Advice on Going Back to School

Going back to school is a big decision and, for many of us, a big commitment of time and money.  Before you make the leap into an educational program, there are a number of factors you should consider, and many people you should talk to about them.

You should be a wise consumer and treat this experience like you would buying a car or any other expensive item.  Talk to friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. and see if they have opinions about the program you are considering.  When investigating schools and programs, you should ask some of the following questions:

1.            What is the schedule like?

2.            What is the course load?

3.            How long will it take me to graduate?

4.            What grade levels will I have to maintain?

5.            Are there services like tutoring available?

6.            What other types of educational support does the school give?

7.            Who are the typical students who are enrolled in this program?

8.            Is the school accredited?

9.            What types of financial aid are available?

10.        How do I apply?

11.        What types of jobs will this program prepare me for?

12.        How many graduates pass licensing exams (if licensure is required for your field)?

13.        How many students graduate from the program?

Go to information sessions that college departments hold on their programs.  Contact the department directly to find out when and where they are held.

IMPORTANT:  Speak with managers or recruiters familiar with the field you are going into.  Ask them their opinion as to which schools and/or degrees or certificates they prefer.  Not all college programs train you the same.  Each program has a slightly, or sometimes drastically, different course load and approach.  Managers and recruiters have opinions on which train you the best to handle the challenges of working in an acute care hospital environment.

Here are some additional tips on how to evaluate a college

 For other ideas about how to better prepare for college or higher education, click here