Organization Tips For Online Students

One such skill that can mean the difference between passing and failing for an online student is organization. The good news is that even if you're a slob by nature and you can never remember where you left your keys, you can learn how to effectively stay organized.

Physical Organization

You might choose to keep everything you do for your schoolwork on your computer, but some people have a whiteboard, notebook, or files to stay physically organized while pursuing online education.

1. Write it on the board.
You might want to consider investing in a quality whiteboard or chalkboard. If you have room, hang one by your computer to write down crucial times, dates, assignments due this week, and so on. You can use it as motivation to get started on your coursework rather than wasting time on the computer, if that tends to be a problem for you.

2. Note it down.
If you don't like or trust computers, buy a notebook and write down all the information you need in it. The course syllabus, contact people for various departments and their email addresses, assignment due dates, and important notes go in this notebook. Always be sure to keep it in one location, so you know where to find it at all times.

3. File it away.
Another investment that might pay off well is a filing cabinet, or even a mini hanging file stand that has enough room to several folders. Dedicate one hanging file to each course you take, and store your course syllabus and assignments there. Print out copies of everything important you send to teachers, and your most concise notes. If you lose power or your computer dies, you have copies of everything to refer to.

Electronic Organization

Since you're getting an online education, electronic organization is obviously crucial to your success. Accidents happen, and you'll find yourself short of time or needing to quickly find and submit an old assignment again.

1. Keep track of deadlines.
Start a text or Word file (with a separate section for each class, if you like) and list your upcoming assignment deadlines. If you want to really motivate yourself, save it on your desktop to remind yourself of the upcoming deadlines every time you see it.

2. Sort files to quickly find what you want.
Create a folder named "School" or something similar, and make sure it's in a place that's easy to remember (like your documents folder or desktop). Then, create a folder inside your School folder for each course you're taking. When you type up assignments or take notes, make sure they're saved in the appropriate folder. When it comes time to submit assignments (or resubmit them if an accident happens and the system doesn't recognize the submission), study for exams, or you just need to refer to something quickly while in the middle of a class, you'll thank yourself.

3. Back it up.
You spent a lot of time on your schoolwork, polishing and perfecting the assignments. Don't let your time go to waste when your computer crashes and you lose your files! Back up your schoolwork regularly. This is easy to learn, and you can do it several different ways. Try burning work to CD-RWs or DVD-RWs, backing it up to a USB flash drive, or using a web backup application like Dropbox so that you can access files from the web on any computer and automatically back them up each time you save them.

If you make an effort to follow these tips and stay organized, you'll never lose important coursework or deadline information again!

Explore Online Nursing Programs & Allied Health Degree Programs
Achieve the education you need to turn your career goals into reality. Explore accredited nursing programs or allied health training programs and request additional information directly from any of our featured schools:

Explore Online Nursing Programs
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The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Oakland
Online
Costa Mesa
Fairfield
Lathrop
San Francisco
Ontario
Pasadena
San Jose
Fresno
Bakersfield
Los Angeles
Sacramento
Gardena
Roseville
Salida
Livermore
Elk Grove
Woodland Hills
Diamond Bar
Rancho Cordova
Murrieta
Lancaster
Palm Desert

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista
Stockton
Bakersfield
Chula Vista

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Los Angeles
Anaheim

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
National City
San Diego

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Jose
San Leandro
Sacramento
Antioch
Pleasant Hill
Stockton
Emeryville
Citrus Heights

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
San Bernardino
South Gate
Gardena

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Ventura
Santa Barbara

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
West Covina
Orange
Elk Grove

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Lancaster
Long Beach
Oxnard

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Clovis
Stockton
Modesto

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Saint Xavier University

Campus

“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Torrance
San Francisco
Gardena
Los Angeles
San Bernardino
LA Puente
San Jose
Ontario
Santa Ana
Anaheim
Reseda
Hayward
Alhambra

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Administrative Specialist
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Riverside
Ontario

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Salinas
Rancho Cordova
Stockton
Hayward
Salida
Roseville
Concord
Fresno
Milpitas
San Francisco

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Gardena
Riverside
Fresno
Bakersfield

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Indio
Bakersfield
Clovis
Visalia

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

What's another reason that makes Mayfield College the right choice? Students receive a new computer when they graduate.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City