Masters in Public Health... advice/info

[rcudze]

Hello nurses,

I need insight, advice, or an encouraging word. I am working as an RN in employee health and I love it, I like being there for employees, following up, administering vaccine and and i LOVE the infection control aspect. I love it so much that i want to either become an infection control nurse or obtain my masters in public health.

I currently have my BSN.

My thing is though, i need online schooling (not many that have evening classes). I work full time M-F 8-5 so i need online and flexibility.

Any one out there currently in school for MPH or completed? If so did you go full or part time and how long did it take? Also was it worth the extra student loans? That's another thing that weighs on my mind, the student loans.

Any insight would be appreciated,

Thank you!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I am in a MPH program and working full time. One course per term is enough for me, so my estimate is 4.5 years to completion. I will likely take two courses per term at some point.

A full time course load would take 2 years in my program.

There are only a handful of positions I'm interested in, and I have a mortgage so I'm not taking loans. I'll pay as I learn.

There are few graduate degrees worth student loans, IMO. I won't earn a higher salary. Rather, I will remain competitive for the positions I'm interested in (administration, research, education). I would caution anyone considering loans because there are few jobs. Be careful with the debt load.