Pro: Flexibility and Convenience

Earning an education online comes with the flexibility of attending classes wherever students have an internet connection. They no longer have to rearrange their lives to fit around a traditional class schedule as learning can happen anytime, anywhere. For working professionals, parents, or those balancing multiple responsibilities, this accessibility makes education more attainable than ever before.

At American National University, our online programs are designed with this in mind, allowing students to log in, review materials, and complete assignments on their own time. Classes are asynchronous and tailored to a student’s needs. Whether they’re studying late at night after a work shift or early in the morning before the day begins, or even in the afternoon while their children are at school, online learning ensures that higher education is within reach, no matter their circumstances.

Con: Self-Discipline and Possible Isolation

While being able to earn an education from their home, a student may come face-to-face with isolation. While many in-person colleges and universities offer ways for students to connect and meet, an online education can be a solo journey for many. Additionally, students will have to be self-disciplined in their education as they won’t have the physical reminders of going to class, being on campus, or even having physical textbooks.

At American National University, however, students find community they might not have if they stuck with the colleges and universities near them to go in-person. “In my class, we came in [term] together so we’re all like one big family! We all want to see each other pass, we do not want to leave anyone behind… We come in together, we’re going out together,” says ANU nursing student, Amanda Bailey.

Additionally, ANU students are a group of motivated people who are looking to better themselves through education. “ANU is the place for students who want it bad, they are willing to claw for it!” Exclaims ANU MBA student, Kary Alicea. With our support services, like student advisors, career services, financial services, faculty, and peers, students always have dedicated people to ensure they complete their education.

Pro: Cost Effective Education

Another key advantage of studying online is the potential to save money. Without the need to commute, relocate, or pay for on-campus housing and meal plans, students often find online learning to be a more affordable path to earning a degree. Many courses also use digital textbooks and resources, which can reduce the cost of materials compared to traditional print.

At American National University, online programs are designed to be not only flexible but also cost-conscious, helping students invest in their future without taking on unnecessary expenses. By removing many of the financial barriers that come with in-person education, online learning makes higher education more accessible to a wider range of learners. There is no need to pay for room and board, babysitters, gas prices, or textbooks. Additionally, all equipment that students need to earn their education, like lab kits in our health sciences courses or online resources for technology programs, are included in the cost of tuition and not an out-of-pocket fee! “When I started the program, and the teacher told us. ‘yeah you have to send us the address and we’re sending [lab]kits.’ I was like, ‘are you sure I don’t have to pay anything?!’ And she was like, ‘no!’ This is through the program.’ I really appreciated that, it’s really helping me,” explains ANU student, Rama Alzamel.

Con: Technology Dependency and Possible Glitches

One of the challenges of online learning is its heavy reliance on technology. A stable internet connection, updated software, and access to a reliable device are essential for success. When technical issues arise—such as system outages, slow connections, or software glitches—they can interrupt learning and create frustration for students trying to stay on top of assignments. For those living in areas with limited internet access, this can be an even greater obstacle.

At ANU, the IT support team and user-friendly online platform help minimize these challenges, but it’s important for students to be prepared for the occasional hiccup that comes with digital learning. However, faculty also are accommodating to all the things that can happen in life – from technology glitching to family emergencies. When ANU student, Sarah Slone had given birth to her child, she said, “they were all very supportive, and they haven’t left me behind on anything.”

Pro: Skill Development and Instant Feedback

Online learning also helps students build valuable skills while providing opportunities for timely feedback. Navigating digital platforms, collaborating through online discussions, and managing assignments independently all foster critical skills such as time management, communication, and digital literacy—abilities that are highly valued in today’s workforce. In addition, many online courses use interactive tools like quizzes, discussion boards, and simulations that provide instant feedback, allowing students to quickly identify areas for improvement. ANU’s online programs are designed with these features in mind, helping students not only master course material but also develop the professional skills they’ll carry into their careers. ANU professors get back to students as soon as they need them

“Anytime you have a problem, you can contact administration of any sorts and they will get back to you within 24 hours,” ANU student, Harley Odom, says, “because of me being online, I can’t just walk into an office and say, ‘hey, I need help with this.’ I message and wait for a response!”

Con: Quality and Accreditation Concerns

A common concern about online education is the question of quality and credibility. With so many programs available, it can be difficult for students to determine which schools provide a legitimate education and which may fall short. Some online institutions lack proper accreditation, which can affect the recognition of a degree by employers or other colleges if a student wishes to continue their education. Students may also worry that studying online will not provide the same level of rigor, interaction, or career preparation as traditional on-campus programs. These concerns make it essential to carefully research a school’s background before enrolling.

At American National University, students can feel confident knowing they are receiving a high-quality education backed by strong accreditation and approvals. American National University is a member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and is therefore authorized to deliver distance education to students in other states and territories which participate in NC-SARA. ANU of Virginia is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ANU of Kentucky is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Additionally, there are specific programmatic accreditation and approvals, like from the American Bar Association (ABA) for Paralegal Programs, The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and more. Click here to read about all of the ways ANU secures accreditation for their online programs.

The online programs at ANU also meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen careers. With a legacy of serving working adults and a commitment to quality online education, ANU provides students with the assurance that their degree is both respected and valuable in the workforce. “I chose ANU because it was the only university [I found] that offered online ABA-approved programs – and that put ANU miles ahead of everybody else in my eyes,” explained ANU student, Kiley Crusha.

Why Students Should Choose an Online Education

Choosing an online education can open doors to opportunities that fit today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. The pros and cons of studying online can vary, but the benefits outweigh any cost to earn From the flexibility to balance school with work and family, to the affordability and skill-building advantages, online learning makes higher education accessible to more people than ever before. While challenges such as technology reliance, self-discipline, and accreditation concerns exist, selecting a trusted, accredited institution like American National University ensures that students receive a quality education they can be proud of. For motivated learners looking to advance their careers and achieve their goals on their own schedule, online education is not just a convenient option—it’s a smart investment in the future. To learn more about our online programs, go to an.edu.

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

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Graduating from a program that is accredited by CAHIIM signifies to employers that the student attended an institution that gave them up-to-date, quality knowledge and experiences in the modern electronic health record (EHR) environment. Students are eligible and equipped with the knowledge to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®️)* examination. At ANU, students are trained as HIM professionals capable of managing patients’ medical data, patient care records, as well as how to operate electronic records and accompanying software programs.

To qualify for CAHIIM accreditation, the institution must meet CAHIIM’s rigorous program standards for curricula, faculty, resources, and continuing education.

The 100% online program, institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, joins the campus-based program at the Louisville, Kentucky campus (institutionally accredited by the Allied Bureau of Health Education Schools).  ANU’s Louisville program has been CAHIIM-accredited since 2001.

Upon successful graduation, with ANU’s stackable degree pathways, the student can seamlessly advance to the next level into the Medical and Health Services Management bachelor’s degree.

*RHIT®️ is a trademark of American Health Information Management Association.

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Amazon has recognized the need for more cloud computing professionals. To bridge this gap, they have developed the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy. AWS collaborates with higher education institutions, like American National University, to bring software developers up to the industry-standard in an evolving technological business environment. This makes them a more competitive candidate in the modern job market.

Students enrolled in the Master of Information Technology program’s Advanced Web Development (IT672) course will participate in this career-developing program.

The delivery of the AWS Academy is offered through lecture modules, hands-on labs, knowledge checks (quizzes), and project exercises. This High-Tech/High-Touch technology allows the student to become a cloud expert whenever and wherever is convenient to you.

Several ANU professors are fully trained and certified in Academy Cloud Foundations to prepare students for their own AWS certifications. Over the course of an intensive 4-day instructor-led residency, students will receive an introduction to components of AWS in a live computing environment. Students will receive a solid foundation of cloud computing technologies and will gain the understanding required to assess the business and technical elements of the software.

ANU places value on evolution and progress. The university is consistently updating programs to ensure that students receive up-to-date software and information for a changing world. AWS is one example of incorporating modern industry standards into the curriculum. For more information on ANU’s eLearning and High-Tech/High-Touch technologies, click here.

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American National University has recently been re-approved for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I program. The WIOA program provides government funds for laid-off workers to enroll in approved programs for additional education that will give them greater opportunities. By helping them learn and develop new skills, we prepare unemployed workers for careers in the evolving global economy.

WIOA program approval extends to the following courses:

• Pharmacy Technician (Diploma and Associate’s)
• Paralegal (Diploma and Associate’s)
• Phlebotomy & ECG Diploma
• Network Support Associate’s
• Business Administration Associate’s
• Business Administration – Accounting (Diploma and Associate’s)
• Medical Coding & Billing Diploma
• Medical Assisting (Certificate and Associate’s)
• Health Information Management Associate’s
• Administrative Medical Assisting Associate’s

The application was approved by the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board (WVWDB) and Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEO) in Local Workforce Development Area 3 (LWDA3).

For more information on how you may qualify, call 833.388.1100, click, or Zoom an admissions representative today!

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• #4 in 10 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Computer Systems and Network Administration Degree Programs for 2020-2021 by Online Bachelor Degrees
• #5 Best 15 Online Medical Assisting Associate’s Programs for 2020 by Best Health Degrees
• #5 Top 10 Paralegal Programs in Washington DC for 2020 by Online Paralegal Programs
• #2 in the Virginia for Secretary school in 2022 by Secretary-Schools.com
• Named to the Cheapest Colleges in VA by Out of State Tuition 2021 list by CollegeCalc
• Named the Best Paralegal Certificate Program for Student Support by The Balance Careers
• #22 Best Online Associate in Medical Assisting Programs by Intelligent.com
• Best Student to Faculty Ratio of Colleges in Kentucky by Intelligent.com
• Best Stackable Degrees for Online Bachelor’s in Network Administration Programs by Intelligent.com

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1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | Through ANU’s pharmacy technician diploma and associate’s degree programs, students learn topics explored in the computer-based exam, covering “recordkeeping, basic math, pharmaceutical laws, ethics, medical terms, and insurance.”
2. CompTIA Security+ Certification | ANU’s Associate of Network Support or Bachelor of Network Administration programs prepare students for success in the Security+ certification, beneficial for entry-level professionals in information security. This certification proves to employers that the individual certified is capable of tasks such as “managing risk, cryptography, identifying threats and working with network components.”
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Indeed.com deemed CISSP as “arguably the most popular network security certification” due to its’ international recognition. The Master of Cybersecurity at ANU gives you sufficient background to pass the exam, “boost[ing]… your resume for managerial roles in the cybersecurity industry.” The University of Fairfax also offers a CISSP prep class for those who already meet the experiential requirements to take the certification exam.
4. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) | An internationally acknowledged certification, the PMP certification gives the applicant leverage “as it gives employers confidence in your knowledge and project management skills.” The University of Fairfax’s Project Management and Quality Assurance Certificate prepares students for this exam – no prior higher education experience is required.  In addition, ANU’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program provides a path to achieving the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® designation, an entry-level certification for project management specialists.
5. Medical Assisting | At ANU, our Medical Assisting certificate and associate’s degree have been designed to prepare students for national certifications, such as the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC). Students will work on developing the skills and techniques needed for employment as a medical assistant or phlebotomist in a wide variety of healthcare facilities.

See the ANU and UF websites for further information on the courses offered or speak with an admissions representative today to find out how you can begin the courses that can help to leverage your career.

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“By learning works skills, you become a better student, and the knowledge from classes helps you to become a better worker,” said Juan Carlos Mejia, a student currently enrolled in a CPT program as an international admissions representative for ANU. Other students have worked in roles as accountants, software developers, business process analysts, and web developers during their CPT program.

The difference between CPT and OPT is that CPT is only available to students during their enrollment in academic programs, whereas students are eligible for OPT for one year after graduating from their institution.

CPT fulfills the practicum requirement for students in graduate programs at ANU. Students must therefore find a sponsoring employer to offer them a temporary position that conforms with the student’s curriculum requirements. The approval is as simple as sending the practicum form and employment offer letter to the student’s academic department chair.  Because ANU’s graduate curricula include a practicum, it is possible for students to start CPT from day one of their programs, subject to departmental approval.

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Whether you are a new student just beginning your studies, a continuing student, or a returning student, we are pleased to have you. We understand that during these difficult times of an ever-evolving world with the COVID-19 virus, furthering your education can seem unreachable. That, however, has not been the case for American National University students, thanks to our Global Meet™, Global Teach™, and Global Learn™ approach, which make an online education possible for all who are driven to learn.

While many universities have experienced a shrinking student population, our population, on the other hand, has only grown. Our experience with distance education gives us greater comfort with this format. Our electronic learning resources, including e-books, virtual labs, research libraries, databases, and more, also contribute to the High-Tech / High-Touch learning experience that our students enjoy.

Check our website or speak with an admissions counselor (833.388.1100) for more information about our programs and certifications.

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Medical Assistant Advice (MAA) notes the “student-centric benefits” both students and graduates are assured with an ANU education. MAA also ranks ANU highly due to the flexibility our classes allow within students’ schedules as we offer day, evening, or weekend classes, for your convenience. Another perk of an ANU education is that it allows refresher courses for graduates at no additional tuition cost to keep our graduates up to date with the latest and emerging trends within the industry.

We understand that students want to be on their way to their careers as quickly as possible while still receiving a quality education to fully prepare them for their industry. The Medical Assisting certificate can be completed in as few as 10 months and the associate’s degree in 20 months because of ANU’s rolling terms that start every six to seven weeks.  The frequent term starts also mean you don’t have to wait around for the next semester to start. Additionally, we offer a progressive learning format so as you earn your degree, you can immediately use your training to advance your career as you continue your education in pursuit of a higher degree level. ANU offers labs and externships which offer further opportunities to apply learned skills and competencies. Regardless of whether you are in the certificate or associate’s degree program, you are eligible to take the certification exam to earn your Registered Medical Assistant credential, recognized nationwide.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant training will give you the experience and confidence to succeed in one of the fastest-growing occupations.

Click here to learn more about our Medical Assisting programs.

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Here’s what you should look for in online education.

Accreditation.  American National University’s distance education programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.  If you’re considering other distance education programs, how are they accredited?

Delivery.  Another question you should ask yourself is “How will I complete my assignments?” We at ANU offer much more than simply an “online degree,” but a High-Tech / High-Touch^TM education. We bring the university to you through ZOOM conferencing, at-home lab kits, virtual simulations, discussion boards and more.

Student Experience.  What do real students and graduates say about the program?

“It’s very cut and dry… eBooks are easy to navigate.”- Regina Goodman

“Canvas is a really good set up that lays everything out real well, so it is easy to keep up with.” – Kala Day

“When I was [working on] my bachelor’s degree, I had a baby, so… it was easier for me to do my online classes while taking care of my child” – Fatou Souare

More stories from our students can be read here.

If you’re looking for an accredited and proven distance education program that offers degree programs for today’s most in-demand career fields, including business, healthcare, legal studies, and information technology, apply to American National University. Check our website or speak with an admissions counselor for more information about our programs and certifications.

[1] Reporter, Joí Dean | Campus, and Bailey Vianello | Contributor. “Students Continue to Struggle with Online Learning as End of Semester Draws Near.” The News Record, 13 Nov. 2020, www.newsrecord.org/news/students-continue-to-struggle-with-online-learning-as-end-of-semester-draws-near/article_ddca1eac-2561-11eb-a9ee-5318abbffca7.html.

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