Prospective healthcare professionals who choose to further their education through online college degree programs may put themselves ahead of the curve, as new research suggests that internet-based learning could become more popular in this field.


A new study from Medical Directions, Inc. revealed that more than 50 percent of continuing medical education programs could be administered through online college courses, if education trends continue.


This growth would symbolize a dramatic shift in the medical education industry, as approximately 9 percent of continuing medical education programs were offered online in 2008.


Currently, most medical employees increase their educational qualifications through live meetings or conferences that are prepared by professional societies or academic centers. However, as more of this content is translated into an online format, more experts expect it will be provided by commercial education companies.


Dr John Harris, Jr., lead author of the study, said that "we can expect far more changes in how [this material] is developed, distributed and probably paid for in the next 10 years than we have seen in the past 30."


As a result, individuals who wish to earn a general nursing degree or become medical assistants may want to consider enrolling in college programs online, which could put them at the forefront of their field of choice.