Technically speaking, there is little difference between daytime and evening classes. Both cover the same materials, are graded on similar policies, and reward students with the same diplomas. Anyone who has taken both, however, can tell you there can be a big difference in practice. If you’re choosing between day or evening classes, this guide from Prism Career Institute can help you make an informed decision for a successful education in our Practical Nursing and Medical Assistant programs.
Part-Time or Full-Time?
The first question is whether or not you plan on studying full-time. While this is a major time commitment, it’s a good way to advance through your courses quickly. By devoting your schedule completely to your education, you can take more courses simultaneously and speed through your requirements. Daytime classes are the most conducive to a full-time approach since there’s more time in the day to pack in more classes. You then have all evening to complete homework and study for exams, and you’ll even finish a few weeks ahead of students in evening courses.
Other students, however, can’t devote whole days to study. This can be for any number of reasons, though it’s most often because students are working or caring for children while they study. Night classes are ideal in scenarios like these. They occur after most regular workdays have ended, so you don’t have to worry about conflicting schedules as a working student.
Consider the Atmosphere
Another significant differentiator between night and day classes is the atmosphere. At most universities and educational institutions, morning classes tend to be quieter. People generally wake up slowly and keep to themselves, creating a calm atmosphere. In contrast, night classes are often more energetic. Students are livelier, ask more questions, and chat during breaks. Of course, this difference may not be true for every class.
When it comes to classroom atmosphere, there isn’t any wrong answer. What’s right for you will depend on how you learn best, when your energy levels are highest, and whether a chatty environment keeps you engaged or distracts you from the material. Remember, your goal is to learn. It’s important to plan ahead and choose classes that will help you absorb knowledge best.
Prioritizing School based on Work Schedules
Many college students must also hold down part- and full-time jobs while pursuing their education. If you’ll be one of them, you can build your schedule around your work schedule by choosing between daytime and evening classes. For instance, many of our students work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., making our evening classes ideal for their schedules. On the other hand, students working as CNAs from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. would be able to attend classes in the daytime.
Not only does this flexibility allow our students to continue working while pursuing their education, but it also benefits them in the classroom. Blending work with school allows students already employed in healthcare to see practical nurses (PNs) or medical assistants in a new light when on the job. They’ll also learn concepts in class that can then be applied to real-life scenarios, giving them a great advantage over students who do not work within the field.
Learn More at Prism Career Institute
At the end of the day, there is no best answer between daytime and evening classes. It all comes down to your obligations and learning style. That’s why Prism Career Institute offers both options at our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contact us to find out more about choosing day or evening classes.