College Help

Check out St. Kates. Their mpls campus houses several certificate and 2 year medical programs including coding and Health information Management. They also have 2 professionally staffed social workers whose main job is to help students who are parents (access and success is the name of the program). They also recently announced their School of Health and offer much "laddering" program up to graduate in healthcare.

S., go to your local library and research college grants, check with your local hospital and college for available money. There are also Stafford loans. Talk to a counselor at the school. There is a lot of money available for school. I went back to college at 39 years old and became a registered nurse. I got a job in a hospital in Intensive Care right out of college and then I worked in the Emergency Department for many years. I loved nursing. It is a rewarding career and this country is about 500,000 nurces short right now so there is job security. Good luck. K.,RN .

Hi S.-
I just went back to school to complete my bachelor's degree in nursing. I have 2 kids, ages 2 and 3 weeks, and I have started my second class. I decided to take online courses because it would be difficult to attend a class right now. Online courses are great, as long as you can stay motivated. And yes, they are expensive. I decided to pay as I go, and save up money and take a class when I could instead of taking out loans. I am still paying off previous school loans though, too. It might be beneficial for you to talk to an advisor at the tech school and see what jobs would be available for you in the areas you are interested in and what method of schooling would work the best for you. I am really enjoying the classes I'm taking though, and I would encourage you to go for it! And yes it is scary, but education is never a waste of time.

M.

Hi S. -

I too am a SAHM with two kids, ages 2 and 4. I went back to school full time in January 2005. I take all of my classes online. I won't say that is hasn't been difficult, because even though I stay at home, I rarely get a chance to do school work during the dfay. Most of my homework, etc. gets done after everyone is in bed for the night. The thing with online classes is that they require you to physically participate in discussion at least four seperate days per week. I have a very busy life so sometimes it is very difficult to get everything in. It is important to me, so somehow I always manage. I will be graduating in Dec. 2009 with a double major in Business Mnagement and Marketing. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Hi S.,
Couldn't bear the idea of college again....sahm is the world for me but I understand the need to help out with the finances. I have been with Jewels by Park Lane for 17 years now and even when I was giving birth to my son and not venturing out because of colic, I was still making a full-time income. I can't imagine putting my son in daycare. I would worry all day. Feel free to email me for more info and good luck with your decision. ____@____.com

S.,
I have been in the medical field for over 20 years. those are both good positions but a less costly postition would be Medical Transciptionist. The schooling is not very long at all and i know alot of mom's who contract with local hospitals or clinics and do the transcription from home. You can have the best of both worlds, in a way. I highly recommend looking into this position. It also pays pretty good.
S. Stone

I started college when my son was 2, and found an internship the semester before I was to graduate - which turned into a job. It was hard to fix our schedules (both my ex and I were in college at the same time, plus he was in the Reserves and ended up deployed to Saudi for 9 months) but the college had a great day care program.

I went back for my master's nearly 10 years later and did that one online. It has certainly helped with my career.

If you're going to do it - and you really want to - just do it. Be careful of "online" programs, however, and make sure the college is properly accredited. There are too many poorly accredited colleges out there offering degree programs that are looked down up in the "real world".

L.

I am an instructor at a technical college and at a private four year college. I think both are fantqastic places to gain an education. For more direct employment schooling, the technical college is the place to go. They have very high employment rates of their graduates. Technical colleges also have some online courses. I have taught both in person classes and online classes at both of the instutiuons that employ me. You must be a committed, disciplined learner, who never procrastinates to be successful as an online learner. This is not meant to discourage you, but the truth is the success rate for out online learners is not as high as for those who are in person learners.

S.,
I was in your situation. And I don't know your location but I'll try to give you a gist of what I discovered and what I've done and hopefully this helps. I am a face-to-face learner, reading a book helps but doesn't quite do it, so the on line courses weren't for me. I have to be in front of someone to learn. I do have a friend that took them and she also attends college so she can spend more time at home and it works out fine for her, she's a good learner that way. But she doesn't take the hard courses, the easy courses on line. (The prerequisite courses.) I put all of my classes on 2 days, so I only have 2 days away from my family. Tuesday I go from 9:55 am to 3:00 pm a break, and then 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for my last class. Then Thursday I go from 7:45 to 2:55. All the rest of my homework, studying, projects, I do at home. Some are required online. This way I get the face to face learning experience, and minimal time away from my family. I am always busy, but fit in my schedule and school and my schedule at home. You can also take all classes at night 6-8:30, they say till 9:00 but usually we get out at 8:00. So I believe you can fit whatever you want to into your schedule. You have to sign up for FASFA online, to see if you qualify for grants (don't payback) and when you receive that information back you can sign up for student loans for the rest. I know that seems scary, I am going for Registered Nurse, I am 37 years old and I am loving it. Staying this busy and juggling everything keeps me going. I chose Scott Community College because it was cheaper, and they offer the 2 year, 4 year, or 8 year programs. I never have to switch to any other college. So not matter how old or how busy you are, you can do it!!!!!! I hope this information helps you.

C.

Hi S.,
I know this is a huge leap to take! I am currently getting my Master's degree and teaching license from Augsburg. It's quite pricey, but what I appreciated about them is that their weekend college program allowed me to balance school with family (and when I first started, a full-time job). Over the years, they have been supportive in my pace and education track, even taking two "maternity leaves" without penalty. Looking a the cost, it didn't look great on paper, but the flexibility has made it worth it. And for financial aid, 1 class is considered part-time, and 2 is full-time. So my suggestion would be to look at how a school allows you to balance it all (class schedules, professor availability, time off, location, etc.). This is the end will ultimately help determine how much you like the experience. Good luck!!

I am just now graduating after 7 years of college, and only with a degree in Liberal studies because I couldn't make up my mind. I found out something that I wish I would have known about before I started all this. If you are considering the medical field... (first of all look at the demand for the job you are going in to), look at radiology. Alot of the major hospitals offer these programs. The hospital that I looked at was going to cost me 2-3000 for 2 years, not each year, for both years, so like 1-1500 a year. The best part is that in most places you start out at a nice mid-level income. And of course if you specialize you get more, like in mri or ct scans (those are the most sot after positions). The draw back is the schedual is kind of screwy when you get in to rotations. But I would definently look in to it and alot of them have 100% placement.

As for online classes, they are hard because you have to teach yourself and have a lot of time to do them. Honestly this is something that some people can do and some people can't.

And for the choice between the two you are looking at I don't think there is a whole lot of demand for med coding just because everyone is going to computers that do it for them now. Accounting is tough but there is always a need for them not as big as radiology but still a demand.

Sorry it is a little long winded but I hope it helps. I'm a pro on college now.... after 7 years you'd hope so!!! he he

Hi S.,
Yes it is a big step to enter into the college world and the expense of doing such is scary too. I was a single mom w/ 3 little people when I got my GED and went back to college. I graduated in 1989 and have been a Registered Nurse for close to 20 years now. It has been a rewarding career both professionally and financially. My children are now adults and I am a grandma of 5 little people. I remember being a little hesitant about taking that BIG step into the college world......but one thing is for sure I know that I will never be without a job no matter where I go, there is such versatility in being trained in the medical profession and the demand for those who are trained in that area just keeps growing. I am back in school for the second time in life, in October of 2008 I will graduate with a double major (health services leadership and psychology) and then it is off to get my Master's degree in psychology. I encourage you to take this step, jump in with BOTH FEET and you will not be sorry you did so. If you are hesitant to spend the money in education, ask yourself this question, what will that 15K do for you and your family long term? Consider it an investment and GO FOR IT! GOOD LUCK
Sher

Hi S., I'm a now single mother of 4 children and started online schooling with Axia's University of Phoenix's online school program. I absolutely love it. I'm currently going for Accounting. I never thought I'd be able to go to school financially and time wise until I found them. My enrollment counselor is the greatest, he showed me how to get started and I would recommend this to EVERYONE who has young children at home and want to get a degree. For me, my time is very limited but the online classes don't take much time at all. I amazingly got a student loan, something I didn't think I would qualify for, given my divorce and all that went with it. The counselor’s are really there to help you get threw and really show they care about your success. If you have any problems or questions they are only a phone call away. I’m not sure what we are aloud to post in our answers but I’ll give you his number. If not look up online and when you contact them ask for Vangelis as your enrollment counselor He has been such a wonderful help to me. (800)545-6042 ext. 34406. I wish I would have known about this long ago and hope to let anyone and everyone know about it. Because I look at my life and so many of those I know and see how it could have helped them tremendously in the past. Good Luck!!

Hey S.
I think there are a log of things to consider here. You seem to be an open minded kind of person. I would only recommend going to college if you are truly passionate about what it is you are after. College is VERY expensive. Even tech schools are expensive. You are also taking a huge risk. A lot of my friends graduated and had a hard time finding work in their field even with an education. I truly believe for stay home moms that are looking to earn an income, you are better off learning the home based business's. Find one that you love and learn how to market it. There are a lot of ways to learn this business and if you devoted as much time to as it would take for you to earn a degree, you would find your self with more freedom than you could have ever dreamed. Not only that but most offer a lot of nice incentives. Trips, residual income opportunities and discounts on their products for consultants. Anyway there are a lot of ways to search for the perfect business for you right on the internet. I would be happy to help just send a message.

Good luck! :)
R.

with online studies you need to be highly motivated person. if you can get the training/schooling cheaper -DO IT. the schedule is temporary and with structured class schedule you'll have time to study and get assignments done.

Do you know someone in the field, or how did you choose your career choice? with you selection you should have no problem getting a job, however if you have a foot in somewhere its easier - employers look for experience or a personal connection

S.,
With today's economy, it's hard to make schooling decisions. Figure out why you are interested in coding/billing/admin or accounting. I've worked in coding and billing and it is not very interesting and does not pay as much as you would think (no disrespect to the coders and billers out there, you perform a wonderful much needed service). Are you interested in those positions because you want to stay at home and work? You have to be careful there as well -- looking for stay at home work. There are some reputable companies (I stay at home and work for one of them) - but there are a lot that are not so reputable.

Have you looked into grants and scholarships? Contact your local representative, your county offices, and church - a lot of those places have scholarships!

If you decide to pursue an education, great! It helps you to become a more rounded person, and that will make you a better parent. It's also a great example to your children. Having said that, don't go out on a limb financially and put yourself into big debt. You can take one class at a time if you have too. So what if it takes ten years? What else would you be doing?

Good luck S. and keep us posted.

D. Brown
www.debrareneebrown.com

Hi S.! You've gotten a lot of varied and good responses here, so in the end, I think you're going to have to decide based on what you really want. Are you thinking you need to go back to school just for the $? As some moms suggested below, you might be able to do work through a temp agency and find a position that transitions into a full time job (my brother went this route). If you're looking at this as a long-term career move, then it might work for you to go to school. But otherwise it might involve too many trade-offs, like not enough $ to cover the child care and the stress of working and parenting. I don't think you need a college education to get a well-paying job, and sometimes (as you suggest) college doesn't lead to a job.

Or do you feel you need a college degree to get a good job or feel good about yourself? Is this something you're doing to fulfill a personal dream? Is this something you're doing FOR YOU to help you accomplish your dreams and follow your heart? Would you be choosing a profession that you care about, or at least a profession you think you could do well? Would it be something you'd be willing to sacrifice for? (I would ask whether you're interested in a 2-year, tech degree or if you want a liberal arts education--what will satisfy your needs in this regard?)

If it's a dream, then I think you should seriously consider college now or in the future b/c you're more likely to make it work than if you feel it's just something you have to do and you're settling for whatever position you think you can earn easily. I find that it's hard to make sacrifices for those kinds of half-hearted interests. And school will involve sacrifices.

College can be hard, especially for non-traditional students trying to balance families and fit into the college groove. A tech college might be a good alternative, but it will still require sacrifices (as you're already aware)--will the result be worth the sacrifices for you? Is this a long-term project such that you could go slowly (like 1 night class/semester) that would minimize your time commitment and allow you to do the work w/o making you and your family crazy in the meantime? And then with both kids in school go more extensively? Again, what would you be working for? Another plus to a tech/community college campus is the instructors are used to working w/non-traditional students and are more flexible than a traditional 4-year college/university.

As for the online option--my husband looked into such programs for his sister. He was very impressed w/Herzing College's program. They did offer a 2 year (full-time) degree for a medical records processor (something like that). They have a very good placement record and have a strong career placement center that you always have access to as a student. It's more expensive than some programs but similar to or cheaper than most traditional campuses. Doing online work would help take care of many of the scheduling problems.

In the end, I think it's really based on your goals--why you're looking into this, what you're willing to sacrifice, what your time-frame is, and what you hope to achieve. You've already put a lot of thought into this, and in the end, I think you could probably take any option if you know why you're doing it and are prepared.

I actually went to school for my PhD. I found my initial field was not something I could invest all of myself in at the expense of my family (I had 2 kids over the course of my 9-year degree). I switched fields I could enter w/my heart and was happy there but eventually decided to stay home w/my kids and try to write on my own (something I'm trying to work out now)--I was tired of the stress of teaching/working and being a mom. I would take seriously the other mom's post about how hard it is to do homework w/small children under foot.

I'm in the reverse position from you, but I would say it can be done--you can accomplish your goals. Sometimes getting a degree after kids is easier than getting one before kids, ESPECIALLY if you have a supportive partner/ spouse (and extended family close by is even better) and aren't trying to do it on your own. Just be sure you know what your goals are! Do something you believe in so that you can take the sacrifices involved.

Good luck w/your decision! J.

I don't know the schedule you keep, however free schooling is hard to pass up. I have heard daycare cost breaks are possible - the school may be able to direct you there or the Workforce Development office (unemployement office) in your county. Also check out the schools job placement statistics - some have 90% or better and you usually have a job before you finish schooling. I hope you can do this. The extra time management skills and patience you need to get through it I believe will be well worth it in the end. Also, never be afraid to ask for help. Good Luck

Congratulations for going back to school! I admire women who will put forth the time and energy into their own education while raising children...kudos!! I would highly recommend the tech school. While there you will build relationships with instructors, other students, day care professionals, all people who will be vital in your success. You will build your own support system so to speak. Just interacting with others is so useful and when graduation comes around, the networking you have done will surely pay off. Online education can be very frustrating. The computer systems are sometimes timed and if you have technical problems you can be stuck. Also, if you are not truly focused...it can be a serious challenge. Good luck to you...I wish you the best.

Hi S.,

Definetly go back to college. I personally would go to college (not online)-it will help you a lot in the long run. Even though it's expensive (and it is I know-I went to a university for 7 years (changed major end of 4th year)-paid my own way as family is poor-and I couldn't get grants or anything). I did get a job before graduating. I am very happy I got the education and won't tried it for the world. Currently, I'm not doing the job I got out of school and was in search for a different one in the field, so I worked other jobs to pay bills and kept looking for what I wanted to do. And just recently, I interviewed for a job I think I'll love. Waiting on the call to accept though. Things look awesome. So I can speak for not having a job that you went to school for too and how low that feels and the searching process. But having a college degree-no one can take it away. Go for it. Find a way to work it out with your kids-you won't regret it. Loans are loans, I have them-probably be forever until they are paid-but they are what they are. I know phd's that don't have loans paid for yet-but it's still worth it. Hope this helps. J

I went back to school online at Capella University while pregnant with my third child. I'm going for my Bachelor's in Information Technology specializing in Health Informatics. I love going online because I can do my homework during nap time and bedtime and it doesn't take away anytime from my kids. I'm not currently working and receive financial aid and pell grants which is very nice because after my tuition is paid, I end up with some extra money for bills. I just had my baby a week ago today and my next class starts in one month and it's nice knowing I can still stay home with them and further my education without worrying about daycare. If you want any information about Capella University I would love to help. I know somebody else had mentioned University of Phoenix but they are more expensive and fa doesn't usually cover the costs for tuition.

I have taken a few online courses. Most of the schools I had looked at were about the same as tuition in state schools. Generally they were pretty cheap as college comes. Tuition can be very expensive! Some of the private schools I looked into were $20,000 and up per year! So $6 grand a year is actually quite inexpensive, comparatively speaking. Online schooling is only for individuals who will do the work without direction or someone standing over them to make sure they do it. It saves a lot of time, because you don't have to do all of the work unless you need to learn that info (some of my class work was optional, and was only necessary as prep for tests), you don't have to commute or find babysitters or even get dressed to go to class.

Ultimately I didn't get a degree online because I really missed the classroom. I prefer to be involved in class discussions and such, and so I will start school again at a later date when we can live close to a college that I want to attend.

If you do decide to go online, remember that financial aid is available by filling out a FAFSA which you can do online at http://fafsa.ed.gov . Also, be sure that the school you use is accredited and not a scam diploma mill or something like that. I think one of the things to ask the school is "are you qualified for Title IX funding". Not all schools that aren't qualified are necessarily diploma mills, but only accredited schools qualify for this funding (which comes from filling out the FAFSA). Good luck, and it's not as hard as it sounds.

P.S. I forgot to mention, the school that you choose might also have scholarships to help out with the money issue. I think the first step is finding a school and applying. After you are accepted, fill out the FAFSA and talk to someone in their financial aid department about how to fund your "education."

Hi S.,

I'm a gen. ed. instructor at one of the tech colleges and my husband is also a student there. The tech schools offer a variety of classes at night, on the weekends and on-line. My husband started out at ITT Tech which was extremely expensive ($1,600 a class as opposed to 200-300 at the tech college) and has switched to the tech college and is taking classes online because he travels so much. You could always try a class or two at a tech college to see if you like it before making a financial commitment there or elsewhere.

Good luck,
L.

I graduated from a state college and it took me 6 months while in school and 3 months after I graduated before I found a job. I know 2 people who have done online schools and they both regretted it. Both coding and accounting you can do through a temp-to-hire agency (and get paid) and if you find a good fit with the company you are wokring for they might put you through school. I had $8000 in student loans when I graduated and it took me 6 years to pay if off.

I went back to college when I was pregnant with my first. I took off one week after having my daughter. I soon had to realize that it was more important for me to get sleep and spend time with my baby then to get the perfect grade. I went to a tech college and got my associates degree in accounting. It did take my 3 years instead of 2, but it was worth it. I was employeed right after I graduated and still am. I am only paid $11 per hour, however, I have a job where I only have to be there when there is work for me to do, and only have to stay until I get it done. Some weeks that means 2 hours. Other weeks that means 40 hours. And I have the flexibility to take a week off or come to work at midnight. It works great with juggling home life and work. Good luck! I hope you are happy with what ever decision you make.

Single mom of 2 girls, 5yrs and 16 months.

S.,

I truly understand you wanting to go to school and get your college degree. I was a single mom until my oldest son was five years old and took whatever jobs I could find until I was married. I was able to go to college for one year when I was 22 and placed my son in daycare. I married during semesters of that college year and completed the second semester. Soon after finishing that year of college I gave birth to my second son.

When my second son was 6 months old, I went to work full-time and left both of my sons in the care of a very good friend who lived less than a block away. I was very fortunate to have her.

Over the course of the next 13 years I took a college class or two each semester if I could find one that fit my degree path at the local community class in the evenings. My husband was willing to take care of our sons while I enhanced my education. At the age of 35, I returned to college at a 4-year university and completed my degree in 2-1/2 years due to the classes I was able to transfer from my first year in college and from community college. Graduating at 37 wasn't my original plan.

I did attempt an online class or two and found I did not possess the structure or disciple for them. I was always being interrupted by one of my family it seemed, and became difficult for me to return to the computer and get back into educational mode.

Even though I worked full-time and sometimes part-time to supplement our income, I was able to take out less in student loans than I would have had to if not for the extra income. I was 37 when I graduated and had no difficulty finding a job before graduation.

Taking what I call the "15-year plan" to complete my education gave me the freedom to spend time with my sons, attend their important functions at school, and to watch them grow. It also reduced my stress level only taking few classes at a time until I was ready for the rigor of university life. It worked for me, but I would not recommend it for everyone.

You have to search your heart, see what you are willing to sacrifice in terms of time and money, and decide how it will impact your children. There were times when my patience ran a little thin wondering if I ever would accomplish my goal. However, to cross that stage to receive my diploma was one of the brightest days in my life. My prayers and blessings are with you.

V.

Hi, S.!

I have never gone to school online, but I do teach Environmental Science online. Online is a great education and much more convenient than traditional college. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a hectic schedule to work around. You can go when it is convenient for you. Feel free to e-mail me if you have specific questions. Good luck!

Hi S., I did not start college until my oldest was 2, and I am so glad that I did go back to school! I will have my associate's degree in health sciences in July, I will continue on for my bacchelor's degree. School will not be as hard as you might fear. I was able to pay for school with Pell grants and only took out 2 small subsidised student loans. NEVER take out an unsubsidised loan. As far as being torn over what to major in, just relax! There are plenty of general ed classes that you will have to take, just go general ed for awhile unitl you make up your mind, it is perfectly acceptable to have an undeclared major for awhile. I have taken some online college classes and I have done very well in them, but I have taken them through the university that I attend, not through some online only college, those are bad news. Your credits from an online only college are unlikely to transfer to a regular college. But many tech colleges and universities these days offer classes online, just ask! My best advice is to take things slowly, it is hard to get homework done with kids around, try taking just two classes your first semester. I went part time 2 classes a semester until this year when I started full time. Even part time students can get pell grants and other forms of financial aid. As far as getting a job right after graduation, don't count on it, it can take awhile to find the right job, but in the long run you will be able to get a much better job with better pay if you have a college degree vs. no degree. Good luck, you will do great! Us non-traditional students work harder and usually get better grades than the 18 year olds going to school on Daddy's dime and partying their brains out every night, they have no clue how important a good education is but we do, we are trying to make a better life for us and our children!

Hi S.,

Why not check out in-home businesses. We have more moms making more than their hubby's! It's fun, less stress & you can be an executive in your own home for less than the price of going to college! The training & eductaion are FREE & you can do it in your home, on-line, at night in your jammy's if you want! You'll be earning as your learning! Ha! We will be there to help you reach your goals & celebrate your successes! We are a wellness company that focuses on educating & helping others learn more about healthy alternatives.

Our group is actually creating our own "Cashmere Mafia".
If you haven't seen the show, it's my favorite! Wednesday nights 9pm central.

Think about it...

Please visit our website: http://yourchoice.momsmakemore.com

S.,
I got my BA traditionally before having kids and graduated with a bunch of student loans. I got my Master's online (mostly). I didn't borrow money while working on the first half of my MA because I got a scholarship. However, being a single mom with two kids working full time and attending grad school was not mentally or physically a good thing. So, I got student loans to be able to stay home and finish my degree. I did get a job right after finishing school however I was not able to keep it for more than a year with having two kids with special needs. And, I paid thousands of $ in daycare. I have made the decision that I will plan on a career job when my kids are older. Right now I need a job to pay the bills and will devote my time to my kids. I have a lot of student loans to pay but currently defer them. All I can say is be sure in the career path you want to take before attending college. Make sure it is a field you truly love and will want to work in. Best wishes and whatever you decide to do, make sure it is the right decision for you and your kids. L.