Finish the PhD program (I'm 50% done) or start over with DNP program

[Duppy Conqueror]

Three years ago, I posted a question asking if I should go for DNP or my PhD in Nursing. https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/should-i-go-682968.html

1. Stay in PhD in nursing program

or

2. Switch over to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program (starting all over again throwing away the last three years)

I'm a 3rd year PhD in Nursing student that just finished 3 years of coursework. About to do prelim exams in the fall and then dissertation. Will take ~ 2'ish years. However, $250,000 of student loan debt, I'm thinking that the higher salary of the nurse practitioner program will be safer because they make ~$10-$40,000 more than professors\researchers and more job opportunities.

I like research but don't like teaching and don't like the "never off work" feeling of research. I like working with patients, but NP's can't transfer to work in other countries and I'd be giving up my option to do research if I want. I'm turning 38 in August, single, and haven't even started on pursuing having kids. It's hard to pursue socializing when tied up in a doctoral program of which I'd be tied up for at least 3-5 more years because If I'd do the Phd program, I'd most likely want to do the NP program later. If I give up the PhD program, that would probably be it with that unless I wanted to do three years over again because If I'd do the Phd program, I'd most likely want to do the NP program later. If I give up the PhD program, that would probably be it with that unless I wanted to do three years over again. I'm pressured to decide on making this decision for today's summer registration or the fall. ‪

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I just can't get past 250k of debt. Is that what you have right now? I can't imagine piling on even more debt to restart with your NP -- for a 10k pay raise?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you should have stopped at your BSN or MSN and gotten a job to pay off your debt before adding more. But now that you are in this trouble, you need to find the quickest route out -- out to a decent job to start paying off that debt. Maybe you should take some time off from school to both pay down debt and figure out what type of work you want to do in the long run.

Also, the rule of thumb about PhD's in general is ... "If you have to pay for it yourself, you shouldn't do it." The costs of a PhD program should be at least shared with grant funding, employer funding, etc. If you can't get funded, you should be working full time and only going to school part time -- making enough money to avoid any debt. That's my recommendation. Start earning enough money to tackle that debt big time. Cut back on school to keep costs low enough to pay without adding to your debt. Don't spend any money you don't have until you know for sure what type of work you want to do.

[enkwanta]

Fully understand because I am in dissertation right now but I had subsidized loan from department of education, and I have not paid anything out of pocket. I am allotted $138, 000 and I am finishing this year and did not use all of it. I work in a school district and am planning to apply for forgiveness loan. You can apply for forgiveness if you can stand working with low populations but again it depends on what you are seeking your degree in. I am not doing it in nursing. It is in health care administration. I thought about the NP thing but not too focused on that... but I will only do teaching part time and no research as last resort. I am interested in areas like wellness, consultations, and speaking engagements. I like to travel and so don't mind consulting. There are a lot of things one can do with a PhD if you are creative. Good luck and best wishes for your future career.

[~Shrek~]

How did you get $250k in debt? For that amount I would just become a Medical Doctor.

[enkwanta]

Maybe inclusive of other degrees?