American Public University (APU) provides students access to higher education with more than 180 affordable degrees and certificates to prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse and global society. Dan Mikeska graduated with a degree in Sports and Health Sciences with a concentration in Sports Medicine, and explained what he liked about APU, including how the degree has helped him.
CS: What drew you to getting an education through APU?
DM: I originally looked into online education because like so many other online students, I have a job and a family, so I was able to fit the flexible, asynchronous format into my life. APU was in the final phases of achieving its accreditation, and after looking into the program and the school, I was fairly certain that would happen.
CS: What was beneficial about your experience with APU? What did you learn?
DM: The most beneficial aspect was that as a working student, I was able to immediately apply what I learned to my job. This benefitted my clients, other trainers with whom I associate, other health professionals with whom I associate, and ultimately my business.
CS: Would you recommend APU to other students? If so, why?
DM: The first thing I would recommend to everyone: start, finish, continue, your education. It is never too late. APU has flexible classes, is affordable, has professors who are experts in their given fields and has one of the only concentrations geared towards fitness trainers who want to be considered professionals.
CS: How will your education through APU help you at your current or future job?
DM: As the owner of fitness studio, I network with a lot of other health professionals such as chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, orthopedists and more. The knowledge I gained allowed me to communicate with these other professionals using their jargon so that I could gain their trust and respect. They trust that when they refer a client to me, I can help.
CS: Is there anything about your education that surprised you?
DM: The biggest surprise is that I actually enjoyed school, so much so that I have since earned a master’s degree and I am now working towards a doctorate. I first started college many years ago in a regular classroom with 20 or 30 other students. We sat and listened to lectures, took notes, then took tests. Distance education is more student-focused where the assignments are applicable to life and build on past experiences.
CS: What would you like other students to know about APU?
DM: I am in touch with some of the administrators of the school. They care so much about the welfare of the students that they meet with industry leaders on a regular basis to find out what is going on in the workforce so that the programs and classes offered are relevant.
Lastly, if you don’t start, you will never finish. I was in my 40s when I graduated and the accomplishment was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you don’t try it, you will never know how worthwhile and gratifying it can be.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
