Online Learning at Reynolds

Reynolds Community College supports online education options in a variety of degree and certificate programs. These options increase access to education and provide opportunities to complete programs of study in an interactive, online environment. Within a given semester, students often integrate online courses with their on-campus classes; such scheduling allows students to achieve their education goals while also maintaining work, family, and personal responsibilities. Additionally, some degree and certificate programs are fully online. Students who pursue their programs entirely online also have access to important online support resources such as digital library research materials, academic tutoring, and online support staff.

For some online courses, students may be required to make a limited number of visits to a campus location for labs, presentations, and/or other class activities; some courses may require visits to a community site for clinicals or internships. Many courses require proctored testing that can be completed at Reynolds testing centers, testing sites at other VCCS institutions, or at an approved site outside of the state of Virginia.

Students should carefully review course schedule notes to determine if any campus or other site visits are required. Students considering enrolling in online courses should plan to have reliable internet access, as well as regular access to a computer. Students planning to access online course materials through technology services available at Reynolds libraries or at a public library should carefully evaluate their work and personal schedules to ensure that they are able to accommodate sufficient time to complete the work required for an online course.

Get Started

The successful online student is typically a strong independent learner who has well-developed reading, writing, research, and technology skills. Online students should plan to commit to a consistent, weekly schedule that may include 6 to 8 hours of academic work each week, for each course. Prior to registration in an online course, students may need to complete necessary placement exams and/or course prerequisites.

Online Learning students apply to Reynolds and register for classes the same way traditional students apply and register. Think about which online program you want to take. See Steps for Admission under Get Started for admissions procedures including advising and placement testing. Then see Steps to Register under Register for Classes.


Are you ready for Online Learning?

Orientation to Learning Online available for new students

All students who are new to online classes have the option to complete the Orientation to Learning Online available at www.college2success.com/reynolds  before the start of their first online course(s). The Orientation to Learning Online is a unique orientation module that prepares students for learning at a distance. Please note this is not a required course for online students, whether new or returning, but rather offered as an option for students to prepare for their time at Reynolds.

You can complete the Orientation at your own pace. The orientation helps you to understand how typical online courses are structured, paced, and facilitated to prepare you for learning at a distance.

  • The module can be completed within 1 day.
  • The learning activities require a total time commitment of 2 hours.
  • The entire module is delivered online.
  • The module helps students learn how to use online learning tools while gaining study skills, time management skills, and other essential information necessary for independent learning.

Students who successfully complete the Orientation receive a "Certificate of Completion" to share with their online instructors.

Special Note for Out of State Online Students (non-Virginia)

Reynolds has entered into a regional reciprocity agreement through NC-SARA to accept out-of-state students in our online programs and courses.

Reynolds' Student Complaint Policy is described on the Student Policies webpage and within the catalogue. Reynolds strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner. Students should follow carefully the steps outlined in the Student Complaint Policy to ensure proper and timely resolution of their complaint. Complaints must follow the college's customary resolution procedure prior to being referred to SCHEV.

The following information is intended to publicly disclose any Reynolds program, no matter the method of delivery, designed to meet educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification that is required for employment or is marketed as such. The impacted programs are noted below.

  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Nursing
  • Opticianry
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Dental Assisting
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • American Sign Language
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Substance Abuse Counseling Education
  • Accounting
  • Automotive Technology
  • Welding

Reynolds has not yet determined that the programs noted above meet the licensing requirements for the states and U.S. territories other than Virginia.

Prior to enrolling in a program at Reynolds leading to external licensure or certification, we recommend that a student contact the state board or agency of the program in the state they wish to practice for the most complete and up-to-date information pertaining to licensure and certification. In addition to educational requirements, an agency or board may require additional criteria be met for licensure. Get contact information of state licensing agency bodies, by program. 

Additional helpful licensing information can be found at: https://careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Plan/licensed-occupation.aspx.