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.
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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.