Your Future in Online Learning
South College students and podcast listeners have spoken — they want more insight into the online programs that continue to grow and evolve across the institution. In Episode 13 of the Live From South College Podcast, host Kathleen Stockham delivers just that, diving into what makes our online offerings unique while also spotlighting our rapidly expanding Pittsburgh campus.
Joining her for this in-depth conversation are Dr. Anne Petrella, President of South College Pittsburgh Campus and Online Operations, and Mr. Larry Karcher, Senior Vice President of Enrollment for Online and Pittsburgh. Together, they offer perspective, personality, and a candid look at what today’s online students can expect.
Online Learning Isn’t Just Convenient — It Can Be Transformational
What Makes South College Online Different?
With so many institutions offering online options, prospective students often ask: Why South College?
Mr. Karcher answers that directly: it’s the support system.
Instead of feeling disconnected or left to manage coursework alone, online students at South College are assigned a dedicated team—admissions, advising, and student success staff—who walk with them from their very first conversation through graduation.
“You’re never going through the process alone,” he emphasizes. Online learning offers flexibility, but South College ensures it also offers community. That blend sets the foundation for an experience where busy adults can thrive.
The Application Experience: One Hour, One Virtual Tour, One Engaged Team
Because there’s no brick-and-mortar campus to walk through, the online application process uses a different tool: a virtual tour designed specifically for online learners.
The typical admissions appointment lasts about an hour. In that time, the team digs into:
- Each individual student’s goals
- Work-life balance
- Academic history
- Concerns or hesitations
- Intended program
From there, students are guided through the virtual tour—viewing program details, accreditation information, faculty introductions, online learning expectations, and student resources.
Learners can access the tour on a laptop or mobile device, whichever fits their lifestyle.
Who Is the “Typical” Online Student?
Dr. Petrella and Mr. Karcher see an incredibly wide range of students—thanks to programs that span from certificates all the way to doctoral degrees. Yet one demographic remains the largest: students between the ages of 24 and 44.
Many are:
- Returning to school after time away
- Switching careers
- Working full-time
- Balancing parenting or caregiving
- Advancing from a previous credential
They’re often known as “non-traditional students,” but in today’s world, this profile is the new normal.
Most Popular Online Programs: Health Sciences Lead the Way
South College Online offers an array of programs, but several stand out for popularity and demand:
- Pre-health foundational programs
- Associate degree programs that transfer into nursing, pharmacy, and other clinical fields
- Master of Science in Nursing programs, which have grown more than 200% year over year
Students appreciate pathways like:
- RN-to-MSN
- BSN-to-MSN
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Post-graduate certificates
These programs meet students where they are and prepare them for advanced practice roles in nearly every healthcare environment.
A Day in the Life of an Online Student
Online learning at South College is flexible—and structured enough to support success.
Each week includes consistent:
- Assignments
- Discussion boards
- Readings
- Due dates
But when students complete the work is completely up to them.
Whether logging in at midnight after a shift, early mornings before school drop-off, or during a lunch break at work—students build schedules that fit their lives. Courses are intentionally designed to avoid unexpected curveballs and to support the busy lifestyles of working adults.
Master of Science in Nursing: A Program on the Rise
The MSN program deserve its own spotlight—and Mrs. Stockham gives it one.
Mr. Karcher explains that the exponential growth is not just because nursing is in national demand, but because working nurses want more impact, more autonomy, and more career mobility.
Students choose South College because:
- They can move from bedside care to advanced practice
- The tracks are flexible and tailored
- The team fully supports them through clinical placements, advising, and scheduling
Nurses want to grow, and South College helps them do it.
But That’s Not All!
Online students also gravitate towards other program directions in Business & Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Education, Health Science, Legal Studies, Medical Assisting, Ministry, Health Science Pre-Pharmacy, Psychology and much, much more.
Mr. Karcher touts the explosion of students in the Electrical Engineering Technology programs and also Computer Science. Students wishing to grow their education in these fields are finding a pathway at South College; online and convenient!
Online Students, In-Person Celebration: Graduation in Knoxville
One of the most meaningful traditions at South College is inviting all online students to walk across the stage in Knoxville each spring.
The moment is emotional—not just for students, but for staff who have guided them from day one.
Dr. Petrella shares a story of one nursing graduate who burst into tears when she met her student success advisor and clinical coordinator—two people who had become her lifeline during her program. Without family support at home, these staff members became her support system.
Graduation validates every email, every late-night call, every moment of doubt, and every moment of triumph.
As Mr. Karcher says:
“You don’t end up in higher education by accident… you’re in it for the end goal. This is that moment.”
A Lighthearted Moment: What Kind of Students Were They?
Mrs. Stockham asks the classic Get-To-Know question.
Mr. Karcher shares a deeply personal story: he didn’t learn to read until the third grade, struggled academically early on, then became the class clown as he worked to adapt. Eventually, things clicked—especially when he discovered a passion for helping people. His path is now a powerful connection point for students who feel like they’re starting “late.”
Dr. Petrella, on the other hand, describes herself as the opposite: organized, driven, academically focused from an early age, and competitive with herself. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology, a master’s in student affairs, and recently completed her doctorate in education.
Together, the contrast makes them a perfect leadership team for Online and Pittsburgh.
Their Paths to South College
Dr. Petrella’s path began in student affairs—residence life, advising, compliance, student conduct—eventually leading to 13 years in online higher education before joining South College to build online offerings from the ground up.
Mr. Karcher started in counseling, then moved into admissions leadership, online program management, and eventually brought him back home to Pittsburgh—where he reconnected with Dr. Petrella after previously working together in Phoenix.
Their shared history, complementary strengths, and passion for students have helped drive both online and Pittsburgh’s rapid expansion.
Life Outside of Work
Dr. Petrella: busy mom of two young kids with Italian family food traditions, constant entertaining, nonstop kid activities.
Mr. Karcher: dad to two young children, outdoor explorer, sand volleyball enthusiast, and passionate Steelers fan.
Closing Thoughts: Why Students Choose South College Online
Online learning isn’t just convenient—it can be transformational.
South College stands out because of:
- A personalized, team-based support system
- Rigorous, industry-driven programs
- Flexible course structures
- In-person graduation celebrations
- Deep community partnerships in Pittsburgh
If you’re an online student seeking flexibility, South College Online is ready to guide your journey, wherever you want to go!