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Kaplan University
Brittany Wilkerson
Patient intake representative
Class of 2011, bachelor’s degree in health science
Kaplan University
Brittany Wilkerson knew that she needed to earn a degree if she wanted to advance her career in the health care industry. But as a patient intake representative working the night shift in the emergency room, her college options were limited. Taking the factors of time, money, and location into consideration, she began looking for a school that would provide her with a realistic way to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
“Kaplan was the best choice for me because of the overall convenience,” she said. “I was able to work around my schedule and complete my class work and other online assignments.”
As an online student, Wilkerson completed two courses every 10 weeks. Kaplan University structures all undergraduate programs around a 10-week term, allowing students to take a one-week break in between each one. During these academic terms, Wilkerson said she found class assignments to be relevant to her program of study and challenging, noting that online classes require a lot of research and writing.
“Since you have only 10 weeks, the classes can be a little bit harder than [those of] an on-campus student because you are trying to consume more information,” she said. “However, it is just like going to a summer program at your local university.”
Wilkerson certainly knows the value of hard work and time management. She worked full time throughout the four-year program. When she wasn’t working in the emergency room from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., she used her free time to focus on her classes, which she described as fun, intriguing, and educational.
“The classes are set up where you can work and go to school,” she said. “You can set up your seminars to work around your schedule and are also given enough time to complete assignments and projects.”
Along with convenience, Wilkerson found that one of the biggest advantages of being an online learner was working at her own pace. On the down side, she recognized that a virtual classroom also has the disadvantage of lacking the face-to-face contact with professors and classmates that on-campus students get to experience. But even with the lack of physical interaction, Wilkerson didn’t have any difficulties or issues as an online student and frequently communicated with faculty and staff.
“From the day I enrolled and spoke with an advisor and financial aid officer, until the time I graduated, I had no problems,” she said. “I went to an on-campus university prior to Kaplan and had numerous problems. The process is really easy, and the advisors, professors, and staff are always available to help if you need it.”
Given her experience with the institution, Wilkerson said that Kaplan University has a great program for working students and adults, and she feels as if it should receive more positive attention for the quality of its educational offerings.
“It is a really great school; I feel it should be recognized more. The professors were excellent, and I had a really great time attending this school,” she said.
Wilkerson graduated in the 2011 and said she’s very satisfied with the education she received from Kaplan University, crediting the undergraduate health science program with helping her become more knowledgeable in her current field.
“I feel that my education at Kaplan has helped me succeed in my current position,” she explained. “It has taught me skills and knowledge regarding health care industry and health science.”
While Wilkerson is still working as a patient intake representative, she is looking forward to a promotion in the near future. When asked whether it will make a difference to her employers that she earned her degree through an online program, she said no. According to her, along with its growing popularity, online education is gaining respect. Wilkerson believes the idea that online education lacks legitimacy is becoming more and more outdated.
“I feel our society is changing,” she said. “I feel in the past that might have been an issue. But everything we do is online these days. Especially in today’s economic times, many students have to work and go to school to advance in his or her career.”
