Web-based professional education for advanced practice nursing: a consumer guide for program selection.

As Web-based education becomes increasingly available, there are more educational opportunities to pursue an advanced practice degree. Despite the increasing number of schools delivering Web-based education courses and programs, evaluation of these programs is primarily in beginning stages. The purposes of this article are first to present a scenario of how a Midwestern nursing school developed, implemented, and continually evaluates Web-based education in its master's program, and second to present a consumer guide for program selection. Elements in the guide are derived from program accrediting agencies, the literature, and distance learning experiences. The consumer's guide is presented for nurses interested in exploring or continuing the completion of an advanced practice degree.