So you are considering going back to school to further
your education. Once you have decided
that this is what you really want to do, the next step is to consider the best
way to accomplish it financially.
Decide What Your Course of Interest Is
You will need to decide exactly what you plan to
study. If there is a particular area of
interest to you, that in it can provide a starting point for you. Do some research, and determine where the
classes are available, and are they available online. Often times, online continuing education
courses are considerably less expensive that attending class at a college. Once you have the course of study choice
selected, start checking to see where the necessary classes are offered, so
that you can get an idea of what the financial obligation will be for you.
Explore where there is a Need
You may have several ideas in mind of what you are
interested in learning. Perhaps one or
more is in desperate need of medical personnel.
Should that be the case, you may qualify for a grant that will pay for
you to take the required classes in order to work in that field. Check out the job postings at your current
employer. Is there a shortage of nurses
with expertise in a particular field? If
so, your employer may actually pay for you to attend school and get the
necessary degree to fill the open positions.
Plan Ahead
Two things you should always try to remember is: never
settle, and never stop learning. You may
love your job, which is great, but after some time, consider taking the next
step and furthering your career by going back to school. As soon as you can start, invest in an
education savings account. Take a little
money from each paycheck and put it in a savings account dedicated to
continuing education. Talk to your
immediate family about your desire to go back to school. Ask what their thoughts are, and explain why
you want to return to school. Some
planning ahead will make things run smooth once you begin classes, a little
money saved up will make it easier on you so that you don’t have to worry so
much about finances once back in school.
Scholarships
Check into available scholarships, either through your
employer or through nursing organizations.
You may find one available in exactly the field of study you want to
pursue. It may prove beneficial to
schedule a meeting with your human resource manager to ask if they are aware of
any scholarships or education funding programs, since they usually stay up to
date on information pertaining to continuing education.
Related: Licensed
Practical Nurses (LPNS)
Networking
Do not overlook networking and socialization. You may encounter people that have
information on financial assistance, or discounts for nurses to continue their
education. Gatherings of a multitude of
people are essentially bringing a multitude of ideas, so be sure to take
advantage of any information offered, and don’t hesitate to ask people anything
as you interact.
Family and Friends Support
Depending on your financial needs, asking for some
support from close family members and even friends may not be out of the
question. Suggest that at holidays or
birthdays, they skip the gift and instead contribute to your education
fund. Most people would consider it an
honor to give the gift of education and job security, not to mention the
knowledge you will obtain.
Your decision to further your education will depend on
several factors, the main one being if you have a family. The impact it will have, with you not being
available as much to your family, needs to be considered. Remind your family that their support of you
returning to school will benefit all of you in the long run. Have a plan in place so that you are not trying
to figure things out in addition to attending school and studying. Be sure to check and see what only classes
are available, this can save both time and money, and many schools now offer
classes that you can attend virtually.
Deciding to continue your education is a great step in furthering your
knowledge and career. A little
pre-financial planning can make the experience a good and rewarding one.
Related: International Nurses Association
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