Online Degree in Respiratory Therapy For a California Bearcat

With seven kids under the age of 15, Aaron Jones has a life full of distractions. 

"I told myself to take it one day, one semester at a time,” the California resident says of completing his bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy through the online program at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciences.

Jones, who graduates Aug. 8, says he was surfing the Internet one day looking for employment opportunities when an advertisement for UC’s online degrees popped up. "I tell people that the university chose me; I did not choose it.”

While filling out the form, he says, "I thought that it would be nice if I had the time and money and that was it. Next thing I know, I was receiving a call a couple of days later from an academic recruiter explaining how not only should I do it but could do it. … Before long I was more than half the way complete and it seemed the dream was becoming a reality.”

It is now the summer of 2015 at the University of Cincinnati and Jones says: "I am a graduate and alumnus and a Bearcat for life, and that means everything to me. It puts me at so much of an advantage society-wise, and for my kids I can show them what they can accomplish with goals and a direction.”