Flexible Degree" program makes earning bachelor's degree easier

"It will allow us to connect all of our primary care physicians, specialty physicians and hospitals with the patients themselves," said Bellin Health President George Kerwin.

But lack of skilled workers is leaving some growth industry jobs unfilled. So, the U-W System is starting the "Flexible Degree" program. Students with some college credits or extensive work experience learn at their own pace in a competency-based field of study. It can be done online or on campus.

"Can you prove that you know this, and can do it, and do it at a certain proficiency level," asked UW Colleges and Extension Chancellor Ray Cross.

U-W officials say the flexible degree program not only gives nontraditional students that highly desired degree for that current job, but a key to the future as well.

"But there's also that component that's really important as well to be considered, as well. That's to move up," said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Tom Harden

Governor Walker told Bellin Health administrators and staff he believes the "Flexible Degree" program is poised for growth.

"It's not going to be difficult to add to that if we find other areas where there's great need from the the employer base and from the potential employees base," the governor said.