Major Life Changes -- Advice Requested

**Lady_V** · 09-15-2008, 07:01 PM

I'm excited, and nervous.

The Old Man wants to go back to college to get his AS in Radiologic Technology. Thats a 2 year program and has a very specific course offering. There are 5 practicums, and practicum 3 is in the summer.

He would have to go full-time. We've already looked at the course requirements and other than maybe 4 classes which can be done online, he will have to physically be on campus.

We already know he will have to take an English prep class as well as Algebra I & II because they will not allow you to declare this major without completion of Algebra II which means we are looking at 3 part-time semesters (1 that includes a practicum) and 4 full-time semesters.

Now... here's where it gets complicated.

He currently works Wed-Sat. We figured he can stay working at his current job until he finished the courses he could take online. Once he becomes a FT student, he will have to leave.

Am I crazy in hoping we can do this?

I am trying to stay positive and supportive. I am hoping to sit down and figure out what we money we NEED to keep us afloat for 2 years so he would only have to work a part-time job for gas money. Our utilities don't vary month to month.

I'm going to look in to financial aid for him. I don't think they will cover any 'catch-up' classes for him and I am pretty sure they don't pay for less than 9 credits per semester so we are on our own.

Without financial aid, we are looking at around $15K for tuiton, books and uniforms. :faint: That will push us back quite some time.

We don't have the money for him to start in January. We may be able to find him a Tuesday night Algebra I class in Sept 09, and Algebra II in Jan 10. Full-time to start Sept. 2010.

That gives us 2 years to financially and mentally prepare. (I've already thought about the room changes that would have to happen in order to give him a quiet study area... but that's another story for another day)

Advice, although no promises will be made to follow them, are appreciated and welcomed.

**annertak** · 09-15-2008, 07:52 PM

Once he quits his job and goes full-time, then he should be able to qualify for financial aid, right? I say you can do it! Also, will this degree or certifucate get him more money in the workforce? If so, then doubly go for it! It will probably be hard, but if the payoff is worth it, then two years should be as long as it sounds.

Good luck!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 09-15-2008, 09:03 PM

I think it's a great idea!!!

If that's the career he's interested in he should totally go for it!! And you should qualify for student loans...go to FAFSA and have him fill out the forms. Also, put in for scholarships and grants starting NOW...they can sure take a LONG time to process things!!

Tell him good luck in his new ambitions!!

We're all cheering you both on!

**Michelle68** · 09-15-2008, 09:08 PM

The field of Radiology is very stable and in-demand. I doubt that he'll have much trouble finding a job and keeping one should he get his associates in this field. Plus, he can then increase his earnings by continuing his education a bit and specializing in an area such as ultrasonography. If this is something he thinks he'll like doing and the stability and pay will trump the job he has now, I'd say definitely go for it! Y'all will find a way to make it work. It's only two years and think of the pay-off in the end.

--Michelle

**Nishu** · 09-15-2008, 09:37 PM

Personally, I would be reluctant to pay for catchup courses. I'd find out what books are used for the course, buy an older version, and go through it on my own until I can take the placement test and get in the higher courses. That may be possible with one or the other.

**cmdarlin** · 09-16-2008, 06:41 AM

I think its great that he's wanting to do this and if there's anyway possible he needs to try. I'm 47 and just started on my Associates in Culinary Arts. Its alot of work but hopefully will be worth it. I'm doing mine as a work study.... maybe he can try something like that. I'm basically working off my tuition.

Debbie

**anelth** · 09-16-2008, 07:49 AM

Seven years ago my DH quit his job and went back to school. He had been with the company for 10 years, but was ready for something more. He took a year to study for and pass the exams for his MCSE and MCSE+I (Microsoft certifications) and a computer hardware certification (can't remember what it was called). He was 39 years old when he finished this, and got a great job within a month of completion. I know very few people who love their jobs, but my DH enjoys getting up every morning and truly loves what he does. It cost us around $10,000 for the books, classes and certification fees, but it was well worth every penny.

Now, seven years later, he makes more than twice as much money and is in a job he really enjoys. It was definitely the best $10,000 we ever spent. Of course, it was difficult for us to live on one income with a pre-school age child in daycare and child support on another, but we managed and came out ahead.

I know it's scary, but if he is truly dedicated, then you will be glad you made the sacrifice.

Good luck!

**Jeanna** · 09-16-2008, 09:14 AM

I think it is great he wants to better himself. Also by him not starting full time for over a year you will be able to kind of know what the economy will be like then. Is he looking at a 2 year school? If he is then 15k seems high. If not then I would suggest to at least check them out for the catch up courses and maybe even the basics like any Englishes and such. As someone who just started back to college I understand you being nervous. I am still worried about being able to keep going (money wise). Anyway good luck to your husband and also you.

**nessarowdy** · 09-16-2008, 10:58 AM

That's great!! This particular program can be very selective at many colleges, only taking a certain amount of students each year. I would look into the college that he is going to attend and choose the right courses that would set him up the best, IMHO.

**Patty A** · 09-16-2008, 02:24 PM

A couple other ideas to check out for funding. As a "non-traditional" student many colleges offer a service called "student support services", this offers help if you get expected with paid for tutors, and special help with grants. They can also help him get a part time job right with the college that will allow him to work part time when he is not in class and work with his school schedule.

Another thing to check out is a government program called Voc Rehab (Vocational Rehabilitation). If you can get in with them they pay your costs for school, books, and gas if you live very far from school. While in school, if you have car problems they will help with that also as it is your only way to get to school. That way you can keep your pell grant to help with other costs. They really offer some great help and are willing to work with you to HELP you qualify for their programs. Check it out, it would be great if he could get in to these programs and it would take some of the money worries away.

I wish you tons of LUCK, and warm wishes of making it work out.
I have my fingers crossed for you!

**Goodwin17** · 09-16-2008, 09:29 PM

That sounds like a great idea! His particular job field will always be in demand, just like any other medical profession. You have gotten some good advice already. I just want to add a :luck1:!

**LuvMyHubby** · 09-17-2008, 10:06 PM

Oh, I say go for it. There are many scholarships and programs geared toward non traditional students and just scholarships in general as far as prepping for the english and algebra, would it be possible to do that through a local high school adult continuing education class, it would be a fraction of the cost and perhaps free. Also, once he is full time, I cannot imagine that he would not at very least qualify for pell grants and workstudy and subsidized loans if that is a route that he wants to take.

Also once he has a job, if he wants to continue his eduction in that field, most hospitals will pay some kind of tuition reimbursement.

Hope this all works out.