UW Flexible Option Team

5 Ways Travel Nurses Can Earn a BSN

August 15, 2022 -

The number of travel nurses has increased dramatically over the past two years. This doesn’t come as a surprise—there are several benefits of travel nursing. Some include traveling all over the world, staying at one location for a short period of time (often 12 weeks), experiencing a variety of patient settings, and additional compensation for housing and travel.

Travel nurses are often interested in continuing education, but aren’t sure how to fit earning a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) into an often unpredictable schedule. Fortunately, there are resources and online degree programs built with travel nurses in mind:

1. Search for a flexible, online BSN

As an American travel nurse, how do you work and study from anywhere in the world? Earn a 100% online BSN so that location isn’t a factor. Finding an online program that’s compatible with your highly changeable schedule is key.

The UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing, offered through UW Flexible Option, offers courses through 12-week subscription periods—approximately the same amount of time as a travel nurse assignment. You can enroll in one course at a time for a fixed rate with no out-of-state tuition markups. Or, if you’re looking to move at a faster pace, choose the “All-You-Can-Learn” option, and enroll in as many courses you’d like during a single subscription period. Tuition rates are guaranteed for the entire time you are in the program, so you won’t be surprised by a tuition increase.

2. Enroll in a competency-based education program

Beware: Not all online BSN degrees are created equal. To maximize the skills you already have, make sure to choose a competency-based education (CBE) degree format. For example, the online UW-Milwaukee BSN, allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule, with no set log-on times, and no group work to complicate your study plans. You move through the program by completing projects and passing assessments, where you can utilize your established nursing skills. Also, the CBE format means you can start any month of the year.

Travel nurse, Erica Wildes, wears a face mask and face shield while workin during her shift. — Erica Wildes, travel nurse and graduate of the UW-Milwaukee BSN program.

3. Choose a degree program that allows you to take breaks (without losing progress)

Students in the online UW-Milwaukee BSN are able to complete the program in as fast as six months. However, taking the pace that works for your travel nurse schedule is highly encouraged. Whether your travel assignment becomes challenging, you have upcoming plans, or you just need a break from school work, pausing your studies is never penalized. With no traditional semester schedule, you can pick up right where you left off and resume your academic plan when you return.

“It was great to know taking a break was an option and not something that would hurt me in the long run. I knew taking that time off would make me more likely to keep going.” —Erica Wildes, travel nurse and UW-Milwaukee BSN graduate

4. Complete a capstone that seamlessly integrates with your travel nurse role

The capstone is the final, immersive course in a BSN program. Your knowledge and experience is applied within your current work practice setting as a travel nurse. Previous students of the UW-Milwaukee BSN program have been actively involved in quality improvement initiatives at their places of work; engaging in committees, audits, and more.

“Our students practice nursing in diverse settings all over the country,” said Nicole Simonson, UW-Milwaukee BSN Academic Program Lead. “We are creative in supporting our students so they are able to actively engage in their capstone, wherever they are.”

With short travel assignments that can take you all over the world, you might wonder how a travel nurse can complete an in-depth capstone when moving around. Travel nurse and UW-Milwaukee BSN graduate, Erica Wildes shared her experience:

“I thought my capstone project would be hard because I was temporarily working in Virginia. I ended up splitting up the class—collecting data onsite, but then completing the class after I left the Virginia hospital. Nicole completely molded the class so that I could be successful.”

5. Apply for tuition reimbursement and scholarships

If you work for a travel nurse agency, contact your employer to see if tuition reimbursement is offered. With many hospital systems pushing for all registered nurses to hold a BSN, there may be some assistance available in covering tuition fees.

Additionally, you may qualify* for local and national nursing scholarships and grants:

*Thoroughly check to make sure you qualify for specific scholarships and grants. This is not an exhaustive list. Regularly check for updates and deadlines throughout the calendar year.

As a travel nurse, you are positioned for an exciting career that can literally take you anywhere. Don’t let the busyness of your work schedule make you second guess your ability to earn your BSN! With the right online program, pursuing higher education is well within your reach.

If you are a motivated travel nurse who prefers to create and manage your own deadlines, the 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing, offered through the UW Flexible Option, might be what takes you to the next level of your nursing career.

Call or email a helpful, knowledgeable enrollment adviser to get started at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Full-Time Travel Nurse Earns BSN Her Way Through UW Flexible Option

July 14, 2022 -

Erica Wildes, a travel nurse based out of Boston, started her career in an unlikely place—accounting.

Nursing had been an interest of Erica’s for a while, but she was discouraged from pursuing the profession at first; doubting whether she was ready. But after working in accounting, she gained valuable relationship management skills while working with clients that boosted her confidence.

“When I went to college at 18, I wasn’t positive on a career,” Erica said. “After graduating with my business degree, I worked in accounting for a few years, and that was when I realized nursing was absolutely what I wanted to do.”

Shifting gears, Erica completed her associates in nursing from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and began working as a registered nurse at UW Health, a level I trauma center. UW Health’s employment contract required Erica to complete her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) which prompted her to research BSN options that fit her often inflexible nursing schedule.

“I had some coworkers at the time who had completed the online UW-Milwaukee BSN program through UW Flexible Option,” Erica said. “They turned me on to the program, and after I learned more about it, I just knew that UW Flexible Option was going to fit my needs.”

Flexible Pacing for an Unpredictable Profession

The UW Flexible Option format allowed Erica to take control of her coursework and busy schedule. She was able to earn her degree by leaning on her already-established nursing experience, completing projects, and passing assessments. This format has no live log-on times, and she was able to start courses every month.

“When I decided I wanted to start taking courses in January, I didn’t have to wait until June,” Erica said. “Keeping the momentum was a big part of my success.”

Inevitably, Erica’s nursing schedule would get hectic, and sometimes coursework couldn’t be top priority. She took a two-month pause in between courses at one point because she needed to slow down and re-pace herself.

“It was great to know taking a break was an option and not something that would hurt me in the long run,” Erica said. “I knew taking that time off would make me more likely to keep going.”

And keep going she did! In August 2021, Erica completed her UW-Milwaukee BSN within four years while working full time as a nurse. During that time, she also started working as a travel nurse—first in Virginia and now in Massachusetts. Highlights of her time in the program include the Nutrition course, in which she was able to take course learnings and apply them the next day in her role, and her final capstone course with Academic Program Lead, Nicole Simonson.

“Nicole couldn’t have been more flexible and geared toward my success,” Erica said. “I thought my capstone project would be hard because I was temporarily working in Virginia. I ended up splitting up the class—collecting data onsite, but then completing the class after I left the Virginia hospital. Nicole completely molded the class so that I could be successful.”

Countless Possibilities Ahead

Today, Erica has been working as a travel nurse in medical-surgical departments for more than two years. Before moving to work in Virginia and Massachusetts, Erica had lived in Wisconsin her whole life. Becoming a travel nurse has opened up many exciting possibilities for her career.

During various COVID-19 surges in the U.S., Erica was one of the first nurses sent to hospitals in need of staffing COVID units. Working in smaller hospitals through the ups and downs of the pandemic has brought Erica new experiences and connected her with many peers and colleagues.

“I love the craziness of it,” Erica said. “I’ve been working three 12-hour shifts a week, and I still get the benefit of a great nursing schedule while being able to explore a different part of the country.”

Now with her BSN, Erica looks forward to growing as a travel nurse. A big goal on the horizon is eventually returning to school for her master’s in nursing. And, in the distant future, transitioning from bedside nursing to oncology.

When asked to share advice for current or prospective students of the UW-Milwaukee BSN program offered through UW Flexible Option, Erica is quick with encouragement:

“The UW Flexible Option program is great for people who have big, important components in their life,” Erica said. “Whatever the case, you can mold the BSN program to fit your life.”

—

Interested in learning more about the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, offered through UW Flexible Option? Our enrollment advisers are available to answer questions you have. Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu

Employer tuition reimbursement program helps RN to BSN student fund degree

September 2, 2021 -

Have you been wanting to return to nursing school to complete your BSN, but are unsure how to pay for it? Vikki Surerus asked herself this same question when she considered how to build on her ADN to earn a BSN. She approached her employer and was able to use her company’s tuition benefit to return to college.

What Vikki discovered about her workplace is true of many health care providers. Employers attract, retain, and develop strong nursing teams by offering tuition reimbursement. This helps practicing nurses return to college to advance professionally. “I would not have gone back for my BSN without the tuition benefit. It can be hard for working women to think that they should invest in themselves,” Vikki explains. Fortunately, many employers recognize that an investment in their employees strengthens their organization so they can better serve their clients, patients, and communities.

Vikki learned about tuition reimbursement from the administrative team at her workplace, the Barrett Care Center in Minnesota. She worked with that team to put her tuition reimbursement benefit into action. After a thorough online search, Vikki discovered the UW Flexible Option RN to BSN program, offered by the College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “I was attracted to this program because UW-Milwaukee is reputable and has a long history of delivering online education,” Vikki notes. In fact, the College of Nursing regularly earns industry recognition for their quality work, and has several award-winning faculty.

A flexible online RN to BSN program

Vikki’s employer does not limit the number of courses she takes each term, and her tuition benefit also covers the cost of textbooks. In the UW Flexible Option RN to BSN program, a student can enroll in one course at a time; or for twice the tuition, students can enroll in as many courses as they can complete in one subscription period—which is 12-weeks long. Vikki enrolls in one or two courses each subscription period, depending on how much time she has for study.

The program flexibility was also a plus for Vikki. “I like the self-paced nature of the program and that I can carry my studies from one subscription period to the next,” she explains. In the UW Flexible Option, Vikki works at her own pace to master the material, and she can enroll any month of the year instead of waiting for a new semester to start.

Vikki interacts with her instructors around her work, and she is guided through the program by an Academic Success Coach. Vikki’s Academic Success Coach (ASC) helps her design an academic pathway that works with her schedule. Her ASC also assists with time management, and connects her to resources at UW-Milwaukee.

Some workplaces offer scholarships through their foundations and from donors. To learn more about your employer’s policies, start by connecting with Human Resources and your unit manager. Employers usually communicate this information through regular email and intranet resources, or through employee benefits training.

How can you make this benefit work for you?

With the UW Flexible Option RN to BSN degree program your tuition reimbursement benefit goes further. The Flex Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition rate for the entire time that you are enrolled in the program. And if you take advantage of the unique All-You-Can-Learn tuition rate, your tuition reimbursement benefits can go even further. UW-Milwaukee supports employer tuition payment plans for all of their programs, including several other healthcare-related degrees. There is no application fee to get started.

Contact your HR specialist to begin your conversation about tuition reimbursement availability and eligible programs. For example, UW-Milwaukee’s nursing program is a preferred educational partner for Advocate Aurora. Program faculty, students and graduates have worked with many other health care providers, listed below.

Check with the human resources department at your or any of the organizations listed to confirm if tuition reimbursement is available. For more details about the program, tuition, or enrollment, call an enrollment advisor today at 1-608-800-6762 (1-877-895-3276), email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu, or submit an inquiry.

UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN programs ranked in Top 25

August 26, 2021 -

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN degree program has been ranked in the top 25 in the United States by TopRNtoBSN.com.

The 100% online nursing degree offered through the UW Flexible Option is one of the three RN-to-BSN options at UW-Milwaukee. The other two RN-to-BSN programs can be taken face-to-face at UW-Milwaukee or online through BSN@Home.

“I am so proud of UW-Milwaukee’s commitment to innovative programming in our BSN completion programs. It is an honor to have our program recognized at this level,” said Nicole Simonson, director of UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN completion programs and clinical assistant professor. “Our students and alumni are impacting the profession of nursing daily through patient interactions, quality improvement projects, and community health education.”

The online UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Here’s How an Associate Degree Can Advance Your Career

August 5, 2021 -

Are you thinking of changing careers but not sure which direction to go? Have you been thinking about going back to school, but struggling to identify which subject to study? A liberal arts associate degree may be the best solution for you. It can help you gain the skills you need to level up in your career and increase your earning potential.

What is an 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. 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. Associate degrees prepare graduates with foundational knowledge and skills—such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, and resourcefulness, and can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree.

What is a liberal arts associate degree?

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 degree focuses on exposure to a diverse array of disciplines and new ideas.

Study diverse topics, gain applicable skills

Choosing an area of study can be a roadblock for some when choosing to go back to school. There are so many different options, how can you choose just one?

With a liberal arts associate degree, you don’t need to choose a focus area. The program features a wide range of topics, including courses in English, arts & humanities, computing, math, natural science, and social science, among many more. Within these courses, you’ll learn applicable and marketable skills that can be used in any job area, such as communication and problem solving. Taking a variety of courses to earn your associate degree allows you to work in classroom test environments geared to help you learn and strengthen real-world skills. For example, a labs-based science course helps you become foundationally competent in critical thinking and problem solving, while a web page development elective fine tunes your attention to detail and creative thinking.

By learning about a variety of topics, it can help you narrow down an area you want to earn your bachelor’s degree. An associate degree is a key starting place for over 200 majors. You can learn more about how an associate degree leads to a bachelor’s degree here.

Learn more, earn more

Besides acquiring useful and relevant skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to increase your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it pays to earn your associate degree. In 2019, the median weekly income of someone who had a high school diploma was $746. The median weekly income of someone who had an associate degree was $887. That’s a median income increase of $6,768 per year.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Visit the website for an interactive graphic.*

An associate degree can also help you earn a bachelor’s degree, which could also increase your earnings substantially.

Types of jobs for liberal arts associate graduates

Earning your associate degree can open the door to many career opportunities that require education beyond a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree. A 2021 Indeed career outlook article provides a range of entry-level business, customer service, caregiving, and administrative positions that can be held by liberal arts associate degree graduates. Some of these positions include: receptionist, customer service representative, administrative assistant, and more.

According to a 2021 Emsi job posting report for liberal arts associate degree-level occupations, administrative waste management and remediation services, retail trade, and professional technical services rounded out the top three hiring industries.

Across all industries, potential employees are expected to have a number of skill sets, such as customer service, sales, communications, management, and leadership.

Earn an affordable associate degree, on your schedule

The liberal arts 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 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 questions you have about the content, and can help point you in the right direction for academic resources.

A path to your dream job

UW Flexible Option associate degree graduate Victoria had the goal of becoming a math teacher. She wanted to begin by working a flexible schedule as a substitute teacher, but she needed an associate degree first. The UW Flexible Option allowed her the flexibility she needed while raising her children.

“I know that a lot of people go through what I’ve experienced: failing at college, struggling in a class, or having trouble at work, and it wears you down. It can really hurt your spirit,” she said. “But finally being able to get a degree—it can restore you.”

Are you ready to advance in your career? Call an enrollment advisor at 608-800-6762 or 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 format may be best for you.

How Criminal Justice Professionals Can Impact Their Communities with Substance Use Disorders Counseling

August 26, 2024 -

If you’re working in a corrections role, you probably know that many inmates in correctional facilities suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD) and will continue to struggle with this disorder unless they receive more support.

About 63 percent of people in jail and 58 percent in prison have a substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). At least 1 in 5 people in the U.S. are locked up for a drug offense, with 361,000 incarcerated for drug offenses on any given day, according to a Prison Policy Initiative report released this year.

Nationally, substance use disorders are more common among people who are arrested (41 percent), and people incarcerated in federal (32 percent) or state prisons (49 percent) than the general public (8 percent). Every year, at least two million people with substance use disorders are arrested, with about half a million people in state and federal prisons meeting the criteria for such disorders when they’re admitted (Prison Policy Initiative).

bar graph from the Prison Policy Initiative showing that people who have been arrested or incarcerated have higher rates of substance use disorders than the rest of the U.S. — Source: Prison Policy Initiative

Given the increasing prevalence of these disorders among people serving time, correctional personnel and criminal justice professionals feel compelled to help more than ever. However, many professionals may feel unprepared to take on this role due to lack of training, and current efforts dedicated to helping those serving time with substance use disorders are relatively ineffective because they tend to be more punitive and overlook the needs of specific populations, says the Initiative.

If you find yourself needing a formal SUDs education, but aren’t interested in pursuing a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) license because you’re fulfilled in your current role, you are not alone. Gaining SUDs training and knowledge through a flexible certificate program can be the pathway for criminal justice professionals like yourself to build the confidence and skills to provide high-quality care without the commitment of a formal licensure program.

Who in the Criminal Justice System Benefits from Substance Use Disorders Counseling Education?

A scientifically proven approach to decreasing repeated drug use and crime once incarcerated individuals return to their community is to provide comprehensive SUDs treatment within the jail and prison systems. Criminal justice professionals and community members who can benefit from SUDs education and training include:

Probation and parole agents
Treatment court coordinators
Jail or prison program staff
Diversion program coordinators
Drop-in center case managers

With this specific group of professionals in mind, the 100 percent online UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program, offered through the UW Flexible Option, includes 360 hours of specialized SUDs education, designed to be completed in 24 weeks or less. The certificate program is taught by Pat Gutierrez, a licensed SUDs counselor who has 25 years of experience, 18 of them as a clinical supervisor. The program curriculum has recently been updated with new course material including practical applications, discussions, case studies, and much more.

Pat brings best practices in the field, information about trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and how to implement SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals. With trauma-informed care, a counselor considers events in the client’s life that may have led them to substance abuse but without re-traumatizing them, such as a house fire or domestic violence. As opposed to telling people what to do to recover, this approach is more about meeting people where they are and can be especially effective for those in the criminal justice system.

As part of your coursework, you’ll complete practical assignments like writing a treatment plan. You can also engage with fellow students through reflection papers, offering comments and discussing topics further. You’ll also have access to office hours with Pat if you need 1:1 help.

What Will I Learn by Earning a Substance Use Disorders Counseling Certificate?

By earning the UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate, you’ll complete readings, case studies, quizzes, and a summative exam where you apply all the SUDs knowledge you’ve learned at the end of the program. The well-rounded certificate dives into a variety of best practices, some of which relate directly to the work of criminal justice professionals:

The family system’s role in recovery
Collaboration with community-based SUDs support
Examination of what substance use disorders really mean
Working with individuals in early recovery.

Equip Yourself with a Substance Use Disorders Counseling Certificate While Continuing to Work Full-Time

Advancing your education and having a direct, positive impact within the criminal justice system can happen faster than you might expect.

Online learning is a great way to complete your education while continuing to work full-time. The certificate’s strength is rooted in competency-based education (CBE), which leans on your work and life experiences to complete topics you know faster and take more time on new concepts. This 100 percent online certificate was strategically built to expand your existing knowledge while you complete coursework on your own schedule with direct access to the course instructor. You’ll be able to apply concepts you learn on the job immediately that can make a real difference in your community.

Interested in learning more? Contact a helpful enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762 or emailing flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Earned the Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate? Your 8-Step Guide to Obtaining the SAC License

February 8, 2021 -

Whether you’ve recently completed an educational certification program, like the 100% online UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor certificate—offered through the UW Flexible Option format—or you’ve considered applying to the program, it’s important to understand your state’s counselor licensure process. Becoming a licensed substance abuse counselor involves crucial steps to ensure you are qualified with the experience to support a growing population struggling with substance use disorders.

Use this guide to help plan what’s next.

Before moving to step #1, make sure you check these boxes:

Start planning for how you will obtain an offer of employment, internship, or volunteer agreement with a licensed clinical supervisor that provides substance use disorders treatment. This is a required step to obtain the SAC-IT license
Complete the UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program. This includes:
- 100-hour educational requirement for Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (SAC-IT) license
- 360-hour specialized educational requirement for Substance Use Counselor (SAC) license

**The following requirements and processes are based on the State of Wisconsin and are subject to change. Check the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website for up-to-date information. This infographic guide is not a replacement for official guidance by DSPS—rather, it’s intended to help point you in the right direction.

You can only renew your SAC-IT license twice, so it is important that you have a plan for gaining the 3,000 supervised hours for the SAC license. For more information, visit the SAC-IT page on the Wisconsin DSPS website.

“Flexible and Accommodating” Diagnostic Imaging Degree Completion Program Helps Graduate Get Promotion

January 26, 2021 -

Christina Lozano needed to finish her bachelor’s degree in medical imaging as quickly as possible to earn a much-desired promotion. She was working full-time and wanted to prioritize work-life balance and her family. After researching a lot of programs, UW-Milwaukee’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging degree program offered through UW Flexible Option rose to the top of Christina’s list.

“You’d be hard pressed to find a program that is this flexible and this accommodating for the price,” Christina said.

Using her more than 20 years of experience in the medical imaging field and strong determination, Christina flew through the program and finished her bachelor’s degree in just 15 months—saving both time and money.

New found passion for teaching inspired by personal experience

Christina enjoyed helping students learn how to use diagnostic equipment in previous positions, but she didn’t decide to pursue teaching until after she faced her own illness.

“I had some really great medical help, and I had some not-so-great medical help,” Christina said. “These inconsistencies inspired me to want to teach patient care. I want to show technologists how they’re supposed to be, and why it makes a difference to patients.”

Christina was hired in 2015 as a part-time adjunct instructor in medical imaging at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. She loved teaching at the college and was thrilled when a full-time tenure track faculty position became available at the same institution. However, she was missing one important qualification: a bachelor’s degree. And, she needed it fast in order to be considered for the position.

UW Flexible Option affords maximum flexibility

The UW-Milwaukee Diagnostic Imaging program, offered through UW Flexible Option, is an ideal fit for working adults who are looking for an opportunity to choose their own learning schedules. Christina took full advantage of the “All-You-Can-Learn” option—which allows students to take as many courses as they want during a 12-week subscription period— taking at least three courses each subscription period. Instead of sticking to a fixed number of courses per semester, Christina could add a course as soon as she finished another.

“I loved having the flexibility to say: ‘I don’t have to wait 12 weeks for this class to be over,’” Christina said.

A program that utilizes work experience

The UW Flexible Option’s competency-based format allowed Christina to use her experience in the medical imaging field to complete courses faster.

“My work experience was so valuable for me in the UW Flexible Option program because so much of the program would build on: ‘What would you do in this scenario?’” Christina said. “Well, I’ve already had that scenario, so I knew what to do.”

The Diagnostic Imaging program also helped her gain confidence in her skills and knowledge, and it reinforced what she learned from working in the field for more than two decades.

“I would impress myself. I’d be like, ‘Oh, I do know how to do that,’ or ‘I know how this would work or how this applies,’” Christina said. “That was so encouraging for myself.”

On a fast track, but still supported

Despite her accelerated pace in the program, Christina was able to build meaningful relationships.

“I was on as fast of a track as the UW Flexible Option program allowed, but I had really great experiences with all of my instructors, my professors, and my academic success coach, Jane,” Christina said. “ I can’t speak enough about it.”

Academic Success Coach Jane Schimmel was always available to help Christina with anything she needed, including scheduling courses. Christina also connected with her professors, Susan Stalewski, the UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences’ Director of Academic Initiatives and Planning, and Jayne Wisniewski, discussing everything from homework assignments to program advancement.

Even though she finished the program quickly, Christina doesn’t think that students have to progress toward the degree as fast as she did.

“If somebody wanted to, they could take their time,” Christina said. “However, I would say it’s hard to find a program this flexible. I’ve looked everywhere. I know the other programs that are out there.”

Ready to enroll?

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging degree completion program is offered through the UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences. It is designed for licensed imaging professionals who are looking to build on their training and advance to the baccalaureate level. As a student, you will take a wide array of courses, including diagnostic medicine, business and technical communication, and pathophysiology. They are all taught by expert UW System faculty.

“You’d be hard pressed to find a program that is this flexible and this accommodating for the price.”

UW Flexible Option offers an affordable path to earn a college degree by: setting your tuition low, locking-in your tuition once you start, and providing a variety of student-friendly options to pay as you go. You can also use your current knowledge and prior experience, like Christina did, to progress faster toward your degree—saving you time and money.

Are you ready to earn your Diagnostic Imaging degree on your own schedule? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or email at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get more information.

How to Become a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor

November 19, 2020 -

It’s no question that 2020 is and continues to be a stressful year. We all are balancing work and life responsibilities in unprecedented times, and many are turning to alcohol and other drugs. According to a September 2020 report in the JAMA Network Open journal, U.S. adults say they are drinking 14% more to cope with the global pandemic, job loss, and overall uncertainty. Specifically in Wisconsin, drug overdose deaths continue to rise each year.

Now more than ever, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other behavioral health professionals are needed to provide resources and support to those struggling with substance use disorders. The UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program, offered through the UW Flexible Option, provides the 360 hours of specialized education that are a stepping stone toward earning a substance abuse counseling license. There are many additional steps outside of completing an educational certification program like ours, and frankly, it can be a confusing process.

With this in mind, we put together this guide to help you navigate the State of Wisconsin’s licensing process. The following information is consolidated from the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Please note that these requirements and processes are subject to change, so check the Wisconsin DSPS website for up-to-date information. This guide is not a replacement for official guidance by DSPS—it’s intended to help point you in the right direction.

Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (SAC-IT)

Completing the SAC-IT license is the first step for anyone who wants to pursue Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC), Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (C-SAC), or other advanced substance abuse counseling licenses.

To acquire the SAC-IT, you must:

Complete SAC-IT pre-credential education, as outlined by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
–The UW Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program fulfills the 100-hour educational requirement for the SAC-IT.
Provide evidence of current employment or offer of employment, internship, or volunteer agreement at a certified volunteer site that provides substance use disorder treatment.
Submit the DSPS “Application for Substance Abuse Counselor in Training” and pay the required fee.
Pass the Statues & Administrative Code Exam.

*Note: Obtaining the SAC-IT license does not allow you to begin practicing substance use disorder counseling independently. Instead, it allows you to start accumulating the required substance use disorder counseling hours under the direction of a licensed clinical supervisor needed to complete Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) license.

Tip! For those who are current social workers, counselors, or other behavioral health professionals, you may be able to use your current employment to obtain the supervised hours (provided that your agency meets state requirements and you submit the paperwork). However, if you’re not currently employed in a setting that would meet the state requirement, pay special attention to the SAC-IT requirement outlined by Form #2770. You are required to provide proof of supervision before you can get the SAC-IT, even if you finished your educational hours.

Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC)

Obtaining the SAC license is the next step after completing the SAC-IT license (see above). For most professionals, the SAC is the primary license to expand your scope of practice to help address issues with substance abuse in their community. The SAC designates you as a licensed substance abuse counselor who is eligible to work in various substance use disorders intervention and treatment settings in Wisconsin.

To acquire the SAC, you must:

Complete 360 hours of specialized education in substance use disorders through a state pre-approved program.
–The UW Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program fulfills this 360-hour specialized educational requirement for Wisconsin-based substance abuse counselors.
Submit the DSPS “Application for Substance Abuse Counselor,” including required documentation and pay the application fee.
Pass the National Certified Addiction Counselor I (NCAC I) exam, which is certified through the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) examination.
Pass the open-book Wisconsin Statutes and Administration Code exam.
*Note: You will already have taken this exam for the SAC-IT license.
Submit verified completion of 3,000 hours of work experience performing the eight practice dimensions of a Substance Abuse Counselor as outlined by Wisconsin DSPS.
–Hours of work experience must be supervised in accordance with Wisconsin DSPS Form #2749 Affidavit Regarding Supervised Experience.
–Hours must be completed within the five years immediately preceding your SAC application.
–3,000 hours must break down as the following:
–1,000 hours in substance use disorder counseling with at least 500 of those hours in a one-on-one individual setting.
–A minimum of 200 hours of counseling during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of application, of which 100 hours must be completed within an individual modality setting.

*Note: For more information, refer to the Wisconsin DSPS Substance Abuse Counselor page.

Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (C-SAC) and Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)

After earning the Substance Abuse in Training (SAC-IT) and Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) licenses, you may wish to continue on to higher-level licensing, which require more supervised counseling hours and, in some cases, advanced degrees. These pathways include Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (C-SAC), Advanced Practice Social Worker-Substance Abuse Specialty (APSW), and others.

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The 100% online UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate is a state pre-approved program that covers the pre-credential educational requirements for the SAC-IT (100 hours) and SAC (360 hours) licenses.

Completion of this program is just your first step on the path to licensure. You’ll still need to complete your required exams, submit your application and fee, and complete your supervised hours (none of which take place within this certificate). These supervised hours are contingent on your place of employment or through a certified volunteer site.

Designed to be completed in 24 weeks or less, the UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate—offered through the UW Flexible Option—is a self-paced, competency-based learning program. This means that you can expand on your existing knowledge and work experience to help you move through the program at a pace that fits your schedule. It’s ideal for current behavioral and mental health professionals looking to more rapidly expand their scope of practice.

Interested in learning more? Contact a helpful enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762 or emailing flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

First Health Sciences Graduate Says UW Flexible Option Was the ‘Best Decision’ for Her Career

April 24, 2020 -

When Jordan Schumacher called an enrollment adviser to learn more about UW Flexible Option’s online programs, she didn’t know what to expect. Working as a physical therapist assistant at an outpatient clinic in Washington state, Jordan had a fully stacked schedule, and the idea of going back to school was daunting.

Her previous online learning experience wasn’t ideal either. While she enjoyed the information she learned in the online BS in Nutrition program, the courses were structured like on-campus classes with inflexible deadlines, which didn’t align with her full-time work. After completing a few courses, Jordan decided to take a break.

UW Flexible Option graduate, Jordan Schumacher, holds her UW-Milwaukee diploma.

A couple years later, Jordan began researching online programs again. In her spreadsheet of contenders, the UW Flexible Option made the list.

“I had my first call with a UW Flex enrollment adviser, and it was phenomenal!” Jordan said. “I told her I wasn’t looking to change my career, but that I wanted to finish my degree so I could have more options in my future. The enrollment adviser brought up the UW Flexible Option Health Sciences degree, and it literally sounded perfect for me.”

Jordan was so blown away by her initial phone call that her program search ended. Ready to give online learning another go, she applied. Today, she is the first graduate of the 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences degree offered through the UW Flexible Option.

Finding Her Online Learning Stride

Students in the UW Flexible Option Health Sciences program have the ability to learn when and where they choose. Progress is not limited by a traditional semester or term-based schedule, and students are allowed to take breaks throughout their studies as needed.

Through an innovative curriculum, students focus on mastering competencies and skills by completing projects and passing assessments assigned to specific health science areas such as nutrition, technical writing, human pathophysiology, professional development, and more. In this flexible format, students are able to expand upon and apply their current knowledge and previous education to progress more quickly through the program.

Upon graduation, students receive their bachelor’s degree from the UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences, which is widely recognized by employers for offering the largest number of health-related degree programs in Wisconsin. The research conducted by the UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences faculty and staff encompasses groundbreaking urban and population studies, biomedical research, advances in movement science, rehabilitation research and development, applied clinical technologies, and disease-prevention approaches.

Students of the UW Flexible Option Health Sciences program are supported by UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences instructors who are active in their careers and have been recognized with professional and academic awards.

While Jordan is the first to graduate from the Health Sciences program, she is among more than 300 UW Flexible Option graduates.

The UW Flexible Option Health Sciences program was “night and day” compared to Jordan’s previous online education experience. With the “pay-as-you-go” option, she was able to accelerate her pace and complete assessments at a speed that worked with her job and responsibilities, not against them.

She started with the human pathophysiology courses, because she felt like she could find a balance of learning new concepts while applying her knowledge from working in physical therapy. To keep herself on track, Jordan created a calendar where she devoted specific times to finish assessments. This helped her see the big picture, all while feeling in control of her learning experience.

Two courses in particular, “Disability, Society, and the Person” and “Inclusive Disability,” directly applied to Jordan’s work, and she was able to use what she learned right away with her patients.

“I learned really beneficial information,” Jordan said. “It strengthened my perspective and how I communicate with people who have different needs.”

Succeeding Through Support

Jordan learned she was the first graduate of the Health Sciences program from her Academic Success Coach, Jane Schimmel.

“It was kind of crazy,” Jordan said. “I had no idea, and I was kind of emotional, to be honest!”

This accomplishment marked the conclusion of advising and support between Jordan and Jane. As an Academic Success Coach, Jane was Jordan’s go-to person for questions, concerns, or to just touch base. The partnership is one that Jordan doesn’t take lightly.

“Jane was involved with me and my education from the start,” Jordan said. “She would check in to see how I was doing with my courses or if I needed any support at all. Sometimes a professor would email me and Jane about a grade I received, and Jane would reach out to say ‘Oh my gosh, you are doing amazing!’ She took the extra time to say that she noticed my hard work, which meant so much.”

Jordan had a lot of concerns before starting the UW Flexible Option program. She was scared of the unknown about going back to school and constantly wondered if this time around would be different. However, all of her fears quickly dissipated thanks to the support she received and the freedom she had to make her experience her own.

“I think the best advice I could give to others who are scared to pick up the phone or to apply for the program is that you can make this program what you want it to be,” Jordan said. “You can take it as slow or as fast as you need so that it doesn’t overwhelm your life. I never knew a format like UW Flexible Option existed, but I’m so glad it does.”

Paying it Forward for a Better Future

With her bachelor’s degree now completed, Jordan feels accomplished, but she isn’t ready to slow down. Now, she wants to switch up her focus. Instead of prioritizing her own learning, she is eager to help teach others—particularly the student interns who come through her workplace.

“My next goal is to find a way to teach in a physical therapist assistant program and to become more involved with the educational side of my work,” Jordan said. “I have my degree and a job that I love, and now I am confident in branching out to other opportunities. The UW Flexible Option has been the best decision in the world for my life and career!”

Want to learn how the 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, offered through the UW Flexible Option can help advance your career and education goals? Contact an enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762 or emailing flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get started.

Determined UW Flexible Option Grad Furthers Education with UW Data Science Degree

April 1, 2020 -

In 2015, Madison, Wisconsin resident, Tim Drexler, a delivery operations support manager at South Central Library System, began looking for a degree that would prepare him for a more technology-focused career. As a self-described “Evolving Data Scientist,” Tim knew an online program would work best for his busy schedule. He considered Madison Area Technical College, but it offered programs with in-person class requirements that didn’t fit into his life.

However, University of Wisconsin Flexible Option caught his eye, especially its 100% online Information Science and Technology (IST) bachelor’s degree. It felt like an attainable next step that worked with Tim’s goals and around his work/life schedule.

It took Tim only 13 months to graduate from the UW Flexible Option IST program with a UW-Milwaukee bachelor’s degree.

“I can definitely say that I wouldn’t have made it through the UW Flexible Option without (Success Coach) Danielle Stertz’s help,” Tim said. “She was a great advocate and was always there to answer questions. I had some tough moments in that program, and I wouldn’t have pulled through without her support.”

This educational milestone motivated Tim to consider pursuing a master’s degree in data science. In 2018, he enrolled into the 100% online UW Master of Science in Data Science program (UW MSDS).

“UW Flexible Option was really good preparation for online learning in general,” Tim said. “I had experience within the learning system, and I knew how to motivate myself and manage my time, which are skills I continue to use in UW MSDS.”

Read Tim’s full story on the UW Master of Science in Data Science website.

Want to learn more about the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology through UW Flexible Option? Talk with an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.