Jeremiah Dumke is a recent graduate of the 100% online University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences through UW Flexible Option. He offered some insight into his experience in the program.
1. What made you decide to enroll in UW Flexible Option?
The program gave me the best opportunity to use all of my past University of Wisconsin credits. Since I work at a healthcare facility, the Health Sciences degree would build upon my understanding of health care. The timeline that one could work toward a degree also helped as I had many personal things that required me to step away for a term here and there. This flexibility is great for individuals who have a family. The price point was fantastic compared to other programs out there.
2. What was your overall experience like in the program?
I loved the program. The professors were very insightful. The feedback from every paper or assessment I turned in kept improving my understanding of the health care systems. The flexibility is great.
3. Tell me about what you plan to do now that you’ve finished your degree. How will this impact your career?
I work in the facilities side of health care with the projects and building repairs. This Health Sciences degree helps me understand how and where the medical side is making decisions, and why facilities must do items a certain way that may interrupt patient care. There is less pushback because of the understanding that is in place now.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself moving into a manager position as the company I work for grows. Having the Health Sciences degree gives me opportunities in the clinics or management roles in facilities.
5. What role did success coaching play in your academic experience? Were you in touch with your coach often?
My coach helped me choose what order or groupings of courses to take at the same time. If I wanted to take two upper-level courses, my success coach gave me great recommendations on which courses to pair that could be completed in the term. When I had questions, they always responded in a timely manner. I did not have to reach out a lot though.
6. What advice might you give someone who is considering enrolling in this program?
My advice would be if you are thinking about enrolling, reach out with questions. If you are not sure what the classes would encompass, UW Flexible Option would give you ideas of what you will learn. The degree provides great insight and better communication in a professional way for all levels in health care that can help anyone grow.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your background, your experience, etc.?
Working in facilities and planning at a hospital over the last almost seven years has brought me great understanding in one aspect of health care. I understand how the facilities affect so many different aspects to provide the greatest care. Working my way up to my current role of Life Safety Analyst (which focuses on making sure the facility complies with fire, building, and life safety codes so that patients, staff, and visitors are protected in emergencies) has let me work with all parts of healthcare from the environmental services to hospital leadership. These experiences, combined with what I have learned in this degree program, are making me more effective in my role. I am working better with the teams and conveying facilities items in ways all of my colleagues can understand according to their expertise.
Are you a working adult like Jeremiah who may have some college credits but hasn’t yet received a four-year degree? Through the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option, you can earn your degree through a 100% online, self-paced format that fits any schedule. Contact us to learn more today.