Distance Learning

Loma Linda U Takes Nursing Program Online to Reduce Tuition, Increase Flexibility

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 09/21/17

Loma Linda University has tapped a private partner to help design an online bachelor of science nursing program that reduces tuition costs for students by nearly 50 percent.

The university's School of Nursing has committed to reducing tuition costs to help meet the increasing demand from hospitals for skilled nurses. Additionally, "nurses often struggle to pursue more advanced credentials — and higher wages — due to high tuition costs, and the complexity of balancing face-to-face classes with demanding work schedules," according to information released by the university.

To meet those challenges, the school has teamed with iDesign, an instructional design firm, to offer a fee-for-service model that allows administrators to maintain control over academic quality, structure and cost.

"Loma Linda understands the potential for online modalities to create access and degree pathways for working nurses," said Marilyn Eggers, associate provost for the Division of Extended Education, in a prepared statement. "iDesign's approach will provide us with deep expertise and the very best in learner experience design, while preserving academic integrity and long-term control over programmatic costs."

"Our instructional design team is inspired by the challenge of creating courses that respond to the unique challenges of working nurses," said Paxton Riter, CEO of iDesign, in a prepared statement. "We look forward to working with Loma Linda faculty and institutional leaders to learn more about their pedagogical approach, and demands of their student population, to develop technologically advanced courses that equip nurses with the tools they need to excel in their field."