Community College Advantages

If you're lucky enough to live in a community that has a community college, you should make time in your schedule to check out what kinds of courses they have to offer that can help you advance your education and your career. You may be amazed at the different types of courses you can take even at the community college level. I know I have found some of the courses offered and the level of learning that goes on to be quite impressive. I think many people who have historically overlooked the important role that community colleges play in providing an affordable place to learn will also be quite impressed.

Community colleges have an undeserved reputation for inferiority, although that couldn't be further from the truth. Many nurses in the nations are products of community college education. In many states, associate degree nursing programs are quite rigorous and provide more clinical experience than most baccalaureate degree nursing programs. This means that students who graduate from nursing school with an associate degree in nursing are often better prepared to care for patients than those with an "advanced degree." This is in no way meant to disparage B.S. Nursing students. In fact, most hospitals won't even consider you a candidate for an administrative nurse position unless you have a bachelor's degree. This is just to point out that associate degree programs can be quite competitive and inclusive despite common misconceptions.

Of course, learning at a community college has other benefits, at least for the first two years of your education. One of those benefits that speaks volumes to me is the fact that community college teachers are dedicated to teaching. They are not working on their own research or books. They are there to help you achieve your goals, which means you are not an interruption in their pursuit of their own goals.

Community colleges also offer an excellent buffer for students who may not have been at the top of their game in high school, or for those returning to college after a long absence from campus. At a community college, you won't find the large classrooms that large universities are known for. You also won't find that teachers don't have time for their students. Community colleges have a lower faculty-to-student ratio, so professors will have time to address student needs.

Another benefit is that even if you do not earn your four-year degree after completing a community college education, you will find that your earning potential is significantly better than those who do not have at least a two-year college degree. Research also shows that students who complete a two-year degree program at a community college are more likely to complete and earn a four-year degree than those students who begin their educational experience at a four-year university.

There are several issues that can be associated with a community college education that you should be aware of so that they do not become a problem for you. First, some universities do not accept many courses that are offered at a community college as transfer credits. Make sure you know what courses are required for the university you plan to transfer to to avoid this. You may also find that you are limited in the number of courses you can take and the times they are available. Make sure you take all restricted courses well in advance so you don't have to take another year of courses.

All in all, a community college education can be just as educational as a university education if you go into the process with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I hope you take advantage of this much cheaper option before switching to university courses if possible.