Marjorie Rosen, Bryan University Healthcare Program Director and Director of Advocacy for the Arizona Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) was interviewed to discuss the generational difference trends in higher education.
Marjorie states, “Often, Generation X has considered a bachelor’s degree as the starting education level they need to make money, but younger generations don’t value the degree as much. Those students want certificates and micro-credentials with a fast turnaround time so they can quickly identify what they’re good at and passionate about and get jobs.”
Along with generational differences in higher education, Marjorie spoke about skill-based credentials for both employers and learners. After coming across findings reporting the average of those who are more likely to get jobs with micro-credentials, she chose to revamp Bryan University’s Healthcare pathway. She states, “I created a stacked approach by aligning my entire HIM program — from certificate to bachelor level — as one big vertical, allowing students to exit at different points that make sense for them.”
To continue on the topic of the benefit of micro-credentials, the upside of upskilling became the next point of discussion. According to a 2021 Gallup survey, workers who participate in short-term programs (micro-credentials) to learn new skills earn more than their peers. Upskilling can even lead to being the chosen candidate for a job versus another individual who didn’t take initiative in enhancing their skills with micro-credentials.
The conversation ended on the topic that non-degree credentials can close the coming knowledge gap. Meaning, if you provide a pathway sooner for individuals to enter the career, you’re helping to bridge a gap.
Marjorie notices a similar transformation among her students. She says those who began in the coding certificate program over a year ago are already halfway through their bachelor’s coursework! “They’ve decided they want to understand and influence policy, so they’re pursuing their master of public health. Their mindset has shifted while they’ve been in school and working because they’ve seen HIM firsthand,” she says.
In closing, Marjorie shares that the stacked approach Bryan University takes with its programs can incentivize individuals to earn their bachelor’s degree, even if it wasn’t a part of their original plan. “Employers set the pace for the curriculum, and they want skills and micro-credentials to demonstrate what you’re good at,” Marjorie says. “So I say embrace the change and use the opportunity to cash in and differentiate yourself from the next person.”
To read the full article, please visit the AHIMA Journal here.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bryan University and its stacked healthcare program offerings, click here.
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