Full-time Firefighter/Paramedic

[dpsaila]

Your Location: Chicago, IL
Your Age: 28
What kind of degree do you want?: Bachelors in Business then ultimately Masters in Business or if it makes more sense to transfer into Bachelors of Science I am all for that. 


I work 24hrs every third day as a full-time firefighter paramedic and plan on doing that till I am retired unless something crazy happens. I would like to work part time in sales on my days off and ideally in the medical field due to my experience as a Paramedic. 

I am completing an AAS through a community college at the end of December which has awarded me 56 credits and a GPA of 3.8.


I have recently been researching competency-based learning programs. I stumbled on College Hacked and learned about Sophia/3rd party courses along with Degree programs that allow a lot of those credits to be transferred. 

Funds are not an issue, however, I would like to be as efficient with my time as possible/finish my degree as soon as possible. Work is also willing to contribute up to $8k/year for bachelor's and $10k/year for master's but would not be eligible to receive reimbursement until 2024/25 school year. 

What I have thought about doing is obtaining as many credits through CLEP/Sophia/Study.com starting in January 2024 and registering for Bachelors/Masters program and starting during fall semester maybe at UMPI??? I like unproctored exams and online competency-based learning.

Looking for advice on which Business Degree would suit my part time career goal in medical sales and best and which school to do it through. Also would appreciate a guide on Sophia classes from easiest to hardest and how to best game plan earning those credits. 

Thank you!