Teacher Change Career. Need Your Advice!!

[youngheart]

Hello all of you out there. I'm new to this site. So please bear with me.

I'm a 49 year old, male, elementary school music teacher. I'm thinking about a career change. I want to go into another field where I can earn a "real" income and still make a difference by helping others. For all the education (30 + credits above Masters degree) and 16 years of teaching, I make only $53,000. Eventhough this salary is only for 10 months or work per year, I still think it's low.

I know I'm a late in life for the following objectives. But I want to be able to financially support a future wife and future family plus be able to help my 85 year mother live a comfortable retirement life and pay for her healthcare.

I've been doing a little research by talking to some nursing school advisors. But I still have some questions.

Should I get a BS in Nursing or just an RN?

Should I specialize by pursuing a Masters of Science in Nursing? Which field earns the most?

What is the job outlook for a 54 year old (the age I'll be) graduate with an MS in Nursing. For example a CRNA? Will employers discriminate based on my age? I'm in great physical health and look about 10 years younger than I am.

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

Tom

[smilin_gp]

Hmm.. I also have a degree in music education, but not the experience or credentials that you have. I transferred into a BSN program. I don't know what area of the country that you are in, but your pay is similar to starting pay for staff RN's in Portland, OR. Many of my classmates were in their 40's, and a few in their 50's. I have not heard of them experiencing job discrimination, and most of my class had offers by graduation.

As for your question regarding the degree, it will probably take you the same amount of time to take the nursing prerequisites + clinical courses whether you go for an associates or BSN degree - if your school of choice accepts your previous general education credits.

Price depends on the schools, but community associate degrees certainly seem to be less expensive in general. One thing is, if you do decide that you would like to specialize in an advanced practice area, with an ASN/ADN, you most likely would still have to attend an RN to BSN program. Many facilities sponser this, but may be a longer time commitment in your case.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[youngheart]

Thanks for your quick response Smiling_GP.

It was nice to hear that a former music ed person is in nursing.

I'm located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in a town called Hollywood.

According to the Barry Univ. advisor, I can do all prequisite science courses in fall semester and quite possibly enter into Barry Univ. (in N.Miami) 28 month BSN program, which begin every January. Then, if I wanted to pursue an advanced nursing degree like CRNA, I would have to work in intensive care for a year, then about 2 1/2 years of schooling to get the MS.

I'm curious. Coming from a music ed background, why did you switch into nursing? Personally, I think you made the right choice.

Thanks again for your response.

[smilin_gp]

That sounds like a great plan :) I took the medical school prereqs while working on my mus. ed. degree. Still don't know why I did both at the same time. I decided on nursing during my final year and wanted to finish what I started. I still play with a chamber trio and plan to begin teaching Suzuki Strings when my schedule irons out. Anyway, I think that you are on a great path and best wishes to you!