Frequently asked questions about online learning.

Absolutely! Distance education degree programs were developed with working adult students in mind. Online courses offer flexibility through easy access to class materials, instructors, and video conferencing for live lectures. Our High Tech, High Touch™ eLearning environment uses advanced technology for a highly interactive experience — you receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet.

We offer much more than simply an online degree; you receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet. We bring our university to you through e-books, virtual labs, and online research libraries and databases. For certain healthcare programs, such as medical assisting and pharmacy technician, each student receives a lab kit to complete assignments under the watchful eyes of their instructors.

You need some basic technology skills: accessing websites, writing papers with word processing platforms, and uploading/downloading documents. If you can do this, you are tech-savvy enough for an online degree program.

Yes! Our High Tech, High Touch eLearning environment uses advanced technology for a highly interactive experience. You receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet.

There are programs that can help students acquire low-cost internet and laptop devices.

American National University is institutionally accredited by DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission). American National University of Kentucky is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Both are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as recognized accrediting agencies, and DEAC is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

No. Students follow the same curriculum whether their classes are synchronous online or hybrid, and online classes at ANU have regular, synchronous class sessions. The only thing you’ll miss is the commute!

No. There is no difference in the appearance of your transcript or diploma, regardless of the modality in which you earned your degree.

Employers evaluate candidates using many factors, including education, experience, certifications, technical skills, and interview performance. Requirements vary by employer and industry, so research expectations within your intended career field.

No. Courses at an accredited university must meet the same quality standards as in-person courses, so the difficulty should be the same. All online courses use the same syllabi and course materials as the in-person version. Some students report online courses feel more difficult due to increased accountability.

Transfer credit decisions are made by the receiving institution, based on factors such as course content, grades earned, accreditation, and program requirements. If you are considering a future transfer, contact prospective institutions directly before enrolling.

Graduate school admission requirements vary by institution and program — many evaluate academic performance, prerequisite coursework, professional experience, and institutional policies. Research prospective schools and review admission requirements early in your academic journey.

No. Like their in-person counterparts, fully online classes have set start and end dates. Assignments have deadlines and time limits to keep you on track, and all online courses have synchronous class meetings using Zoom.

Yes. Students attend a live session at specific times and days each week through video conferencing. Many classes offer scheduling options — meeting frequency, daytime, evenings, and weekends. All online degree programs use synchronous learning, which sets us apart. We want you to feel like you are in a physical classroom.

Regular attendance is expected as a necessary part of career training — good attendance frequently means the difference between success and failure, and experience shows a direct relationship between grades and attendance.

Non-College Degree and Institutions of Higher Learning Chapter 33 veteran students must verify their enrollment status each month — by text message or telephone — to continue receiving their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments.

Yes. Synchronous class meetings bring you, your classmates, and your instructor together to discuss assignments and class topics. Instructors are also reachable by email, phone, and video conferencing. Depending on the class, there may be group assignments and projects — there is ample opportunity to network, just like being in a real classroom.

No. Instructors engage and teach the course material, just as they do in a physical classroom. Ask questions when instructions are not clear or if you need additional help understanding a concept.

Many ANU programs include practical, hands-on learning. Depending on the program, this may include virtual labs, simulation software, at-home lab kits, clinical experiences, externships, or other experiential learning.

Requirements vary — review your specific curriculum. Healthcare and technical programs, for example, may include clinical placements or laboratory activities that provide real-world practice.

All our faculty and staff are there to support students through their online learning experience.

You’re never on your own at ANU. Your first resource is your instructor, who can answer questions, provide guidance, and clarify course concepts. Students also have access to academic support services such as Grammarly.com and ANU’s LIRN Library.

Because many courses include live online instruction, you can ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive feedback in real time.