Whether you’re fresh out of your ADN program, are an experienced nurse looking to advance your career, or transferring from another nursing program looking for more flexibility, the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN through UW Flexible Option can help you earn your bachelor’s degree on your terms. With an award-winning competency-based learning format, you can fit school around your life — not the other way around.
What Makes UW Flexible Option Stand Apart From Others: Competency-Based Education
The key benefit of the UW Flexible Option RN-to-BSN program lies in its competency-based approach to education, which allows you to flex your coursework around your current schedule. In addition, you’ll receive personalized support from enrollment advisers and success coaches to build an Academic Plan of Study that provides a roadmap to degree completion.
While many assume that competency-based education (CBE) is test-based, the UW Flexible Option RN-to-BSN program utilizes written assessments so that you can show what you know about various topics. The capstone course allows you to select a non-patient centered quality improvement project to implement at your workplace.
Other benefits include the ability to:
- Start any month instead of waiting for months for a new semester to begin. New subscription periods begin every month.
- Complete coursework when it fits your schedule – there are no live lecture times or required log-in times.
- Transfer in up to 72 credits. UW Flexible Option will work with you to apply as many transfer credits as possible.
- Take one course or “all you can learn” each 12-week subscription period with our flat rate tuition model that respects your time and money.
Personalized Support For Your Unique Situation
It’s hard to define a “typical” UW Flexible Option nursing student – some students choose to take several courses at one time. Some might take more courses during a winter or summer break or when their kids are in school. The time you can devote to studying is largely dependent on your individual situation. (Keep in mind, you should expect to spend nine hours per week for each three-credit course you enroll in).
As you contemplate what it might be like to become a UW Flexible Option nursing student, consider which of these scenarios apply most to you:
- A registered nurse who has gained experience in the field over several years and is now required by their clinic or hospital to get their bachelor’s degree. If your hospital provides tuition reimbursement, one option may be to enroll in as many subscription periods per year as they’ll pay for, and take one or two courses per period as your work schedule allows. If there is no set timeframe to complete your degree, this may be a more realistic option for those working full-time – especially those who are frequently on call or work multiple overnight shifts. If you are faced with a degree deadline, a UW Flexible Option enrollment adviser and success coach can help you determine how many courses to take each period.
- A nurse who is transferring in from another nursing school. In the UW Flexible Option, we try to apply as many transfer credits as possible. Note: there are specific general education course requirements to meet as well as a minimum of 30 credits taken through UW-Milwaukee.
- A working professional who is getting a second degree as a career-changer. Your work and life schedule will largely determine how many courses you should take during a subscription period. If you are between jobs, taking more courses can reduce tuition costs. If you are working full-time, you may choose to pursue a less aggressive pace. Remember, you can always take a subscription period off as needed – with competency-based education, there’s no waiting around for a new semester to start, and all courses are offered every period.
How to Make the RN-to-BSN Program Your Own: Scheduling Tips
UW Flexible Option has students in a variety of life situations who have done some creative things to get their work done, including:
- Creating a cohort. While the RN-to-BSN program has no rigid cohort requirements like some online degree programs, some UW Flexible Option students have made their own study groups with colleagues or friends in the program.
- Studying alongside family. Some student parents have found success studying alongside their kids at the dinner table each night, setting aside time for homework, and holding each other accountable. Other parents do coursework while waiting for kids at sports practices or tournaments. In fact, there are several UW Flexible Option student couples, in which both partners are getting their degrees at the same time.
- Using downtime on the job to complete coursework. Depending on your employer, you might be able to study at work. If your employer is offering tuition reimbursement for your degree program, this may be an opportunity to ask if you can do coursework during slow periods (if you have them!).
- Setting aside time to do homework at a library or other third space. Studying at home may not be possible due to roommates, family members, or lack of space – and studying at work may also be impossible depending on the nature of your job. Creating a schedule where you can visit a “third space” like a local library can help you set aside dedicated time to get your work done.
Are you ready to learn more about how to make UW Flexible Option work for you? Connect with an enrollment adviser today by emailing flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.