-I'm 24, and currently working as an RPN in Ontario (2012 grad)
-Single, no children and currently living at home with my parents
-Prior to enrolling in the RPN program, I took a couple semesters of a Health Sciences undergrad program
-With that, plus my RPN program, I owe OSAP a little over 20k
-I currently have a permanent part-time position (48 hours/pay)
I'd like to return to school and complete my RN. At this point in time, I can't go back full-time. I do have a car payment/insurance and a few other bills to maintain so giving up my RPT isn't an option.
I'd need to go back to school on a part-time basis. My options would be either attending Nippissing University, which would be a blended learning program that is mainly online OR attending McMaster University, since they offer the program on a part-time basis, but it would be in class (which is about a 35-40 minute drive from where I live) My local university (Brock U) doesn't offer the program on a part-time basis.
Given my situation, would you take out further OSAP to fund returning to school part-time?
My issue with where I am right now is that I'll likely never make much more than I am right now. If I go full-time, the difference in pay will be minimal. I also don't have many if at all travel nursing options, which is something I've always wanted to do. Ultimately, I know I won't be content with remaining where I am.
The financial issues are what keep me on edge regarding going back or not, but as of late I've been looking at it as a greater reward in the end. Yes, I'll increase my student loan debt, but in turn I'll end up making a higher income and it will pay itself off. Am I thinking in the right direction?
