Archives for March 2021

Here’s How an Associate Degree Can Help You Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

March 10, 2021 -

Returning to school to earn a degree can be intimidating. You may be wondering how you’ll fit classes into your busy schedule, how you’ll be able to afford a degree, or how to narrow down your interests to one program.

An associate degree program can serve as a bridge to a bachelor’s degree in many ways. An associate degree allows you to complete general education requirements, fine-tune your interests, and—perhaps most importantly—gain confidence in your ability to be successful in an educational program.

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is an educational credential between a high school diploma or GED certificate and a bachelor’s degree. On average, associate programs are 60 credits and take 2-3 years to complete. The degree is focused on equipping you with foundational knowledge and skills—such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, and resourcefulness. These skills, among so many others across the liberal arts, will prepare you to be successful in your next steps, whether that’s a bachelor’s degree or employment.

What is a liberal arts associate degree?

There are several different types of associate degree programs to choose from, including those that are career-specific and those that are based in the liberal arts. A liberal arts associate degree, such as an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, is broad in its material. The liberal arts are those skills and attributes that describe the opening of the mind and the independence that comes with critical thinking, creativity, and self-sufficiency. The program does not focus on a particular subject area. Instead, it focuses on general education concepts so you have exposure to a wide variety of areas like English, psychology, biology, history, and music.

See if college is the right fit for you

Completing an associate degree can make the transition to a bachelor’s degree program feel less daunting. You’ll get a feel for courses and figure out the best way to fit them into your schedule. You’ll also learn to navigate course registration, financial aid, and support services—all skills needed in bachelor’s programs.

An associate degree is completed in a much shorter time than a bachelor’s, making the transition seem more attainable. An educational program takes time and commitment, and you can get a glimpse into what a bachelor’s degree schedule would look like for you while completing your associate degree.

Fine tune your interests, earn transferable credits

Maybe you haven’t decided which bachelor’s degree major you’d like to pursue yet, and that’s ok. A liberal arts associate degree program features a wide range of topics, including courses in English, arts and humanities, computing, math, natural science, and social science, among many more.

Completing an associate degree can make the transition to a bachelor’s degree program feel less daunting.

Courses in a liberal arts associate degree program are often transferable to four-year institutions to fulfill general education credits, which primarily make up the first two years in most bachelor’s degree programs. For example, all credits earned from the online UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree offered through UW Flexible Option are fully transferable to all University of Wisconsin campuses, including UW-Madison. Your associate degree lays the foundation for more than 200 bachelor degree majors, giving you a wide variety of subjects to choose from.

With your associate degree fulfilling your general education courses, you’ll be ready to take the courses you are truly interested in when you start your bachelor’s program.

Earn an affordable associate degree, on your schedule

The UW-Milwaukee AAS degree offered through the UW Flexible Option is competency-based and self-paced, allowing you to move through courses as quickly or slowly as you feel comfortable. There are no rigid course schedules or academic deadlines. Instead, you complete assessments to prove you’ve mastered the material whenever you’re ready and able. If you are struggling with a concept, you can take the extra time you need to study it without the pressure of a looming exam deadline.

The UW Flexible Option provides you an affordable opportunity to earn a UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Science degree. UW Flexible Option programs feature flat rate tuition. You take as many online classes as you are able in a 12-week subscription period for a single cost with our “All-You-Can-Learn” option. Since it is a flat rate, the more courses you take in a subscription period, the lower your cost-per-class becomes and—better yet—the quicker you graduate. There are no segregated fees beyond tuition, saving you even more money.

Not only is your tuition set low, it will also stay low. Your tuition won’t increase, no matter how long it takes you to complete the program. That’s the Flex Tuition Guarantee.

Supported, always

Even though you move through your UW Flexible Option program independently, you are not alone. When you begin, you’re paired with an Academic Success Coach who serves as your main go-to person as you move through the program. Your coach is your mentor and adviser, ready to help you earn your associate degree. Your coach will answer questions, offer advice, and connect you with any resources you may need.

You can also expect to get to know your instructors. They are available for any academic questions you have about the content, and can help point you in the right direction for academic resources.

A smooth transition to an online bachelor’s degree program

UW Flexible Option woman graduate smiling — Katie Limberg, AAS graduate through UW Flexible Option

If you find that you enjoy the flexibility online learning provides, you can choose to pursue your bachelor’s degree through other UW Flexible Option programs. Katie Limberg earned her Associate of Arts & Sciences through the UW Flexible Option in 2017, and is now enrolled in the UW Health and Wellness Management bachelor’s degree program.

“Having gone through UW Flex was a huge benefit to me,” Katie said. “I learned how to navigate online coursework and work out a schedule that I really thrived in, and I was able to take that experience into the UW Health and Wellness Management program.”

Are you ready to jumpstart your educational journey to a bachelor’s degree? Call an enrollment advisor at 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

*Note: If you prefer a more structured schedule, UW Extended Campus also offers a semester-based associate degree program. Read this helpful guide on choosing which online format may be best for you.

7 Questions Adult Learners Should Ask when Pursuing a Nursing Degree

March 9, 2021 -

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can feel like a long shot when it’s been several years since you’ve completed your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Like many registered nurses (RN), you might have been in your early 20s the last time you were in a formal nursing school setting. While your employer may be requiring you to go back to school, there are many advantages to earning your BSN.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to increase by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, indicating the increasing demand for nurses well into this decade. And, it’s important to note registered nurses who have their BSN often have even better job prospects than those without.

With these promising reasons to earn your BSN, it is completely normal to still have questions:

Am I too old to go back to nursing school? Will I fit in with my classmates? Do I have time to earn my bachelor’s degree? Does a BSN advance my career for the better?

Although it may be a tired saying, it still rings true—especially for adult learners earning their BSN—age is only a number. There is no “right” or “wrong” time to prioritize your learning. And, you certainly have not fallen behind by figuring out other important parts of your life first.

If you are considering a BSN program, ask yourself these seven important questions:

1. Is there a RN to BSN program that is built for adult learners like me?

Yes! The 100% online UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing RN to BSN program—offered through the UW Flexible Option—is specifically designed for adult learners. In fact, the average age of a UW Flexible Option student is 36 years old.

Program courses lean on your already established strengths as a RN. We value your work experience and know that although it may have been some time since you earned your ADN or nursing diploma, you have been learning and growing on the job ever since.

2. Will I need to quit my RN position to find time for coursework?

Nurse in blue scrubs, smiling next to medical equipment — Tiffany Breezee, RN to BSN graduate.

Not at all. While every student must figure out how to fit coursework into their work and life responsibilities, the online, self-paced format of the UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program puts you in charge. Many students find it beneficial to work and complete coursework at the same time. Not only can you use what you’re learning on the job, but you can also use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at work to progress faster through your coursework.

For example, graduate and cardiovascular intensive care unit RN, Tiffany Breezee, used her capstone project to reduce C.diff infections rates by 86 percent in her unit.

3. How will I fit nursing school into my busy life?

Man in blue shirt, smiling — Success Coach, Blake Bishop.

It’s up to you. Seriously. Not only is the UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program 100% online, it is also competency-based education. This means that what you know and what you are able to do helps you advance faster in the program.

There are no mandatory log-on times, lectures, group work, or in-person campus visits. You can start any month, take as much—or as little—time you need, prove mastery of the course through assessments, and then repeat! No need to wait for the next semester to start a new course. This format puts you in control, which is invaluable for RNs whose shifts may change each week.

Of course, you aren’t expected to figure this all out on your own. You will have an Success Coach who can help determine the coursework pace that best fits your life. RN to BSN graduate, Jeanette Williams, was appreciative of her success coach, Blake Bishop, for his guidance in the program: “He’s very encouraging, always asking about my course, and was there to help plan future classes.”

4. Will my previous ADN courses transfer over to my BSN?

Absolutely! You’ve put in the work already, and that is recognized in the program. A minimum of 60 credits will be given for general education and nursing courses earned in your ADN or nursing diploma program. We will also review your transcripts for any additional transfer credit from coursework taken outside of your ADN.

5. How will I afford tuition for nursing school?

Budgeting for tuition is personal to you. Make sure to explore your financial aid options and speak with your employer’s HR department about tuition reimbursement.

Most programs require you to pay by course or by credit. In the UW Flexible Option, though, you pay for a flat-rate subscription period where you are able to complete as many courses you want within twelve weeks. This format is advantageous for highly motivated students who are looking to save money and shorten the time it takes to earn their BSN. If you’d rather focus on one course at a time, the Single Course Option allows you to complete one course within a designated subscription period.

Plus, with the UW Flexible Option Tuition Guarantee, we promise that as long as you are actively enrolled in the program, your tuition rate will not increase.

6. Will I learn from nursing experts?

Yes! The RN to BSN program is developed and taught by UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing faculty. From nursing center directors, to family nurse practitioners, to MSNs and APNPs, you will learn from highly experienced nurses and medical professionals who understand your role as an RN, because they are providing care, too.

7. Will my BSN be valued by employers?

The UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing is among the top 15 percent of nursing programs in the country. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), your BSN from the UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing is the same degree on-campus students earn.

Through topical courses, such as palliative care, mental health nursing, and information management and healthcare technology, the RN to BSN program focuses on building relevant workplace skills, which you can implement immediately in your role. This means you will already apply what you learn before receiving your diploma.

It’s not “too late” to earn your BSN

Do your research, and know that the award-winning UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program—offered by the UW Flexible Option—is made for adult learners like you. Through our program, earning your BSN can fit into your career, family, and overall life.

Have more questions? Our enrollment team is ready to help. Call or email an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Could You Earn a Fast, Online Bachelor’s Degree in 12 Months?

March 22, 2021 -

If you want to earn a reputable bachelor’s degree from a university, you may think you know your options: traditional on-campus or online education.

But there’s another choice: self-paced, competency-based education (CBE) where you move through a degree based on how quickly you are learning—independent of traditional semester schedules. CBE is ideal for those who want to earn a high quality, fast, online degree.

In traditional semester-based programs, you have to finish a course in sixteen weeks—even if you know the material and could go faster, or if you are really struggling and need more time. And it can be frustrating when a class you need to graduate isn’t available, delaying you further. As a result, a bachelor’s degree completion program can take several years to finish, even if you go back to school full time.

Compare that to a self-paced, CBE program, such as the UW Flexible Option offered by UW Extended Campus and the University of Wisconsin System, where your pace is truly up to you. In this format, it is possible to complete a degree in 12 months. Every course is offered every subscription period, and you control the speed at which you study.

But could you do it? Here are four signs that you are a good candidate to earn a degree in just one year.

1. You’re ready to put in the work.

Completing a fast, online bachelor’s degree in 12 months is possible, and we can point to UW Flexible Option graduates who have done it. However, word to the wise: it’s challenging.

You will likely need to dedicate 30 to 40 hours to your studies each week. In fact, if your goal is to finish in one year, you will want to think about your studies like you would a full-time job. Students who do this are typically self-starters, disciplined, and highly motivated.

On the other hand, keep in mind that some students who complete their degree this fast are working part-time or are deployed overseas. Others have been in their fields for a long time and have a wealth of existing knowledge they can apply to their studies. Some are currently between jobs, looking for a quick way to upskill or reskill and they have extra available time right now. If any of the above apply to you, then an accelerated pace might be a good fit.

2. You have a lot of college credit already—around 60 to 80 credits.

There are over 750,000 adults in Wisconsin who have college credit but no degree. If you fall into that category—and you have 60 to 80 credits—the UW Flexible Option is an ideal path, especially if your goal is to graduate within a year.

A full bachelor’s degree is typically 120 credits, which is about 40 classes. If you are starting college for the first time, finishing an entire bachelor’s degree in a year won’t be realistic. You will not have the time to truly demonstrate learning on the material (and be wary of those that say otherwise!).

But, if you are in the early stages of your college studies, you could begin with the UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts & Sciences (AAS) degree offered through the UW Flexible Option. An AAS is a way to satisfy your general education requirements (the first half of a bachelor’s degree) and set you up on a great foundation to complete your bachelor’s degree after.

To find out how many credits you need to graduate, contact an enrollment adviser (608-800-6762) to see if your program offers an unofficial credit evaluation. Otherwise, when you apply to your chosen program you will receive an official transfer credit evaluation. This will help you know for sure how many credits you will need to graduate with your chosen bachelor’s degree.

3. You are considering a self-paced, competency-based program.

In Competency-Based Education (CBE), you make progress based on your learning, not on time spent in a classroom. The UW Flexible Option offers online degree and certificate programs that give busy adults the flexibility they need to earn a credential. The pace that you choose is up to you, not an instructor or an institution. As soon as you master a competency (through a rigorous project-based assessment), you can move on to the next one. No waiting for other classmates, or waiting an entire semester.

Here are more ways CBE makes a fast online bachelor’s degree more attainable:

You can start any month. No waiting for the next semester.
You don’t waste time studying things you already know. You can apply existing knowledge to your studies and potentially leverage it to progress faster.
With the “All You Can Learn” subscription period option, you can complete as many courses as you would like in 12 weeks for one flat rate. And if you progress faster than anticipated, you can always add more courses within that subscription period.
You work 1-to-1 with your instructor, not with other students. There are no group projects or collaborative discussions, so you don’t need to coordinate your work time with other students.

4. You have the time to complete one or two courses per month.

The average number of courses you would need to complete each month depends on how much transfer credit you have. But, as a quick illustration, here are some simplified scenarios. These show the time you might need to finish your bachelor’s degree in 4 subscription periods (12 months).

Credits you transferred in	Credits remaining to degree	Average completed credits needed per month to finish in 12 months
80	40	3
70	50	4
60	60	5

Reminder: You might be thinking, “I think I could finish one class each month for a year”—and that’s great! But remember to consider the number of hours you have available for schoolwork. UW Flexible Option programs follow the federal standard definition of a credit hour: 45 hours of total work per 1 credit hour. So if you only have, say, an hour each night after the kids go to bed that you can use for school, you’ll want to set a more realistic goal of finishing your degree in two to three years, rather than trying to cram into one.

Note: The math isn’t always easy when it comes to transfer credit: something might transfer but not satisfy a degree requirement, and you still need to earn enough credits to meet the residency requirement of your college. Therefore, it will be important that you talk about your transfer credit, time available per week, and your degree goals with your Academic Success Coach.

Go for a Fast Online Bachelor’s Degree, But Know You Can Slow Down

You want a degree fast. That’s fantastic. But if you later want to slow down, you can do just that in your UW Flexible Option degree program. It was designed to be flexible for those who need to go lightning fast, as well as those who are extremely busy and need to take their studies at a steadier pace.

In fact, though the focus of this article is on speed-to-degree, many UW Flexible Option students, like our alumnus Aaron Apel, use the flexibility of the program to go very slowly through the program due to their busy life. And that’s a great feature about the UW Flexible Option: it’s ultimately not about how fast or slow you go, it’s about your personalized learning journey and you earning the degree you’ve always wanted.

Your next step?

Explore the degree and certificate programs offered through University of Wisconsin Flexible Option.

Call (608-800-6762) or email one of our knowledgeable enrollment advisers to talk through how the UW Flexible Option might be a great fit for you.

Editors note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated.

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