Many nurse practitioner (NP) education programs have embraced distance education opportunities. A comparison of the experiences of NP students in one course delivered across nine sites was undertaken. Some sites offer traditional face-to-face sessions and others provide tutorials online. A survey of all the students evaluated barriers with respect to the technology, infrastructure and support systems, social aspects and the time commitment to the program as well as a comparison of grades for online vs. onsite students. Results indicated that there were no differences in the learning experience or grades between the online and onsite students. However barriers common to all students provide insight into potential improvements in course delivery. (Contains 3 tables.)