earned her the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 260!

“This is just the time now, it’s here, why not? It’s the best decision I’ve made so far.”

Welishia has always had a desire to help others when they are in need of an advocate.  “We’re here to serve one purpose: patient care. They have everything else in their lives going on and now they’re sick, or [their] family is not around, or visiting, or [they] don’t have family. We’re here on the front line every day taking care of these patients that are ill… I just really like helping people, whether it’s a kid of adult – I just like helping people,” she explained. With her experience in medical assisting, she knew she wanted to be in a role that allows her to help patients at any and every point of care to get them back to health. And she strives to do that with American National University’s program. “My algorithm on Facebook and Instagram is nothing but nursing… It’s like, ‘okay, that’s gonna be me in two years!’ I’m going to go to sleep as an MA and wake up a nurse!”

With her son being her biggest priority, Welishia knew that she needed an education that could accommodate her busy lifestyle. While initially enrolled in another program at another school trying to reach her dreams, she came across and advertisement for American National University that changed everything. She took the time to transfer every credit possible, switch her loans, and get into the Bachelor’s of Nursing program as soon as she could. And “I’m really doing it, I’m sticking with it. I’m glad I did make the decision to switch, because it literally just fell in my lap, and I’m like, ‘it’s meant to be!’”

While in the beginning of her program, Welishia has had to make some adjustments. “So far, I love it, it’s definitely different because it’s online,” she explained. “It’s accelerated, it’s sped up.” In one of her Anatomy and Physiology classes, she described how her and her fellow classmates created a group chat to get through the material together. “That’s a good feeling that we could just decide to come together and have this group chat going on, and helping each other out,” she said. Despite still being at the beginning of her program, she looks forward to what is ahead of her. “I’m ready to be in the fun stuff!” She said with a laugh. “I know that’s going to be the hard, hard, hard stuff, but all of this stuff has to start making sense. I’m scared, but I’m ready!”

Her future goals are wide open to her that she didn’t know existed before. With the different avenues of nursing that she could go down, Welishia is considering each one with a critical eye more than ever before. “I have no clue, there’s just so much!” She said with a smile.

Would she recommend American National University to others? “Oh yeah! Absolutely! I would definitely recommend people – because it’s that flexible convenience of being virtual… [American National University] lays everything out for you, they have all the materials you may need, all the help you may need, everyone has that open door policy.” She has had friends and coworkers enquire about her education and she has mentioned the university to them as well.

“I would definitely recommend [American National University]. It’s very cost effective!”

Her advice to new students included “go in with an open mind. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Utilize your resources. Utilize your classmates… just all the stuff they’re offering us in that tuition – use it!”

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For Bessie Mack, pursuing her bachelor’s in Business Administration Management at American National University is about more than earning another degree—it’s about building on her experience and preparing for what comes next. A wife and mother of three, Bessie has spent the past eight years building her career with Ecolab, where her attention to detail and analytical skills recently helped her earn a promotion to Operations Support. After previously earning an associate degree in Computer Networking, she returned to school with a new goal in mind: developing the business knowledge and skills that can help her take her career—and even her baking business, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic—to the next level. Named a Term Trailblazer for Term 260, Bessie is embracing the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making room for the people and passions that matter most to her.

Bessie initially started with American National University in our Health Information Management program, inspired to help a sick loved one stuck in the mires of the healthcare system. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, her priorities changed. In the years that passed, Bessie has had a successful side business and a meaningful promotion that needs the education to bolster her knowledge. She pursued her Business Administration Management program to teach her the ins and outs of being a manager. “You really don’t know what you don’t know until you need to know it. I’ve been lucky enough to have some instructors that have, [in their] teaching and the way that they teach, kind of lets me know I was doing things all wrong,” she explained. “I was getting by, but there’s a different way to think about things. So I really appreciate my journey here.”

“[Dr. Obringer] is awesome. Dr. Falsey – just awesome! The instructors here – I love them. [They’re] very direct, which is something you need when going online… I will tell anyone! I was actually trying to get my boys to come here because I really feel that strongly about this university and what [they] have to offer.”

Within her time in her business program, Bessie has learned a lot from her professors. One of the strongest skills she’s learned is business writing. “Especially when you have someone reporting to you and how you need to respond to that interaction whether it’s through email or even the way you speak to them, you want to make sure you’re protecting yourself and the company,” she said. Additionally, learning financial skills have been invaluable to her future in her career and business operations. “While I will never, ever want to be on the finance team, it is still good to know why. When you get those directions from upper management, you know why they’re getting you to do that way,” she explained.

“I feel like all of the classes offer something – just giving you a different way of thinking about things… [American National University] helps all around, it’s like a 360. It’s not just your professional life, it’s your personal life as well.”

One way that American National University has stood out to Bessie, even in comparison to her previous tenure as a student here, is the way that classes are interactive and not just self-led. “I like that we have the in-class assignments. If you miss that one in-class assignment, you can hang it up for getting an A for that [term]!” She said with a laugh. “It makes you strive to make time for your education!” She valued the time she gets to be in class. “You need that face time with your instructor. You don’t even know what questions you have until you get them in front of you, and they’re going through a lecture, and you’re going, ‘oh yeah!’” Not only was she able to examine the areas with the material that she needed help on while in class, but it allows her to network. “It helps with the relationship building,” she explained. “It’s hard building a relationship with someone you’ve never seen face-to-face, that you’ve never held a conversation with. I can appreciate that, and that’s one of the things I tell everyone about!”

The relationships she’s built with her instructors have even begun making her consider earning her master’s degree – something she was sure she wouldn’t want until now. Bessie enjoys her time at American National University that she hopes in five or ten years, she can return to work for the university. “I love all of you guys. I’ve never had anyone rude or nasty that deterred me from wanting to stay here. This may be something that in five or ten years I may want – who knows!”

Her advice to any students: “Never fall behind! If you have questions, ask them early, don’t wait until Saturday to open an assignment. The earlier [you work], the better.” Bessie says that being open and honest is the way to go. “The professors understand that you have a life outside of [the university]. They also understand that this is not the only class that you’re taking – so they will help if they can!” Her sailing point is that students will get what they give – so she advises to put your all into it so you can get it all, and then some. “Own your experience!”

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The idea of hands-on education brings forward images of kinesthetic learning, professor interaction, and knowledge built by hands along with the brain. This could be a classroom laboratory, healthcare simulations, or students working with specialized equipment they’d find in their field. However, those images do not typically populate when someone mentions education earned online. American National University is looking to change that thought with our Hands-On(line) approach to higher education. Students within the university can explore educational opportunities that combine online coursework with practical learning experiences. Depending on the program, these experiences may include technical projects, healthcare skills training, laboratory work, simulation technology, or clinical experiences. This allows all students, especially those who work and care for a family and other responsibilities, to gain an education that gives them the practical skills without having to sacrifice parts of their life to do so.

What Does Hands-On Learning Mean in an Online Program?

There exists an idea that online education means reading material and being tested on it without interaction outside of a book and exam. However, at American National University, that could not be farther from the reality. Students meet in live lectures with their professors and peers so that they gain a better understanding of the material presented to them in textbooks. Some activities may be completed remotely through digital tools or simulations. Others may require students to practice with equipment, attend scheduled skills sessions, participate in laboratory activities, or complete supervised clinical experiences at an approved location.

Each hands-on learning portion of American National University’s education varies for different programs. For IT, students have access to Amazon Web Services (AWS). For cybersecurity, students have access to VMware for ethical hacking experience. For health services students, lab kits that include blood pressure cuffs and phlebotomy arms are sent straight to their homes. Additionally, most health services programs require a clinical externship component to be completed at physician offices, hospitals, or pharmacies local to them.

Online learning does not have to mean learning without practical experience. With the right combination of coursework and applied activities, students can build knowledge while practicing how to use it.

How Does Hands-On Learning Work for Online Students?

Hands-on learning in an online environment can look different from one program to another. While some students may complete practical activities through technology, others may participate in in-person training or supervised experiences as part of their education. Here are some common ways online students can engage in hands-on learning:

• Simulation and skills practice – simulations allow students to practice responding to realistic situations in a structured learning environment. For example, students in the Bachelor’s of Nursing program are given VR headsets to utilize UbiSim’s clinical software to simulate real-world patient experiences.
• Laboratory and technical activities – Some fields require students to understand equipment, procedures, technology, or technical processes. Laboratory activities and technical exercises give students opportunities to apply that knowledge. For example, Pharmacy Technician students, both diploma and associate degree, have access to the same technology that technicians and pharmacists use in their career: PioneerRx.
• Projects and applied assignments – Hands-on learning is not limited to healthcare or laboratory settings. Students in business, information technology, cybersecurity, and software development can also apply their knowledge through projects and practical assignments. For example, as part of the BUS117 Supervision course in the Business Administration Management courses, students will take the Certified Supervisor exam offered through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers.
• Clinical and supervised experiences – Some programs, particularly those in healthcare, require learning experiences that cannot be completed entirely online. However, that does not mean students have to uproot their lives to attend clinicals on a campus. At American National University, students complete externships in businesses and offices local to them.
• International residency requirements – In order to fulfill student residency requirements, international students must attend their classes on campus one weekend of every term. Students still attend the same classes that they do online, but with the added benefits of not only fulfilling regulatory requirements allowing them to study in the US, but to see their peers, professors, and administrative staff face to face to build connections.

So… Does Hands-On Learning Mean Online Students Must Attend Campus?

At American National University, Hands-On(line) means students gain their education and practical skills from wherever they have an internet connection. While we have campuses in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, students do not have to attend classes in these buildings every day in order to earn their diplomas. With the different approaches of lab kits, access to High Tech materials, and Zoom conferencing sessions with professors, students get the fullness of an education without having to sacrifice their life, their collaboration, or their connections.

Explore Hands-On(line) at American National University

Choosing an educational program involves more than considering where classes take place. Students should also think about what they will learn, which skills they will practice, and how their coursework connects to their goals. Hands-on learning can be an important part of that decision. Whether a student is interested in healthcare, technology, business, or another field, understanding how a program incorporates practical application can help them make an informed choice.

American National University offers programs designed for students pursuing their educational goals while managing other responsibilities. As current student Elisa Landgraf said: “[American National University] is convenient, efficient. I save. How do you put a price tag on your time? It fits into a busy lifestyle. It makes it doable. It makes it something achievable, it doesn’t feel so far-fetched for a busy person, to somebody who’s already struggling and juggling a lot of things.”

Ready to learn hands-on while at home? Visit an.edu today to learn more.

American National University – be live, in class, from anywhere.

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If you want to become a nurse but need to balance school with work and family, you may be wondering: can you get your RN online? You can complete portions of your nursing education online through an appropriate program, but becoming a registered nurse also requires practical training and meeting your state’s licensing requirements. Online coursework is one part of the pathway, rather than a substitute for hands-on preparation.

For prospective students, an associate degree in nursing is one educational route to explore. American National University also offers a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for students working toward becoming registered nurses. Understanding how classroom learning, clinical experience, and licensure fit together can help you compare programs and decide whether an online or blended learning format matches your needs.

Can You Become a Nurse Online?

You can begin working toward becoming a nurse through a program that includes online learning. However, an entry-level nursing program must prepare you to apply knowledge in patient care settings. At American National University, the Tennessee Nursing Associate degree combines online learning with required clinical experience and skills checks at an approved clinical site.

The distinction matters when you compare schools. “Online” does not necessarily mean every activity happens at home or that you can complete the program whenever you choose. Ask each school which classes meet live, which assignments you complete independently, and which requirements involve travel or attendance at a specific location.

What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing?

An associate degree in nursing provides an educational pathway toward entry-level registered nursing practice. You may encounter the terms ADN, meaning Associate Degree in Nursing, and ASN, meaning Associate of Science in Nursing, while researching schools. Look at the specific program’s approval, curriculum, and licensure disclosures rather than relying on the degree abbreviation alone.

American National University’s Tennessee program includes instruction in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, dosage calculation, critical thinking, and patient-centered care. Its purpose is to help students develop nursing knowledge and skills for healthcare settings. Completing a degree is an educational milestone; obtaining an RN license is a separate step that involves the applicable board of nursing.

American National University Also Offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

An associate degree in nursing is not the only option to consider when planning your nursing education. American National University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers another pathway for students preparing to become RNs. This is a pre-licensure program, so prospective students can explore it as a route into nursing rather than assuming they must already hold an RN license.

American National University’s BSN combines live online classes, instructor-guided at-home skills labs, virtual reality technology, and in-person clinical experiences. The program is currently open to residents of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Students should confirm current admission requirements and clinical arrangements with admissions before enrolling.

When deciding between the associate degree and BSN, consider your previous education, available study time, and long-term goals. Compare each program’s curriculum, total cost, and completion requirements, and review the education expectations in job postings that interest you. Your choice should reflect both your starting point and the qualification you want to earn.

How Online Learning and Clinical Training Work Together

Online coursework gives you a way to study nursing concepts outside a traditional classroom. Clinical training provides opportunities to connect those concepts with supervised practice. When evaluating a program, consider how the school organizes both parts and how the schedule will fit into your life.

American National University’s Tennessee Nursing Associate degree requires 660 hours of clinical externship experience. Clinical locations depend on site availability, and students may need to commute or travel outside their local area. The program’s delivery description also includes synchronous video, asynchronous online learning, and limited on-campus residency.

Before enrolling, discuss clinical scheduling, skills checks, and residency expectations with admissions. Ask about possible travel distances, when you will receive placement information, and what flexibility you will need from your employer. These details can be just as important to your decision as the online class schedule.

From Nursing Student to Registered Nurse

Earning a nursing degree and becoming licensed are connected steps, but they are not interchangeable. Nursing graduates seeking initial RN licensure must meet the requirements of the nursing regulatory body where they apply. Those requirements include eligibility for the NCLEX-RN examination, and requirements can vary by state.

The Tennessee Board of Nursing states that only graduates of approved nursing schools are eligible to take the NCLEX, which is required for licensure. American National University’s Tennessee Nursing Associate degree program identifies Tennessee Board of Nursing approval. Students should review the applicable board’s requirements and the university’s current licensure disclosures before making an enrollment decision.

Think of your plan in three parts: completing the educational program, meeting examination requirements, and obtaining authorization to practice. Keeping those steps clear helps you set realistic expectations. Graduation alone does not automatically grant an RN license.

Is an Online Nursing Pathway Right for You?

Start by considering your weekly schedule rather than assuming online learning will fit around every existing commitment. Identify the hours you can dedicate to classes, studying, assignments, and practical training. Then compare that availability with the program’s actual expectations.

It also helps to think about how you learn. Do you have a quiet place for live classes? Can you protect regular study time? What changes might you need to make when clinical training begins? Answering these questions can turn a broad interest in nursing into a workable education plan.

When comparing costs, request a complete explanation of tuition, required supplies, clinical-related expenses, and any other charges. Review admission requirements and ask how previous college coursework will be evaluated. A clear picture of your schedule and costs will help you assess your options with greater confidence.

Explore Your Nursing Pathway at American National University

If your goal is to become a nurse online, start by looking for a pathway that combines accessible coursework with the practical preparation nursing requires. American National University offers both a Tennessee Nursing Associate degree and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The associate program is currently open to Tennessee residents, while the BSN is open to residents of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Speak with American National University admissions about eligibility, class schedules, clinical requirements, and the steps toward RN licensure. With those details in hand, you can compare the associate degree in nursing and BSN pathways, choose the option that fits your goals, and begin planning your next step.

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Choosing a paralegal program starts with understanding what you want your education to help you accomplish. You may be preparing for your first role in the legal field, changing careers, or looking for education that connects legal knowledge with practical technology skills. As you compare ABA approved paralegal programs, look beyond the credential’s title to examine the learning experience and the opportunities available within the curriculum.

American National University offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Associate’s Degree and an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate. Both programs give students the opportunity to earn the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate through PLG207 Legal Research and Writing. This named certificate pathway connects a specific course with an additional credential opportunity, helping prospective students understand how legal research technology fits into their education. an.edu

What Does ABA Approval Mean for a Paralegal Program?

The American Bar Association approves paralegal education programs rather than certifying individual paralegals. Approval indicates that a program has demonstrated compliance with the ABA’s Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs. When comparing schools, students can consult the ABA’s program directory and review the particular degree or certificate option they plan to pursue.

It is also helpful to distinguish an academic certificate from professional certification. A paralegal certificate recognizes completion of an educational program. Professional certification involves meeting a separate certifying organization’s requirements, which may include an examination and other eligibility criteria. Graduating from an ABA-approved program does not make someone an “ABA-certified paralegal.” americanbar.org

Choose the American National University Paralegal Pathway That Fits Your Education

Your previous education is an important starting point when deciding between a degree and a certificate. Consider whether you are seeking your first college credential or already have a degree and want to add education focused on the legal field. The right conversation with admissions begins with that distinction, along with your career goals and available study time.

American National’s Paralegal Associate’s Degree covers legal terminology, procedural law, document drafting, and research. Students also have the option to complete a 120-hour externship at a local business or organization. The Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, including graduates entering the legal field and professionals changing careers. an.edu

A Named Certificate Pathway: The Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate

An additional credential opportunity is easier to evaluate when a school identifies it by name and explains where it fits into the curriculum. At American National University, the named certificate pathway is the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate, available through PLG207 Legal Research and Writing in both paralegal programs. Students have the opportunity to earn this certificate; it should not be treated as an automatic award upon enrollment. an.edu

For prospective students, this creates a useful question to ask while comparing programs: how does the coursework connect legal research instruction with the tools used to perform that research? Understanding legal concepts and learning to navigate a research platform are related parts of preparation. A clearly identified certificate opportunity gives students something specific to discuss with admissions and the program faculty.

The Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate is distinct from American National University’s academic Paralegal Studies Certificate. It also should not be confused with a separate professional paralegal certification. When describing your education to an employer, use the exact names of the credentials you have earned so that your qualifications are clear.

Can ABA Approved Paralegal Programs Be Online?

Yes. The ABA permits fully online programs when at least nine semester credits, or the equivalent, of legal specialty courses are delivered through synchronous instruction. Synchronous learning includes real-time interaction between faculty and students and among students. Online delivery and ABA approval can therefore be compatible. americanbar.org

American National University’s associate degree offers online classes through videoconferencing, while its certificate program combines synchronous video and asynchronous online learning. Both program pages identify the required synchronous legal specialty coursework. Before enrolling, ask about scheduled class meetings, attendance expectations, and weekly assignments so you can plan how school will fit around work and other responsibilities. an.edu

Compare the Details Before You Enroll

A useful program comparison should answer practical questions as well as academic ones. Review admission requirements, total tuition and fees, class schedules, available support, and the credential awarded at graduation. For any additional certificate opportunity, ask which course includes it and what students must complete to earn it.

Start with the positions you would like to pursue and examine their education requirements. Then compare those expectations with the program’s curriculum and your existing qualifications. This approach helps you choose with a clear purpose and gives you a more useful basis for evaluating different ABA approved paralegal programs.

Explore Your Next Step with American National University

Whether you are seeking an associate degree or adding paralegal education to a degree you already hold, American National University offers two paths to explore. The opportunity to pursue the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate adds a specific legal research credential pathway to that conversation.

Explore American National University’s paralegal programs and speak with admissions about your previous education, learning goals, and the Lexis+® Paralegal Certificate opportunity. Ask which program fits your starting point and what your next steps would be.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

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For Bridget Ladner, pursuing an education has always been a matter of finding a way forward, even when life seemed determined to get in the way. More than 20 years ago, she began working toward a nursing education after having worked as a CNA. However, having a newborn and then experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina led her to put those plans on hold. In the years that followed, family responsibilities and other unexpected challenges continued to make returning to school difficult. Still, her desire to build a career helping others never went away. After caring for family members renewed that sense of purpose, Bridget decided it was time to give her education another chance. Now, as an Administrative Medical Assisting associate degree student at American National University, she is proving that even a winding path can lead exactly where you are meant to go. During Term 262, Bridget faced another series of unexpected challenges, including a devastating flood that destroyed her family’s camper and vehicle while her and her husband were working in Hawaii. Through it all, she continued moving forward with her education—and that determination earned her recognition as a Term Trailblazer for term 262.

When it came to earning her education, Bridget knew she needed a flexible program that she could attend from anywhere she is. As she travels often with her husband, she joined American National University’s program over others because the classes fit her schedule that isn’t always set in stone. “I wanted to be able to do it all online. If I needed to do an externship, that would be fine, because it would be for x amount of time, and not the whole time,” she explained. “I looked online, and there were two choices… [American National University] had everything I wanted, plus their colors!” She said with a laugh. “I know that may sound silly, but that really was the distinguishing factor because that’s my colors!”

Bridget’s future career in the medical field has been one she has waited for since before she had her children. Even still, she finds she is learning new scopes that better her understanding while she attends American National University. One of those skills is the most important: communication. “Communication is key – and how you communicate,” she explained. Additionally, she has deepened her knowledge on the administrative side when she initially thought she’d only be on the clinical side of things. This includes, “dealing with your patients, the administrative side of it as far as the requirements there,” she said.

“What I’m doing now is what I’m going to do then.”

Professors shape the way students learn, and Bridget has found many professors in her tenure so far that have made the experience more than she expected. This includes Dr. Stephanie Denton, “she was great!” Additionally, Abby Chelstowski made such an impact on her, “love her to pieces, she was great!” Someone who truly stands out to her is Kimberly Amole, her externship coordinator, because of how she has aided Bridget in securing an externship even with her travel schedule and the disaster of the flooding her family has dealt with. “The externship – all of that – was a mess. And it wasn’t her fault! And it really wasn’t my fault because of the transportation with the flood,” she explained. “She worked really hard to see what could happen.” Overall, though, “I’ve had nothing but good things to say about all of my instructors! I really have had some good instructors… They’re engaged, they’re really, really engaged.”

Earning her education online has been “pure freedom!” As she travels with her husband when he goes onto work trips, Bridget needed to be able to attend class from wherever she could connect her computer.

“Yes, you have the assignments that are due by a certain date, and yes you have assigned times for Zooms, but you know in advance. It’s just convenient. It’s very, very convenient!”

Her future goals include working in the field for a bit. However, with a daughter who is earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing, she wants to one day open an IV infusion clinic and spa to work alongside her daughter.

Would she recommend American National University to other students? “Absolutely! I definitely would.”

Her advice to new students would include “do not give up! Try, try, try again – if that’s what it takes!” Perseverance is the sailing point to Bridget’s story, and she has gotten up each time life has tried to knock her down. “Stay focused, push on,” she explained.

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How Long Does a Rad Tech Program Take?

Most rad tech programs are structured as full-time associate degrees that combine classroom coursework with hands-on clinical training. American National University’s Radiologic Technology Associate Degree Program follows this same format, pairing online coursework and virtual labs with in-person clinical rotations at hospitals, medical clinics, and imaging centers. Because clinical placement and course load can vary by student, the best way to get an exact timeline for your situation is to speak with an admissions advisor.

What Does a Rad Tech Program Cost?

Tuition is one of the biggest factors students weigh when comparing programs, and it’s worth comparing closely, since many online colleges charge extra fees for application, technology, or textbooks on top of listed tuition. At American National University, the total cost for the Radiologic Technology Associate Degree Program is $38,640, and that figure already includes fees, textbooks, and lab equipment where applicable.

What Do You Need to Get Into a Rad Tech Program?

Because rad tech students work directly with patients in clinical settings, most programs, including American National University’s, require a background check before you can sit for certification, along with proof of certain health and safety requirements before starting clinicals. These typically include:

• Childhood vaccination records
• Hepatitis B series
• Annual flu shot
• Annual TB test
• CPR certification
• COVID-19 vaccination series (where required by the clinical site)

Exact requirements can vary by clinical site, so it’s worth confirming specifics with your program’s externship coordinator early in the process.

Is a Rad Tech Program Hard?

Rad tech coursework blends science-heavy subjects like anatomy, physiology, and radiation physics with hands-on technical skills like patient positioning and operating imaging equipment. It’s a demanding course load, especially once clinical rotations begin. ANU’s program, for example, asks students to expect about two hours of outside study per hour of lecture. That said, the challenge is intentional. It’s designed to prepare you for a role where precision and patient safety both matter.

What Happens After You Finish a Rad Tech Program?

Completing an accredited rad tech program makes you eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(R). Certification is required for employment at most healthcare facilities, so this exam is the final step between finishing your coursework and starting your career as a radiologic technologist.

Ready to see the full curriculum, schedule, and clinical requirements? Take a closer look at American National University’s Radiologic Technology Associate Degree Program, or call 833-388-1100 to speak with an admissions advisor.

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Getting your paper’s formatting right is often worth real points on your rubric — and it’s one of the fastest things to fix once you know the rules. This guide walks through exactly how to format a paper in APA style for your American National University coursework, using the student paper format, which is what you’ll use for virtually every class assignment.

Student Paper vs. Professional Paper: Which One Do You Need?

APA style actually has two different formats, and using the wrong one is a common mix-up. Student papers — the format you’ll use for class assignments — skip the running head and usually skip the abstract. Professional papers, used for published research and graduate-level manuscript submissions, require both. Unless your instructor specifically tells you otherwise, you’ll use the student format covered in this guide.

Need citation help too? See our APA citation guide

Title Page Format

Your student title page needs, centered and in this order, starting about a third of the way down the page:

1. Paper title (bolded, title case, no more than two lines)
2. Your name
3. Your program and course number (e.g., “Business Management 210, American National University”)
4. Instructor’s name
5. Assignment due date

No running head, no page header text beyond the page number, and no abstract — all of that is reserved for professional papers.

Margins, Font, and Spacing

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Font: 12-point Times New Roman, or another accessible sans-serif/serif font your instructor approves (11-point Calibri and Arial are also acceptable under APA 7)
• Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout, including the title page and reference list — no extra space between paragraphs
• Paragraph indentation: First line of every paragraph indented 0.5 inches
• Page numbers: Top right corner of every page, starting with the title page

Headings: How to Structure Your Sections

APA uses five heading levels, though most class papers only need the first two or three:

• Level 1: Centered, bold, Title Case
• Level 2: Left-aligned, bold, Title Case
• Level 3: Left-aligned, bold italic, Title Case

A typical business or health sciences paper might use Level 1 for major sections (“Literature Review,” “Recommendations”) and Level 2 for subsections within them.

Formatting Your Reference List

Your References page starts on a new page after the body of your paper, centered with the word “References” at the top (bold, not underlined or italicized). Entries are alphabetized by author last name, and every entry after the first line uses a hanging indent — the first line sits at the margin, and every line after it indents 0.5 inches.

See full reference list examples by source type

Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding a running head to a student paper. It’s not required — leave it off unless your instructor asks for it.
• Single-spacing the reference list. Every part of an APA paper is double-spaced, references included.
• Forgetting the hanging indent on reference entries — this trips up more students than almost anything else in formatting.
• Centering body paragraphs or headings incorrectly — only Level 1 headings and title page content are centered; body text is left-aligned.
• Using decorative fonts or font sizes inconsistently across the paper — pick one approved font and size and stick with it start to finish.

FAQ

Do I need a running head on my class papers?

No — student papers don’t require one under APA 7th edition. That’s reserved for professional/published manuscripts.

What font should I use?

12-point Times New Roman is the most common choice, though 11-point Calibri, Arial, or Georgia are also acceptable if your instructor doesn’t specify otherwise.

Does my title page need an abstract?

Not for a student paper, unless your assignment instructions specifically ask for one.

See APA Style’s official sample student paper, apastyle.apa.org, for a full visual template.

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