Back to School???

[Torget]

For various reasons I am considering going back to school to change careers. I already have a degree but this economy hasn't been kind to that. So, I am looking into the medical field.

Has anyone else changed careers mid-stream? any thoughts?

[Mr Douglas]

At the rate we're going, you'll have to raise your child from birth, not unlike an Olympic athlete, to be a cashier at Walmart.

[HoosierHelen]

For various reasons I am considering going back to school to change careers. I already have a degree but this economy hasn't been kind to that. So, I am looking into the medical field.

Has anyone else changed careers mid-stream? any thoughts?

I'm in my mid 60's now ...at 40 I made a career change and it has been the right thing for me.

The medical field seems to be very stable and growing in need with all of us Baby Boomers coming into elder care needs. When I drive down Dupont Rd in FW and look at all the movements Parkview has made to the landscape, geography, etc in that area...I can't help but believe they are aware of an explosion of demand of their services to support these overwhelming investments in change that they are making. My early childhood was spent in a farmhouse off Dupont and Diebold rd. That house has been torn down, but everytime I drive by that intersection I am overwhelmed with the change of the geography. Low level ground in the past is now high level ground. AMAZING!!

Apparently the Medical Field has strong potential if you look at Parkview's investments on DuPont.

[Todd Ianuzzi]

For various reasons I am considering going back to school to change careers. I already have a degree but this economy hasn't been kind to that. So, I am looking into the medical field.

Has anyone else changed careers mid-stream? any thoughts?

Some areas in the medical field are growing well, a few are not. Currently, the LPN field is somewhat shrinking, as CMAs and CNAs take over some of their former duties, and the RN market is loosening up. I am told that RN jobs are getting tight in Fort Wayne, but easier to get in very rural areas.

Here are some DOL figures from 2008. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ooh.t01.htm

[tdl_auburn]

The medical field seems to be very stable and growing in need with all of us Baby Boomers coming into elder care needs.

And as the Baby Boomers die off there will be massive layoffs in the industry due to no longer being needed.

[Graygleam]

And as the Baby Boomers die off there will be massive layoffs in the industry due to no longer being needed.

I am pretty sure that will not be a problem for Torget, should he or she enter that field. (unless, of course, he or she works for a REALLY long time)

[Torget]

I don't consider that a problem either as I will be 50 upon graduation in 6 years. The early baby boomers are starting their retirements now and that will be opening several jobs in many career fields over the course of the next 10 years or so, and then the drop off won't be in full swing for about 20 years or so, at least that is my estimation, by which time I will be retired as well.

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

Torget,
an MBA might be a good degree, too--depending on what undergrad degree you earned.
but i think employers like hiring people with management potential.

[Todd Ianuzzi]

I don't consider that a problem either as I will be 50 upon graduation in 6 years. The early baby boomers are starting their retirements now and that will be opening several jobs in many career fields over the course of the next 10 years or so, and then the drop off won't be in full swing for about 20 years or so, at least that is my estimation, by which time I will be retired as well.

How long can you devote to school? Can you go full-time, or will you go part-time. Will you commute to school or move to a bigger city.

[Torget]

Will be going full time and commuting to Ft. Wayne.

One more thing I would like to add, I read today an article about Gen "Y" and they outnumber their parents (Baby Boomers) 80 mil to 76 mil so I don't think there is going to be any shortage in the medical field for a long, long time.

[Todd Ianuzzi]

Will be going full time and commuting to Ft. Wayne.

One more thing I would like to add, I read today an article about Gen "Y" and they outnumber their parents (Baby Boomers) 80 mil to 76 mil so I don't think there is going to be any shortage in the medical field for a long, long time.

Torget,

If you can go full time, then you have lots of choices. Two and four year RN programs are available in Fort Wayne. If you have six years, you could do a four year at IPFW and avoid the high tuition at the proprietary schools. A year or two could get you a PTA or OTA aide assistant certificate. Or a surgery techniciana certificate.

And if you are really good at biochemistry, Manchester college will be opening a Pharmacy school in 2012.

[hideaway70]

Does anyone have any knowledge of, or opinions about WGU (Western Governors University) ? I understand it is a state-endorsed, online university which operates on a competency-based basis, as opposed to credit-hours. I have been considering, much like Torget, going back to get a Master's, but I am exploring online degrees, because of time and distance. Any advice?

[Torget]

Thanks for all of your comments.

There are several choices available to me and I'm going to have to wait and see what particular field grabs my attention as I get some pre-req's out of the way.

Hideaway, I wish I could help, but I had never even heard of that school before, so I am not going to be of any help on that. I would suggest you search the internet, but you've more than likely already done that and found out some info already. Good luck to you in your Masters quest.

[HoosierHelen]

Does anyone have any knowledge of, or opinions about WGU (Western Governors University) ? I understand it is a state-endorsed, online university which operates on a competency-based basis, as opposed to credit-hours. I have been considering, much like Torget, going back to get a Master's, but I am exploring online degrees, because of time and distance. Any advice?

I've seen adds done by Gov Daniels that promotes this school. I don't know much else about it?

[Graygleam]

I've seen adds done by Gov Daniels that promotes this school. I don't know much else about it?

Possibly he has money invested in it?