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going to college at 50

Posted: Jul 21, 08 9:59pm

Hi You All-

I need to go to college. I am 50 and hubby is 64 with health issues. Right now I have gone back to a regular full-time job after 10 years in my own business. I am not very marketable. No College, a year of art school and 10 year old experience as an admin asst who never touch typed or took real dictation. I am making $10 and if anything happens to my husband I will never be able to support myself on that.

First issue- funding. There used to be grants for women returning to school after 35 but I don't see anything on the net about it anymore (I live in IL). We are in debt to our eyeballs so a standard student loan would be unrealistic I think.

2nd issue- I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I have had a 29 yr career as an antique dealer, lecturer, appraiser, estate sale conductor and even did a stint teaching antiques at continuing ed at the local community college. I am burnt out and quitting the business which isn't really a viable one with the current economy anyway. I worked many years as a nurse aid and then ward clerk at a local hospital and had i gone to college probably would have gone for nursing or P.A. Trouble is now I have a bad back and can't handle the physical requirements of medical work. I love art but have not really applied myself to it for a long time and would not call myself a fine artist anyway. I went to a commercial art school in my youth. Sometimes I think I might enjoy art history....but not sure how I would apply that anyway. So....I like medical stuff, art, history, research, people, I like to help people, have that sort of personality, I am somewhat mechaincally inclined but stink at math. I am a hunt and peck typist. Currently I work as a customer service rep taking catalog orders.

As I said I won't be able to support myself if something happens to Lou. He has a recurring pituitary tumor, has had a 5 way bypass and 2 stents and now has spinal stenosis and some signs of possible dementia. His kidney function worsens all the time. They are now checking him for another type of brain tumor. And his life insurance through work will end in 6 years. I won't have any life insurance to fall back on.

I don't think I have time for a phD. With working I am not even sure how quickly I can get a Masters.

Interested in any suggestions as to funding and suggestions as to what I might find of interest to study. I am at a loss. I have tried to figure it out and took an online test even.....which showed I would probably make a good funeral director!

Thanks!

Dawn

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back to college, career change

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29 Comments // 13 Members

MsV1300

Posted: Jul 21, 08 10:10pm

Hi Dawn: I have worked as a Respiratory Therapist for the past 27 years and I am returning to school next month for my BS degree. I encourage you to go for a medical, ie, Nursing degree. You do not have to do bedside nursing...there are many options in education, case management, etc, many non-bedside options for you now. The medical professions are virtually recession proof and the pay scales are great. Plus, you will never be without a job due to national shortages.I have thought of many reasons why this would not work and 2 years later I have not started. This year I am determined to start and will start next month. The biggest thing I have had to overcome is getting over my fear of getting started in the first place!!!

Dawn: Just do it...you wont regret it. Good luck :)

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DawnKroma

Posted: Jul 22, 08 7:33am

Thanks Kevita!

I appreciate your response. It is definitely something I am thinking about. You are right, being afraid or hesitant to do it, thinking about physical liabilities isn't a good way to get started is it?

I must admit though, as a respiratory therapist it sounds like you have the math skills I lack for this field LOL. It was one of the things that kept me from nursing school in the first place!

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Keith Kreitner

Posted: Jul 22, 08 7:38am

Hey Dawn,

Good luck to you. Dig your heels in and fight for yourself! I will start going to the University of Texas to get my masters in communication. The colleges offer online courses and that suits me to a tee. Check all the gov't funding and look for grants. There are plenty out there that go unused! Importantly, you know your situation and what you able to do. Before I leave do not forget to ask the college you want to attend for financial assistance. They are in the business of education and they will know of sources for funding.

Keith

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MsV1300

Posted: Jul 22, 08 1:21pm

No,no,no! For most of the Ancillary Health science professions...Respiratory Therapy, Radiography, Ultrasound.....mostly the national requirements are for college algebra for 2 year AS degrees. These can be done at Community college. If you live in a location that has a Nursing school they will also have a department of Ancillary services. If you are going to school for advanced degrees, Bachelors or Masters then you will need statistics. I feel your pain, I too hate math and are fearful of failing in class, but this is the biggest hurdle to overcome. I have watched more friends achieve these same goals and they tell me there is sooo much assistance now with internet tutoring for the math.With a AS degree the entry level pay nationally is about 50-60K. If you are interested in my profession, Respiratory Therapy please check out our national organization AARC...American Association for Respiratory Care: www.aarc.org

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Rella

Posted: Jul 22, 08 8:52pm

Hello you all,

I'm new, but really glad that I joined. I have been debating on going to college, and wether it is worth it, and how to get funding.

A little snag for me is, that I'm originally from germany, so all the colleges tell me , that my German High School Diploma is not equivelant.

So, there for I have to get my GED, before I can even take any college classes.

I went to the library and checked out the GED study guide,

and to me it looks like I have to study 12 year off school in a very short time. That is very discouraging for me.

Does anybody know anything about the GED requirements?

I would really like to get a degree in the health field, I know there are a ton of options.

I guess I'm just looking for some moral support, more than anything else.

God bless, Rella

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Jini come lately

Posted: Jul 23, 08 4:49am

Dawn, I agree with MsV1300. Anything related to a Nursing degree would work wonderfully for you. Please go for it, the Math is not half bad. I am applying for a degree in DMIR (Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Radiography). Am currently working on my pre-requisites. At almost 49 this is no cakewalk, but I know it will be worth it. You are more than half there with your practical medical experience. Wish you all the best and do let us know how it goes.

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DawnKroma

Posted: Jul 23, 08 1:58pm

hI- I am actually interested in Respiratory Care. I checked the site. i do have schools near by that have AS degrees but if i want to go on from there i would have to go out of state! That sort of sucks! I am going to look into the AS though.... Thanks! Dawn

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going to college at 50