Caedence Porrey always knew she wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree. She just wasn’t sure where to start.
“When I first started looking at schools, I realized how expensive it can get,” she says. “Then I learned that I could take all my general education courses at Fox Valley Technical College and transfer them to a university later. Once I heard that, I thought, ‘why wouldn’t I do that?'”
Caedence enrolled in the University Transfer–Associate of Science (AS) program, one of two University Transfer Degree (UTD) programs offered at FVTC. Through this program and transfer agreements, students can complete their first two years of general education courses at FVTC, earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree and transfer their credits to a four-year college or university to continue toward a bachelor’s degree with junior standing.
“I really like how flexible it is,” Caedence says. “You can take classes online or in person, and the instructors are amazing. If you’re struggling, they’ll stop and help you until you understand. You don’t get that everywhere.”
Before starting the UTD program, Caedence completed FVTC’s Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma.
“I started in the Nursing Assistant program because I’ve always been drawn to healthcare,” she says. “I liked helping people and wanted to see if that was the right path for me.”
After earning her certification, she began working as a certified nursing assistant. The experience gave her valuable insight into patient care and helped her realize that nursing was not quite the right fit.
“Working as a CNA was eye-opening,” she explains. “I learned so much about what nurses do, but I also got to see other roles in healthcare. That’s when I discovered the physician assistant profession, and it really clicked for me. It combined the science and the patient interaction that I love.”
University Transfer Degree at-a-glance
✔️ Associate of Science or Associate of Arts
✔️ 61 credits
✔️ Located in Appleton, Oshkosh or online
✔️ Part-time or Full-time
Popular Transfer Options:
Lakeland University
Marian University
Ripon College
UW-Green Bay
UW-Milwaukee
UW-Oshkosh
UW-Stevens Point
Many more
This program gave me the time and flexibility to figure out what I wanted to do while still moving forward. Now I have a clear direction and feel prepared for what’s next.
—Caedence Porrey
Now, Caedence is wrapping up her general education and science courses at FVTC before transferring to UW-Oshkosh to pursue a psychology degree and continue toward her goal of becoming a physician assistant.
“This program gave me the time and flexibility to figure out what I wanted to do while still moving forward,” she says. “Now I have a clear direction and feel prepared for what’s next.”
Caedence says her time at FVTC has given her more than college credits; it has given her confidence.
“I always tell people that coming to FVTC felt like being planted as a seed,” she says. “My instructors and tutors helped water that seed. They gave me the support I needed to grow, and now I feel ready for the next chapter.”
