Master's after 40, is it worth it?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am not trying t be funny. I have thought seriously over the past few years about going back for a master's degree. But looking into the programs, it appears as if it will cost about 35 grand. Is it worth it after 40?

Specializes in geriatrics.

Think of it as an investment in your future. While you are spending say 35,000 maybe, the additional compensation that you would earn each year with a Masters makes up for what you spent. Even at the age of 40. Also, the work that you are able to do is more stimulating on many levels.

If you can get your return of investment-----like if you are guaranteed a position that would pay appropriately to what you've spent for your Master's. Otherwise, just start saving up for retirement-----unless you're rich and don't need to.

Specializes in geriatrics.

That is true. But let's suppose:

You have even 15 years left to work, AFTER those loans are paid off. So, 15 years of income-earning potential. If you make 15 thousand more per year (for example) for those 15 years, then your investment has paid for itself and then some.

Not to mention, the kind of work you are able to get might be more interesting to you. It depends on what you like to do. I have analyzed this for myself, and I know that after I've worked for about 6 years, I will want to start my Master's. Simply because there are jobs that you can't even apply for now without one, like the NP role.

It just depends on your personal goals.

Specializes in Psych.
What's up with questions like this? It is not like you want to get pregnant: your brain, unlike your ovaries, never stops working. I'll be (God willing) starting my masters when I'm 50. My friend, who is 57, is just starting law school. Money, also, need not be a hurdle: most hospitals I've looked at will partly pay for your tuition. Stop pondering, just go do it.

I too know of folks who started medical and veterinary schools at age 57.

A few years ago, up until she died there was a female physician in Atlanta who was still practicing at 103. Right now, there's a 100 year old OB/GYN in South Carolina who is still delivering babies.

Life is short. Do what you want with your time here on earth.

Specializes in geriatrics.

By the way, I'm not rich :) I wish I was. I owe 30,000 in student loans and I'm 37. If I was rich, I would probably just work for free with the World Health Organization, or do some disaster relief nursing. And take courses I want. Even an extra 400,000 would be nice right about now. I may have to work until I'm 75 to pay off all my student loans....but this was still worth it.

Specializes in geriatrics.

Well there's hope for us yet, if a female doc is practicing at 103. Another related story:

I had a placement in the OR in my final year of nursing. On my last day, one of my patients was a doctor. As I'm prepping him for the procedure, we're talking, and he tells me he's still practicing, at 81. I asked him what he planned to do after the procedure, and if he had a ride home. Dr. says, "I'm going back to work! I love my job."

So it's never too late.

I'm 53 and just got my MSN this week, I've no plans to change jobs etc. just gives me the ability to expand on what I'm doing now as a diabetes clinic nurse/clinical research coordinator. For example for my practicum at the end of the MSN program I developed a QA program for the research side of the clinic. With the classes on education I took as part of the program I feel now I can develop an online diabetes education program for the clinic.

I just turned 49 and completed phase I of my program (ready to take NCLEX). Phase II begins where I work as a RN, but continue with my MSN. This is a 2nd degree for me. I was NOT the oldest in my class. There are grants/financial aid available out there. Many potential employers will pay your financial aid as long as you give them so many years of service. Working with patients is rewarding.

I am not trying t be funny. I have thought seriously over the past few years about going back for a master's degree. But looking into the programs, it appears as if it will cost about 35 grand. Is it worth it after 40?

That's like asking is it worth it to change from dial up to broadband. Go for the master's buddy. Remember 40 is the new 30.:smokin:

Yes! My mom and dad divorced when they were both in their early to mid-50s; I think my mom was 51 or 52. She was a nurse when they married (he's a doc...typical), but she quit her job to be a stay at home mom for 22 years. She went back to school, renewed her nursing license and then got her Master's in Nursing and is now an Adult NP. She LOVES it. It was incredibly difficult given that she was on an emotional roller-coaster, but I can vouch for her that she wouldn't have it any other way. She loves being an ANP and the pay is well worth it.

See if your current employer will help pay for you to go back or if you can find some scholarships out there. There are TONS (from what I've heard. My mom attended Union University in Jackson, TN which is a private school, but because it's private there are even more scholarships and financial aid options.

I know you posted this awhile ago, so your decision might be made. I hope you are happy with whichever way you decided to go! Best of luck!

Specializes in CVICU, Obs/Gyn, Derm, NICU.

Agree ...go for it.

However, you might want to consider how open you are to moving once you are done and want a new job.

There are lots of bedside nurses where I work with masters degrees and not enough new jobs for everyone who wants one. These nurses might be better off if they were prepared to relocate. But many people are less likely to wish to move when they are in their 40's and 50's

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