As competency-based education gains favor with educators and adult learners, many fields of study not typically associated with the approach are embracing it.
So says U.S. News & World Report in its November 24 article that features the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging program.
The article, titled “Competency-Based Online Programs Address Needs in New Industries,” looks at a handful of online programs that are bringing competency-based learning to a variety of disciplines from health care to specialized engineering fields.
As the story notes, competency-based learning allows students to progress at their own pace while making use of knowledge they already have.
As the story notes, competency-based learning allows students to progress at their own pace while making use of knowledge they already have. For example, a student may find that he can move quickly through familiar material; or he can spend additional time studying material he has yet to learn.
By allowing students to work at their own pace, competency-based learning programs have the potential to produce a steady stream of graduates into fields where demand for qualified professionals is high.
Susan Stalewski, the Flex Option’s academic program lead at UW-Milwaukee, said the goal behind offering the Diagnostic Imaging program in the Flexible Option format was to give medical imaging professionals a convenient and personalized way to obtain the University of Wisconsin degree they need to advance more quickly into roles such as physician assistant and medical educator.
That’s good news for employers and aspiring adult degree-holders alike.
Read the full article here.
Is competency-based learning in your future?
If you are a motivated adult who would like to put your experience to work earning a new credential, check out our Flexible Option programs, including bachelor’s-degree completion programs in nursing (RN to BSN), diagnostic imaging, and information science and technology; an associate degree program; and certificate programs in business and technical communications and project management.
Find out more about competency-based learning and UW Flexible Option programs—call 1-877-895-3276 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to speak with a friendly enrollment adviser.
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Download an introductory guide (PDF) to the self-paced, competency-based UW Flexible Option programs, including details about costs, admission requirements, and more.