Tiffany Stronghart

Report: Nursing Ranked No. 3 Among Top 10 Occupations to Earn $100,000

May 16, 2025 -

If you’re looking for an opportunity to earn a six-figure salary right out of college and you enjoy helping others, now is a great time to pursue a career in nursing.

Nursing has been ranked No. 3 of the top 10 jobs in which Gen Z graduates have the potential to earn six-figure salaries. The ranking, released by ZipRecruiter, also listed nursing as one of the most “useful” majors for Gen Z.

Gen Z graduates expect to make $101,000 per year in their first job, according to the ZipRecruiter report. However, most grads make $68,000 out of school, the report estimates. In contrast, the 2024 median pay for registered nurses was $93,600 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with some states like Washington and California paying well over $100,000 per year.

In addition to stable pay, healthcare careers like nursing are also essentially AI-proof, according to a recent Fortune article. Industry experts anticipate that many U.S. businesses will experience significant disruption throughout the next decade – amounting to roughly “12 million occupational transitions” – due to AI in the workplace. Some roles, like administrative work and customer service, could be phased out, while jobs in healthcare will remain stable. For example, nurse practitioners are expected to be in serious demand through 2033, with an anticipated growth rate of 46% through the next decade.

One of the many benefits of becoming a nurse is the ability to specialize in different areas of healthcare and change roles or departments. Because there are so many job openings in nursing right now, you can easily move up to management and higher level nursing roles, in addition to different facilities or hospitals throughout the course of your career.

Some of the “happiest” or most rewarding nursing roles out there include pediatrics, oncology, and education, according to Nurse.org. Other specialties in which nurses report high job satisfaction include travel nursing, public health, and research.

Jill Saxton, a nurse and educator who started her career at the age of 18, encourages those interested in helping others to consider a career in nursing. One of the greatest things about nursing, according to Jill, is that there are so many job options and ways to make a difference, whether it’s in direct patient care or helping others learn the vocation of nursing.

Not all nursing jobs require working directly with patients – and you can move around to other positions since there are so many openings. There are also nurse management jobs, where you can “work for your workers” Jill says, helping with things like scheduling and administrative work.

“Even if you’re not doing the direct care, there’s so many ways that we can gain fulfillment in our career versus just going in and punching a clock 9 to 5. There are many jobs that don’t use medical skills.”

While there are a number of ways to enter the nursing field, if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you may want to first consider earning your associate degree in nursing (ADN), through a two year nursing program. From there, you can enroll in the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN bachelor’s degree through UW Flexible Option, which is 100 percent online and can be completed at your own pace. Students with an ADN will be awarded a minimum of 60 credits toward their bachelor’s degree. Hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees, as data has shown higher levels of education have been proven to lower patient mortality, improve patient outcomes, and better tackle the growing complexities of healthcare. Having a bachelor’s degree in nursing will also lay the foundation should you choose to pursue a graduate nursing degree as your career progresses.

For more information about UW Flexible Option, contact an enrollment adviser.

High-Paying Jobs for Business Majors in 2025

May 15, 2025 -

If you’re looking for a field with a wide range of lucrative opportunities, you might want to consider a career in business.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 911,400 projected new job openings per year in business and financial occupations. In these roles, you can expect to be involved in the day-to-day activities of running a business or with matters related to money. The BLS also reports that the demand for financial managers is expected to increase 17 percent through 2033.

Last month, Indeed.com released a list of high-paying jobs for business majors (with salaries ranging from $80,000 to more than $100,000), including:

Financial advisor. Financial advisors support clients and individuals by taking a look at their assets and salaries to set long-term financial goals. They also engage in estate planning and debt management. Financial advising usually requires a bachelor’s degree, and most advisors can expect to make roughly $82,059 per year, according to Indeed.
Business analyst. Business analysts look at data to inform business strategy or improve an organization’s processes. They must be able to communicate well and manage large projects. Indeed reports that business analysts generally have a bachelor’s degree and earn an average annual salary of $83,763.
Project Manager. Project manager openings are projected to grow 7 percent in the next 10 years, faster than average for all occupations, with 77,000 openings projected each year. Nationally, project managers can expect salaries of about $103,000, according to ZipRecruiter.
Product manager. This role requires working with a team to ensure the success of a product or good. Many technology companies hire product managers with an average salary of $105,434, Indeed says. If you’re interested in becoming a product manager, consider upskilling in project management in addition to a bachelor’s degree in business to maximize your career opportunities.
Controller. Controllers are responsible for an organization’s accounting functions and can expect an average salary of $106,123, according to Indeed. While most controllers have a master’s degree in business administration, some only have a bachelor’s degree.

To find the right business role for you, consider attending a job fair or a networking event. Many universities offer these events in addition to other career resources for students enrolled in their degree programs.

UW Flexible Option currently offers the UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (BSBA) with two concentrations: General Business or Business Analytics. You can also enroll in the Business Analytics or Agile Project Management certificates to learn specialized and practical business skills you can immediately apply on the job.

With UW Flexible Option, you’ll benefit from competency-based online learning programs that can be completed on your own schedule. For recent business administration graduate Antwuan Sanders, UW Flexible Option’s versatility was appealing because it gave him control over his education.

“I think the biggest incentive for me was that I could take as many classes as I could handle without someone trying to cap how many I should take,” Antwuan says. “It was up to me to decide what level, how many courses, how many hours per week to study. It gave me power over my education, and that felt good. I like being in control of my own life, and the Flex program gave me that.”

Antwaun also went straight from his bachelor’s degree program into the online MBA program at UW-Parkside with no breaks.

“What I learned in the BSBA program set me up for the MBA program,” he adds. “I had no issues in a lot of courses because of what I learned in the BSBA program. Even if I had decided not to pursue my MBA, I could have gone out into the workforce and pursued other opportunities with the knowledge I gained in the Flex BSBA program.”

Are you interested in a business career? Whether you’ve never attended college or have taken a few courses, UW Flexible Option can offer you a chance to learn on your own time. Check out some Frequently Asked Questions about our bachelor’s degree program in business administration to learn more.

‘This Program Allowed Me to Graduate Earlier Than I Expected’: X-Ray Tech Completes Diagnostic Imaging Bachelor’s Degree While Working Full-Time in Cath Lab

March 28, 2025 -

The ability to take classes at her own pace while working full-time as an x-ray technician is what ultimately drew Addee Badhwa to the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging degree program offered through UW Flexible Option.

Addee, a recent graduate, first became interested in healthcare as a high school student in Shakopee, Minnesota.

“They had these programs called academies,” she says. “And when you get into high school, you get to pick which academy you want to go into. I was part of the Health Sciences Academy. So I did a lot of classes in high school that helped me try to figure out where I wanted to go. And for my last semester of high school, I actually got to do a semester in our local hospital. I would talk to all these doctors and learn the business aspect of healthcare, learn the more clinical side of healthcare, learn the surgery side of healthcare. And it was a really cool experience.”

“I learned more about radiography and about all the things x-ray techs can do,” she adds. “And that kind of jump-started me into knowing I wanted to go into the medical field. Radiography was the best option for me. It’s something that would get me into the medical field really easily, and it had great job growth. There were so many things that I could do. And I loved that with being an x-ray tech, I can do MRI or CT or catheterization (cath) lab or interventional. I can very easily change my mind.”

The medical imaging industry is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade with an additional 16,800 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

After receiving her associate’s degree in radiography from St. Catherine University, she decided to continue her education with UW Flexible Option while working full-time in the cath lab.

“I knew I wanted to get a bachelor’s degree,” she says. “I wanted to have that [in case] I ever wanted to continue on in medicine or in a different field. The program allowed me to graduate even earlier than I expected and still accomplish my goals while working.”

Eventually, Addee is hoping to go to school to become a physician’s assistant. Like many students, a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic imaging can be a stepping stone to graduate-level coursework and programs in medicine, healthcare administration or education. In the near future, she’s working toward becoming a lead tech in the cath lab.

“I’ve been learning a whole bunch of really great procedures recently, like structural heart cases or scrubbing [into] really complicated aortic dissections. I’m actually starting to train new people here to scrub into surgeries. And I have to make sure I’m very much an expert in a lot of the devices that we use. I know that one of our doctors is doing a really cool new procedure that’s the first to be done in the Twin Cities that I got asked to help out in.”

“So just continuing to build on these really cool medical experiences and see all the newest and greatest technology is one of my main goals with x-ray, and then teaching that on to people and keep working toward my goals of becoming a PA eventually.”

Addee credits some of the leadership skills she gained in the program with her ability to adapt on the job.

“Getting those traits down and going through scenarios that I could be faced with is really good because I’ve never really led anybody or done anything like that as yet per se, especially in a professional setting. So getting those courses in, especially the leadership ones, was really helpful to me. And I still apply it every day. If I have something going wrong with one of our techs or a room is down, what we can do for this, or who I contact for this, and how we can solve workplace dilemmas.”

Cath lab can be very high-stress, with emotions running high. “Using the things that I learned in those classes definitely has helped me navigate the professional world and navigate being looked at as a person to go to for certain things or certain equipment or certain problems.”

Addee not only appreciated how UW Flexible Option courses are set up, but how communicative her instructors were. She also appreciated the fact her employer knew she was going to school and ensured she had everything she needed to be successful.

Addee credits some of her success to Sara Thor, her Success Coach.

“Because of how self-paced everything was, I would plan out my assignments or my tests and make sure I stuck to that schedule,” she says. “And don’t get me wrong, it is very hard. And if I needed more help, I could always talk to my Success Coach. Sara was very good at organizing everything and keeping me updated. If I had questions or concerns, I could go to her. Right before I decided to take six classes, I said, ‘I don’t know if I can do all of this.’ And she said, ‘If anything goes wrong, just reach out to your instructors and talk to them.’”

During one course, Addee was met with some challenges–in particular, an assignment she didn’t quite understand.

“I had a couple office calls with my teacher, and they gave me great feedback. I kept going to those office hours until I understood what I needed to do. I got the help that I needed, and I ended up getting a great score and a great grade in that class. And it was all because of how communicative and helpful everyone was in the program.”

During her last subscription period, Addee completed six courses while working full-time. To keep herself organized, Addee created a visual plan to ensure she was using her time efficiently.

“I’ve always been very good at organizing and planning things,” she said. “So I took all of my classes and my assignments, and I put them in a spreadsheet. And I kind of thought, ‘OK, this week I’m going to do these three. This week, I’m going to do these three, and then work to get everything done that I need to.’ It is very hard, but I work very well with finishing assignments. If I have my goals, I will complete them at that time.”

Addee encourages students considering enrolling in the diagnostic imaging program to take the chance.

“I would say that you should definitely do it,” Addee says. “It is a great program. It is very well-organized, and you get the help that you need. And don’t be hard on yourself if you need more time for things. Take the time that you need to finish. If you don’t have a full understanding of something, just ask. That’s what your teachers are there for. And it’s OK to slow down. It’s OK to take one class, as long as you are taking care of yourself, and you are still accomplishing your goals.”

While she says finishing the program required her to work very hard for a few months, she feels great now that she’s graduated.

“I feel so relieved and so grateful that I finished everything and got to graduate early,” she says. “It’s really nice to see that my hard work did pay off and that it was recognized.”

Are you a sonographer or x-ray technician looking to advance your career in the healthcare field? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or email at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get more information.

How to Tackle Your Nursing Capstone Project: 5 Tips and Lessons Learned From a Former Student

February 21, 2025 -

While the nursing capstone project for the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program through UW Flexible Option can appear daunting, don’t fret–it’s definitely doable with a little planning.

What is the Nursing Capstone?

The capstone practicum, NURS 445, is a lot like your other nursing courses. It teaches clinical skills along with problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding systems, and the role of research, but offers you more flexibility to work on projects that actually improve patient care in your workplace. It gives you an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained in the RN-to-BSN program to identify a challenge in your workplace and take the initiative to address it. You’ll be required to complete several assessments and a quality improvement project.

How Long Will it Take Me To Complete the Capstone?

The capstone course is a significant time commitment, though there is no minimum hourly requirement. You should plan on taking the capstone course solo – or with one other course, max.

Note: You can re-enroll in the capstone course if you don’t finish within the designated 12-week subscription period. Some students need multiple periods depending on how they are able to manage their time, with work and other commitments.

How Do I Begin the Nursing Capstone?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start preparing for the capstone project before you’ve even enrolled in the capstone course. While this may sound backwards, it’s the best approach. The capstone is the final course in the curriculum, but you must prepare for it even before you enter the course because there’s simply not enough time in the subscription period to complete everything. You’ll also need faculty approval for the project before starting.

“This is the only course where they do the work before they enroll, and that’s not something students are thinking about,” says Nicole Simonson, DNP, and director of the RN-to-BSN program.

She encourages students to begin accessing the capstone prep site as soon as possible so they will have all of the information they need to begin preparing, including what they have to do in their workplace to complete the project, where to get permission, along with some advice and tips.

Identify a quality improvement project in your workplace. The good news is that there are literally hundreds of topics to choose from for this project. Your project is a conduit to address an ongoing concern or problem you face every day on the job. If you’re deciding among several topics, check with your leader to see which topic is the biggest priority or has the largest need for your workplace.

“I had a pleasant experience during my capstone course,” says Jordan Smoldt, a recent graduate of the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program. “The first challenge I encountered was deciding what I wanted my capstone project to be. There are always things you can do in the workplace to improve your workflow/patient care/outcomes. It was difficult picking a topic that I could explore in my workplace where I could see improvement in a short amount of time (the 12 weeks we’re given).”

Once you’ve identified the problem, address it, and then seek out literature to find best practices. Analyze the existing environment and ask yourself, what are staff members doing to address the problem? Jordan chose a project for her capstone that directly affected her patients’ health, specifically, reproductive health.

“I am a registered nurse in an OB/GYN clinic where we have a decent number of patients who do not speak English,” she says. “The nurses and providers at my clinic have noticed over the last couple of years that the number of positive STD tests in this group of patients is high. We believe that issue is because of the lack of STD education in their home countries as well as communication barriers.”

Develop a solution to address the area of concern. Perhaps you’ll implement a new policy, change care tactics, or educate staff. For example, if you were going to tackle the risk of falling in your long-term care facility, you might look at how to reduce the risk of falls, along with how to implement ways to prevent that risk.

For Jordan, the solution to her problem was patient education.

“My project ultimately was to translate our English STD educational materials into the two most popular non-English languages that we see (Spanish and French),” she notes. “I wanted to see if providing patients with this material would lead to safer sex practices and improvement with treatment regimens.”

Assess whether the steps taken to resolve the problem were successful. Some questions to consider: Were you able to reduce the number of falls? If not, why not? Maybe at the end of 12 weeks you didn’t get to the finish line of your plan. If so, what happened? Did it take longer? Did you face resistance at your site? Did something change? Outlining these scenarios can help provide a better understanding of what took place. Remember, just because you weren’t able to remedy the problem, doesn’t mean the capstone is ineligible for submission.

“I did not have enough time [12 weeks] within the capstone course to see if this project was successful, but the providers in the office and my office manager were happy to have this translated information to provide,” Jordan says.

How Should I Manage My Time When Completing the Nursing Capstone?

Tackling the final capstone project can be tough, but a little perseverance and time management goes a long way.

“Try to break the project up into smaller pieces and work little by little at it,” Jordan suggests. “This is a large project which can be overwhelming when you look through the requirements…the hardest part is starting! Once you start working on the project, it really all falls into place. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to your capstone professor with any questions or concerns! They want to help you and see you succeed.”

And, don’t forget to give yourself some grace when it feels as though you’ve got a lot on your plate.

“Trying to juggle school with work is difficult because let’s be honest, being a nurse is mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging. I spent a majority of my days off working on school work which allowed me to have more of a mental break on the days I did work. I feel like that helped me keep my stress levels down. I recommend getting out of the house and doing some computer work at a coffee shop or bakery–food and good vibes made working on school work much more enjoyable!”

What Else Should I Know About the Capstone?

While the capstone may seem like a hurdle, remember that you have a support network if you need it. In addition to your course instructors, UW Flexible Option Success Coaches are available to help you every step of the way. They can help you set priorities and manage your time as you tackle this project, and provide you with extra resources if you need it. Unlike other traditional degree programs, UW Flexible Option is designed to fit into your schedule and your life while giving you the moral support you need to achieve your goals.

Are You Looking to Transition into Healthcare? Here’s How a Health Sciences Degree Can Help

January 24, 2025 -

If you’re currently working in a non-healthcare role but looking to transition to a healthcare-related role, you might be wondering what skills and education you’ll need to show potential employers that you are ready for a healthcare career.

Healthcare occupations are expected to grow faster than average compared to most industries as many hospitals and clinics grapple with staff shortages from retirements and burnout. The demand for healthcare professionals will add an estimated 1.8 million new jobs each year over the next decade. It’s a great time to switch to healthcare to help close the gap and fill positions that are necessary and important for the livelihood of individuals in our communities.

Key Skills to Help You Move into a Healthcare Role
Chances are, you already have many transferable skills from previous work or course experience that you can apply in a healthcare setting. Start by reflecting on your past work and identify your core strengths. Durable skills like the ability to communicate, think critically, demonstrate resilience in challenging situations, and being self-aware are important to almost every employer, regardless of industry. Figuring out what you’re good at can also help you determine if you should pursue a role in patient care, research, or administration.

You may also want to ask yourself: “Where do I envision working in five years? 10 years?” While you certainly have the freedom to change jobs throughout your career, imagining yourself in a healthcare environment can give you some insight into what kind of role might be a good fit. For example, in the healthcare field, there are a variety of careers on both the clinical and non-clinical side. Researching some of these roles can give you a better idea of what’s expected of you and where you might be able to work and apply your skills. You’ll also get a better sense of what healthcare career opportunities are available.

Consider Volunteering or Gaining Administrative Experience in Healthcare
If you aren’t sure which area of healthcare you’d like to work in, you could apply to an administrative healthcare role if you are not interested in direct patient care. Jobs like medical office management, health information management, healthcare administration, medical sales, or information technology can give you a chance to see what it’s like working in a healthcare facility. If this is not possible, consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic. This will give you a chance to see what happens in these environments and help you decide whether it’s something you want to pursue.

Continue Your Education and Boost Your Chances of Getting a Great Healthcare Job
If you’re interested in pursuing continuing education to make your dream of working in healthcare a reality, consider an online bachelor’s degree in health sciences or an online credential. Microcredentials, certificates and even degrees can help you gain the skills you’ll need for a successful career in healthcare.

Health science is the application of science to health, including the study of medicine, nutrition, and other health-related topics. A bachelor’s degree in health sciences provides essential healthcare knowledge and skills while building professional skills sought by healthcare employers, such as critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, information literacy, and information management. And, if you pursue your education online, you’ll likely be able to continue working while you study.

Advance Your Career With a Health Sciences Degree Through UW Flexible Option
The UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences through UW Flexible Option is a 100 percent online, competency-based program that can help you earn your degree more quickly than most traditional in-person classroom programs. You can build on skills and knowledge you already have from previous coursework or job experience. Because of the flexibility of this program, you can fit this degree program into your schedule and your life.

UW-Milwaukee also offers the Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare microcredential through UW Flexible Option, which can help you further develop your problem-solving, leadership, communication and teamwork skills to advance your career. In addition, the UW-Milwaukee Health Care Informatics Certificate through UW Flexible Option will help you learn in-demand skills that are at the intersection of information technology and healthcare. Courses in this certificate also apply to the Health Sciences bachelor’s degree, should you decide to pursue a certificate and bachelor’s degree.

Are you interested in furthering your education to land a great job in healthcare? Contact an Enrollment Adviser to assess your unique situation and help you decide if the UW Flexible Option is the right fit for your life. Email us at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu or call 608-800-6762 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.

Looking For a Change? A Nursing Career Could Be For You

December 16, 2024 -

Is it too late to transition into a nursing career? No! Whether you’ve spent years working in a non-healthcare related role or you have a degree in a field you’re no longer passionate about, there’s never been a better time to become a nurse.

Nursing ranked as the top occupation in Wisconsin with the highest number of job openings with wages over $50,000 in a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report. More than 3,666 openings per year are projected through 2030.

Registered nurses have also been ranked #10 for best healthcare occupations by U.S. News Money. With an unemployment rate of just 1.6 percent, nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing jobs in the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth to increase 45 percent over the next 10 years.

Besides being ranked as a great job, here are several other reasons to consider nursing:

There’s no age limit. Whether you’re in your late 20s or 40s, there is no “perfect age” to become a nurse. The average age of a nurse in the US is 50.
All previous job experience is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked in a healthcare setting previously. In fact, the more job experience (any job experience) you have under your belt, the more skills you have to bring to the role. For example, if you worked a desk job previously, chances are you have time management skills and project management experience–both of which will serve you well as a nurse managing a caseload. Other skills like customer service and communication are also important for aspiring nurses.
You can leverage your existing academic credentials. Depending on the program requirements, you may be able to leverage some of your previous coursework toward a nursing degree. Plus, skills like writing, time management, project management, research, and data analysis that you may have developed during your previous college experience will benefit you as a nursing student.
You’ll have your pick of jobs. Nurses work in a variety of settings. Whether you’re interested in bedside nursing, emergency care, research, telehealth, or another area, a nursing career offers working professionals flexibility to try new departments, new healthcare facilities, and much more. The opportunities are endless as hospitals and clinics struggle to keep up with the demand for qualified nurses.
Enjoy financial stability. Nursing jobs are financially stable, and most nurses can choose where they want to work (rural, urban, or suburban environments). With the high number of staffing shortages many healthcare facilities are experiencing due to retirement, you will likely have your pick of jobs once you have earned your credentials.
Find meaning in your work. If you’ve lost passion for your current profession and want to find a role in which you’re making a difference in someone’s life, nursing might be for you. Nursing can be a rewarding career for those looking to help others and their communities. If you’re an empath, you’ll also likely make a great nurse. The ability to empathize with others and show compassion for individuals who need help will be an important part of your nursing career.

While there are a number of ways to enter the nursing field, if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you may want to first consider earning your ADN. From there, you can enroll in the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN bachelor’s degree through UW Flexible Option, which is 100 percent online and can be completed at your own pace. Students with an ADN will be awarded a minimum of 60 credits toward their bachelor’s degree. Hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees, as data has shown higher levels of education have been proven to lower patient mortality, improve patient outcomes, and better tackle the growing complexities of healthcare.

‘No Zero Days’: Health Sciences Grad Balances Work, Teaching, and Raising Three Boys

November 21, 2024 -

For Mellissa Shilts, a recent graduate of the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences offered through the UW Flexible Option, the mantra to success came from some advice she received from a course instructor.

“She had told me early on, no zero days,” she says. “Do something every day that works toward what you’re trying to do. So that helped push me to at least do something every day toward that end goal.”

Mellissa works as a medical assistant during the day and teaches classes at night for a local technical college. She’s also raising a family, which means her free time is limited.

“We have three boys,” she adds. “We have a 13-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 6-year-old. And I work full time as a certified medical assistant in orthopedics. I also teach part time at Mid-State Technical College in the medical assistant program. So I’m training the next generation for what I do. And then when I do have free time, I’m taking my boys to their multiple sports and all of that fun stuff.”

Mellissa discovered the UW Flexible Option while searching online in Google. She had finished her associates degree in 2011, moved out of state because her husband was in the military, and took a break from school.

“We had our oldest. Life took that route for a while. And my schooling just went on the back burner, which was fine. It was just where my life went. But with teaching, I needed to be able to finish my bachelor’s.”

She dual-enrolled in Mid-State Technical College and UW-Stevens Point, thinking she would go the nursing route. Then COVID hit, and she needed a break from school. However, she was still motivated to finish her four-year-degree.

“I don’t like to leave things undone. That kind of just eats at me,” she notes.

She was attracted to UW Flexible Option because she could study on her own schedule and at her own pace.

“It seemed too good to be true,” she says. “There’s got to be a ‘but’ somewhere…and there wasn’t. It was everything I needed it to be.”

For Mellissa, some subscription periods were easier than others. She caught her stride about two subscription periods in, after making a schedule for herself.

“I looked at how many things I was required to submit,” she says. “I made sure I still had time to breathe and focus on my kids. There were weeks where it was tough. But if you want it, it’s worth working for. I always try to remember that.”

One benefit of the Health Sciences curriculum was the ability to dig deeper into healthcare topics.

“[For example,] I had a law and ethics course,” she says. “It made me think about healthcare in a different realm than I do working with patients every day. It really opened a new door and a new side of things. I wouldn’t have thought to look at things that way unless I took that class.”

Mellissa’s experience working as an instructor while also being enrolled in school helped her relate to her students. At Mid-State, she teaches clinical procedures for medical assisting.

“I’m doing hands-on skills,” she says. “I’m teaching them how to do things when they’re going to clinicals and working hands-on with patients in the clinic. I also teach medical terminology, and next semester, I’m teaching a medical law and ethics class.”

In her instructor reviews, many students mentioned that it was nice to have an instructor who was also in their shoes.

“I was able to tell my students, ‘Listen, I am in your same position. Especially since the courses I’m teaching and the program I teach is a nights and weekends program. I literally go from working at the clinic to teaching on Friday nights until 9:30 p.m. And I still must fit in my courses. I get where you are.’ They didn’t just feel like I was up here expecting all of these things and not understanding where they were. I get that some days are harder than others.”

Mellissa started her subscription period with UW Flexible Option in the summer – literally on the 4th of July, which proved challenging.

“It was beautiful outside. And I was like, ugh, why did I do this? But then I thought, I do want to do this. I picked this. I chose this. Push through; persevere. You’ve got to follow through what you’ve started. And you can do it. It’s so rewarding once you get to the end, even on the days where it seems like there’s no way. But holy cow, I did that. And that’s the best feeling.”

Mellissa also received support from her success coach, Jenna Swartz, which helped motivate her through the program.

“Jenna was amazing,” she says. “I could say a million and one amazing things about her. I feel like she was in touch with me. And I know there were certain points where they had to check in. But it always seemed like the times that she had to check in were the times I needed her to check in. It was just enough to know that somebody was out there watching, having that extra set of eyes and that extra person who wants you to succeed.”

“And it’s the same with instructors. If you reached out, they were there to help. I’m a huge advocate for asking questions. If you don’t ask, you don’t get an answer. Know that these people are your resources and they will help on the tough days when you don’t know what to do.”

Students considering the Health Sciences program should “just do it,” Mellissa says. “You won’t know till you try. The biggest thing is setting yourself up for success. If you’re not prepared, you can’t be successful. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Mellissa, who is always thinking ahead, is looking forward to walking in her graduation ceremony this winter.

“I told myself early on that once I finish this, I was going to graduate and participate in graduation,” she says. “I may not be as young as some of these kids that are graduating. But I’m going to do this because I’ve worked so hard to get here. And it was not nearly as easy as I had thought it might be. I don’t always give myself credit for all the work I do. But I’m going to do that, and then take some time off and enjoy my kids and where life is at now.”

And even with some time off, she’s still considering a graduate degree.

“I always tell myself, I think I’ll know when I’m done with school. And I don’t feel there yet. I think I definitely want to get my master’s degree.”

Are you working-full time while staying busy with everything life has to offer? You can be successful like Mellissa! Through the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option, you can earn a UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences in an online, self-paced format that fits any schedule. As a UW Flexible Option student, you can start any month and learn at your own pace—as well as leverage your existing technical education and clinical experience to help you progress toward graduation more quickly.

The Future of Medical Imaging: Tackling Staffing Shortages and Increasing Career Pathways

November 11, 2024 -

The need for medical imaging and radiology professionals is continuing to grow as aging populations require more healthcare and as more individuals in the field retire. However, this need is also creating more career pathways for qualified professionals interested in pursuing additional education to fill leadership and education roles with good salaries and the ability to work almost anywhere.

A recent report by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists notes that the industry is currently dealing with staffing shortages. Many individuals who leave the field do so because of retirement, family obligations, and some report feeling burnout.

“The medical imaging and radiation therapy profession faces a workforce shortage that exceeds levels documented in more than 20 years,” the report states. “Without intervention, the situation could worsen as more baby boomers approach retirement and remaining professionals consider leaving their jobs because of frustrations associated with understaffing and burnout.”

Growing Need for Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists (or radiographers) comprise about 271,000 working professionals in the U.S., and the industry is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade with an additional 16,800 jobs. The ASRT notes that in order to tackle staff shortages, they must emphasize additional career pathways for technologists, like education and leadership roles.

“In the future, the educational preparation for professional-level radiology and radiation oncology managers should be a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree preferred, including coursework in budgeting, leadership, and soft skills such as conflict resolution and team building,” the ASRT says.

Benefits of a Career in Radiology
Radiologic technologists tend to make stable salaries, with an average salary of $76,020 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with some states like California paying over $100,000 per year. Jobs also tend to be plentiful, with openings at a variety of healthcare and medical facilities in rural, urban and suburban areas.

If you’re a radiologic technologist with a certification from ASRT or another organization who has thought about completing your bachelor’s degree, consider the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging degree, offered online through the UW Flexible Option. This degree can help you expand your career into other areas of healthcare, or prepare you for an advanced degree. As a registered radiologic technologist, you’ll receive 60 credits toward the degree with an active registry. You can complete the program when it’s convenient for you; our competency-based education format also allows you to take breaks.

Ready to learn more? Contact an Enrollment Adviser to assess your unique situation and help you decide if the UW Flexible Option is the right fit for your life. Email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to connect with an adviser today.

How Can a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Help Me?

November 5, 2024 -

If you’ve thought about working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration, you may be wondering how this degree can help you in your career, what you’ll learn, how long it will take, and what kind of jobs and salaries you can expect.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BSBA)?
Typically, a BSBA provides graduates with general business knowledge while preparing them for roles in management, operations, finance, business development or other related jobs within an organization. A BSBA is a versatile degree, opening the door for many different career paths.

What Skills Will I Learn in a Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree Program?
A BSBA offers fundamental business administration skills you can apply in almost any job or workplace scenario. You’ll learn hard and soft skills, plus how to problem-solve, communicate with others, and think critically. Some degree programs offer the ability for students to specialize in certain areas of business, such as project management or business analytics. The UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree offers two concentrations to choose from (General Business and Business Analytics) in addition to an Agile Project Management Certificate or Business Analytics Certificate that you can pursue while in the degree program or in lieu of a degree.

What Jobs Could I Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. About 911,400 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
You will have an opportunity to make a higher salary compared with other fields. The median annual wage for this group was $79,050 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.

How Long Will It Take Me to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
It depends on the program and whether you’ve completed any past college-level coursework. With UW Flexible Option, students with at least 10 hours of college coursework can transfer into the BSBA program. Those who do not can enroll in the associate’s degree program through UW Flexible Option to prepare for the BSBA.

With UW Flexible Option, you will take courses that are 100% online and complete them at your own pace. Unlike traditional business degree programs that require in-person, on-campus instruction, you can fit our competency-based education into your life in a way that works for you. Many UW Flexible Option students work full-time while taking courses.

Is a Business Degree Worth It?
Financially, a business degree can help you earn more money throughout the course of your career. For example, men with bachelor’s degrees can expect to earn $900,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates, according to the Social Security Administration, and women with bachelor’s degrees earn $630,000 more over the course of their lifetimes.

According to a recent report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, among higher-paying jobs expected to open each year in Wisconsin through 2030, more than half (54,802, or 58.1%) will be in occupations that typically require a bachelor’s or advanced degree for entry.

In addition to financial stability, business degree graduates also will have the skills and knowledge they need to work more confidently on the job and position themselves for future leadership roles. In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for professionals who can communicate effectively, work with others to innovate and solve problems, and think strategically. With a BSBA, you will demonstrate to hiring managers that you have these abilities and are committed to learning and growing your skills. You’ll also set yourself up for a variety of career opportunities.

Ready to take the leap? Explore the UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Business Administration curriculum, tuition, and admissions process today.

Why More Healthcare Employers Prefer Nurses With Bachelor’s Degrees

October 29, 2024 -

While having a bachelor’s degree isn’t always a requirement for becoming a nurse, more hospitals and healthcare facilities are encouraging nurses to get their bachelor’s degrees as the complexities of the healthcare environment increase.

About 40 percent of hospitals and other healthcare organizations are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while 77 percent of healthcare employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates, according to the American Association of Colleges for Nursing.

“The BSN prepares nurses to practice the full scope of nursing responsibilities across all healthcare settings,” the Association notes. “For more than two decades, policymakers, healthcare authorities, and practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference when it comes to nursing practice.”

A Growing Demand for Nurses With BSNs
Higher levels of education have been proven to lower patient mortality, improve patient outcomes, and better tackle the growing complexities of healthcare, according to a study by the University of Pennsylvania Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.

“We found that hospitals with a larger proportion of nurses with BSN qualifications have significantly lower risk-adjusted mortality for surgical patients, regardless of the specific pathway nurses take to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” the Institute noted in its summary. “In other words, it does not matter whether nurses obtain their BSN through a traditional 4-year program at a college or university or an RN to baccalaureate completion program; all paths leading to a largely bachelor’s qualified hospital nurse workforce contribute to better patient outcomes.”

The Institute also found that for every 10 percent increase in the proportion of BSN nurses in a hospital, there was a 5.5 percent decrease in surgical patient mortality. Hospitals with 80 percent of its nursing staff having BSN degrees have mortality rates 25 percent lower than hospitals with only 30 percent of their nurses having BSN degrees.

Why More Wisconsin Nurses Need Their BSN
While a majority of nurses in Wisconsin have bachelor’s degrees in nursing (65.9 percent), the state’s nursing workforce is still not meeting national benchmarks, according to a workforce analysis.

The 2022 RN Workforce Survey report indicates that about half (50.9 percent) of RNs in Wisconsin have a bachelor’s degree as their highest nursing degree, with 30.9 percent having an associate degree as their highest degree.

“While steady progress has been made in educational attainment in Wisconsin, the state still falls short (66 percent) of the 2030 national benchmark of 80 percent of RNs prepared at the bachelor’s level,” the report states. “Efforts to increase access to bachelor’s education for RNs will require addressing barriers to continued education for those with associate degrees, as well as barriers to increasing nursing faculty.”

Increased Job Opportunities For Nurses With a BSN
If you’re a nurse in Wisconsin who has considered getting a BSN, now is a great time. And if meeting national benchmarks isn’t enough of a motivator to get your degree, consider how many job opportunities will open up in the field throughout the next decade. Nursing occupations are expected to increase nationwide by 6 percent through 2030, adding roughly 197,000 job openings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some of these occupations can also be completely remotely by nurses who have past clinical experience. Jobs like a case management nurse, telehealth triage nurse, data abstractor nurse, prior authorization nurse, and much more can be filled by individuals who have nursing credentials and a secure home internet connection. Many of these roles offer salaries in the mid-80,000 range, according to a recent article in TheStreet.com.

Nurses who are interested in pursuing a career that helps more than just patients can work as nursing educators. For example, Jill Saxton, an instructor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program offered through UW Flexible Option, found fulfillment through helping others.

“I can relate to the students because I did that same kind of work, and I did it at home on my own time. I can help them figure out ways to get those classes and studying in and still have a life outside of it,” she says.

Jill enjoys being an instructor because, like all nurses, she’s an advocate for patient care and loves working with students to help them learn how to give the same terrific care. The nursing courses she teaches are challenging, “but that’s because we have people’s lives in our hands,” she says. “After giving 20 good years of nursing I had a lot to share from my own experiences.”

If you’re currently working as an RN and want to further your education, consider the UW Flexible Option RN-to-BSN program through UW-Milwaukee. It’s 100 percent online and can be completed on your schedule. Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.

‘Anybody in a Helping Profession Would Benefit From This’: Q&A with SUD Student and Social Worker Brian Benford

September 25, 2024 -

Brian Benford has been involved in social justice efforts and activism since he was a child. Brian’s passion for helping marginalized populations has led him to fill many roles in social work, local politics, and now as a Success Coach for the UW Odyssey Project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Brian recently completed the 100 percent online UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Certificate (SUD) offered through UW Flexible Option and shared his experience and thoughts on what he hopes to achieve as a result of the program.

Can you tell me about yourself and your background?
I’m the proud father of five amazing children, four adult kids, two that graduated from UW-Madison, one from Stanford Law School. But right behind that, for over 35 years, I’ve worked on the front lines supporting children, their parents, families, individuals, and communities to reach their full potential.

I’m a former alderperson for the City of Madison. I’m an advocate and activist and an educator. I’m 65 years old. I was able to go to the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work (at UW-Madison) and get my master’s degree at 60 years old.

I’m a lifelong learner. And part of that is because of the Odyssey Project, which is going into its 22nd year. It’s an amazing program. I’m an alumnus. Because of Odyssey, I was able to go on and get my bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, and I’m currently on staff.

Why did you enroll in SUD certificate?
Over the last 35 years, I have witnessed literally thousands of people who have suffered because of unresolved substance use disorders. I recognize that I need to develop the tools and skills that will help me serve those people. And I feel like this course was amazing in doing that.

My goal is to continue my education to become a licensed substance abuse counselor along with the work I do as a social worker. I would be able to provide help and service to those who are underserved, especially those within the Odyssey Project, the vast majority being historically marginalized individuals.

What did you like about the program?
The very first module of the course was so profound. The first video that [Patricia Gutierrez, course instructor] gave us really focused on the message of love. When people are battling substance use disorder, what hit me is if someone had diabetes, would you stop loving them? No matter what I learned, no matter what theoretical underpinnings or anything, research-based information, it really came down to love and empathy. So that gave me a lot of inspiration and hope as I was plowing through the course…to be reminded that everyone deserves that respect and love.

I’m a baby boomer, and I’ve learned to embrace technology the best that I can. But just the way the course was laid out was commendable. I’ve helped design curriculums in the past. I just thought it was fascinating. The mixed media that was involved in the course was good. The grading was good. The comments were insightful. I just really enjoyed the whole thing and think anyone would benefit from it.

Is there anything in the program that surprised you?
As I looked at the history of some of the research around substance use disorders and addictions, it’s fascinating that there’s so much we know, but so much we don’t know. My sister worked as an alcohol and drug counselor for 50 years. And here locally, she created Ujima and other recovery places. And throughout the course, it was amazing because I could talk to her and share reflections. And I said, is there a treatment modality that is just 100 percent? And she’s like, there isn’t any. That isn’t the case.

What’s surprising is just the prevalence of substance use disorders and the different treatment modalities. While there might be some that are successful for some people, that there just isn’t like something definitive that can help, regardless of the substance that you’re abusing.

Is becoming a licensed SUDS counselor something you always wanted to do? Or is it something as the result of earning the certificate?
Well, it’s the result of recognizing my limitations in the work that I can do. I take a great deal of pride in my work as a social worker. But in doing so, if I’m really focused on cultural humility and recognizing and reflecting on my own abilities, I didn’t have the skill set to provide such a critically needed service, such as substance use counseling. I’m a former policymaker, elected official, and I think just from my real life experiences, I recognize that there’s a tremendous amount of people, regardless of their backgrounds, that are not being served around SUDS issues.

I think it was my life experience that led me to this. As I mentioned, my sister has an amazing history of serving people. I’m 65, so I don’t think of this as a career. I think of this as a service. It’s not about making more money.

But I feel like if I do my due diligence and continue to learn, then someday, whether I give away my services for free or not, that’s the goal. That’s the endgame. This course certainly inspired me and the fact that it taught me this notion of love, empathy, respect, and valuing individuals.

Right now, there’s a huge shortage of SUD counselors. Is there anything you would say to those considering this type of work to encourage them?
Most families that I know, if not all families, have a member who has been impacted by SUD. And we’ve loved that person. All of us have that person. And maybe because of their SUDS challenges, we stop loving them. We stop inviting them to family functions. We wonder what happened to them.

Taking this course, I believe, will help raise the level of awareness of what this person might be going through. How would we react to that person if they had cancer? I’m a cancer survivor. What would have happened if everyone just walked away? People can learn valuable tools and skills and globally raise the level of awareness of how important this work is.

When we talk about intersectionality, everybody is going to have different reasons for helping. For me, I look at it as a form of redemption, and a form of a service, especially in the world we live in now. Just last week, someone I was acquainted with overdosed from fentanyl and died.

We’re all impacted by this. As we look at crafting a new world where everyone has a right to reach their full potential, this is a great way to do that. And I believe that more people who can take courses like this can offer other alternatives, and can offer hope and healing for those folks. I would encourage everyone to do it, if nothing else, for that reason, if you’re concerned about any loved one or anybody impacted.

Anybody in the helping profession could greatly benefit from this, whether you’re a social worker, counselor, a nurse, or in any of the medical helping professions. I’m a former policy maker. I wish that more policy makers could understand this and that they could take the course.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share, maybe thinking back to what inspired you to do social work in the first place?
I was born at the peak of the civil rights movement and was involved at a young age. The notion of social justice was instilled at me really at a very early age. I went to Saint Boniface in Milwaukee with Father Groppi as my priest. We were marching at a very young age for better housing, better sustainable jobs, better educational opportunities, free from abuse from the criminal justice system and police. Guess what? We’re still doing that.

All these years later, nothing’s really changed. And in fact, some things have gotten much worse. I do believe that in social work, I have an opportunity to treat people like I would like to be treated, which is weaved into every major religious philosophy.

When I’m helping individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential, I’m reaching my own. And in service to others, I think that’s the best path for me to do that. Social work, I often joke, is so general. It’s everything from birth to death, from the individual to policy to the macro level.

And as a former politician and policy maker, social work is the opposite end of the spectrum. The ethics and morality of politics is dismal. Where my code of ethics and what’s required of my service as a social worker is fulfilling. It helps me reach my full potential. No offense to people in business or anything like that. I really enjoy helping others.

What are your next steps?
It was great that the course was clear about next steps [to become a licensed SUD counselor]. The minute I finished the course, I wrote the state exam. Now I’m just trying to find a volunteer opportunity where I can start collecting hours to someday get my license.

It’s going to be hard for me [to find volunteer hours] because I have a full-time job that I love. But what I must do is somehow build a partnership with a community-based organization or a clinician who is already doing the work and have them come to the Odyssey Project. Traditionally, the campus is not prepared to serve the folks that we serve at Odyssey. Our students tend to be single Black mothers with kids or BIPOC people at the poverty line who have never thought they’d have an opportunity to go to school. If that doesn’t work, I am looking for some type of community-based organization. I can’t personally go and give 20 hours somewhere [because I am already working full-time].

I learned so much from the course. Now, whether I go on to get licensed or not, I think, ‘How can I help others raise their level of awareness?’ I am so appreciative of this opportunity. There’s so much more to learn. It’s a lifelong endeavor, I’ve discovered.

Are you passionate about helping others? Do you have a family member struggling with substance use disorders? Or, do you work in a role helping individuals dealing with similar diseases? Even if you are not in a position to become a licensed counselor, consider completing the SUD certificate program to broaden your knowledge base and learn practical skills to support others. Contact an Enrollment Adviser today at 608-800-6762.

Note: UW-Madison students and alumni are eligible for a 10 percent discount in the course.

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