Governor Scott Walker along with some leads of the University of Wisconsin system made a big announcement on Tuesday at St. Clare's Hospital in Weston, introducing a new online degree model through the UW - System.

"This gives us one more way to fit the need, need for both students, particularly non-traditional working, adult students, as well as our institutions," says Governor Walker.

The flexible online program will allow you to start when you want and work at your own pace. It's also competency-based, meaning you can get credit for what you already know. Chancellor Ray Cross says, "This will allow you to pick up what you don't have in modules so you aren't necessarily paying for a whole course because you might know much of this, all you have to do is prove it."

The president of Ministry Saint Clare's Hospital says they're already excited about the new online degree model. President Mary Krueger says, "An employee whose working here who wants to get their degree can stay working here, living here, and complete their degree online."

Not to mention, employees can add to their knowledge base by getting other degrees they may be interested in, which she says ultimately benefits the students. "We need a skilled workforce, we need people who are familiar and can work well with technology, they need the skills to be able to practice in this kind of environment and having access to an educational program that prepares them for that, and it will improve the quality of care."

The program is expected to be up and running within a year. "What we're talking about here isn't just about finding higher education, but a direct correlation between people filling jobs out there today," says the Governor.

The program will start by offering programs in three fields: Health, Manufacturing and Engineering and IT/Software.