What should I get a Masters in... and where?

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This is my second year as a school nurse in IL and I recently became a Certified School Nurse which put me onto the Teacher pay scale. This pay scale goes from BSN +10 credits, BSN + 20 credits, Masters (can be almost anything), Masters + 10 credits, Masters + 20 credits, Masters + 30 credits, and Masters + 40 credits. Of course, the more credits you have the more money you make. I'm currently at the BSN + 10 credits (which is what it took to get my School Nursing Certification).

I'm looking for a relatively cheap way to get a Masters that could be of some use to me in the future if I decided after so many years to get out of school nursing. I have always thought I would enjoy public health, etc. I would prefer not to get a Masters in Nursing for a variety of reasons. I would love something that wouldn't get me too much more in debt as I already have student loans and I'm not a spring chicken... :)

Anybody have any ideas of a decent school that is not terribly expensive that may offer a degree I'm interested in? I've already looked at Western Governor's University, which offers a pretty good price, but just not in a degree I'm really interested in. I would love some other suggestions...

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I go back and forth with the idea of getting my masters. Like you, I can get my masters in practically anything. It's the cost and small pot of continuing ed money here at work that keeps me from really pursuing it. My child's college costs are closer than I realize and I don't think that the money spent to further my education will really have been worth it for a slight bump on the pay scale. Retirement is closer than I realize too.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I'm starting at WGU in July for MSN - Education. I'm in Pennsylvania and was looking for Public Health or Nurse Educator. Figured for the price tag, WGU would be a good choice and I have peers who had good things to say about their RN-BSN program, so I decided to take the jump. I'm completing my CSN in June at Eastern University, but the only offered a Master's in School Health Administration, and I think the same way you do in regards to getting a degree that applies outside of the school setting.

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Specializes in school nurse.

I'm with you about an MSN- unless I was going advanced practice, I wouldn't touch that B.S. with a ten-foot pole. Have you considered Health Education? I am, but I'm getting a grad certificate first, then deciding about going on. (The credits from the certificate would bump me up on the contract as well.)

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I'm starting at WGU in July for MSN - Education. I'm in Pennsylvania and was looking for Public Health or Nurse Educator. Figured for the price tag, WGU would be a good choice and I have peers who had good things to say about their RN-BSN program, so I decided to take the jump. I'm completing my CSN in June at Eastern University, but the only offered a Master's in School Health Administration, and I think the same way you do in regards to getting a degree that applies outside of the school setting.

My husband is currently doing his RN-BSN with WGU and he loves it! He's going to continue with them for his masters, too.

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Specializes in kids.

I did Health Care Administration, basically an MBA in health care. It gave me a pay bump. I did a 9 4 credit program all on line and actually use more of it at school that I may have anticipated. May open up some doors for me down the road or not, but it certainly was a personal goal. My next plan is to sit the exam for national certification.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Our lead district nurse is getting her Masters in Public Health. Mine is in nursing.

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

Small world...I'm also finishing my CSN at Eastern this semester! I did my BSN through WGU and really liked the program. I am now toying with finishing my M.Ed through Eastern or going back to WGU for MSN - Education. Decisions...decisions....

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I would love to get my Masters!! The program I considered was Cambridge College in Boston, but hubby says no more school.:(

They offer a Masters of Education in School Nurse Education. The classes look very interesting, too. :yes:

School Nurse Education | Cambridge College

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I started my Master's in Psychology last summer because I find that the number of adolescent mental health problems are on the rise and many...most?... of my students come to the clinic in distress before trying to barge into the guidance counselor's office (who are so busy they basically have a wall of appointments back to back all day) . I just wanted to be better prepared and have more knowledge of the human person.

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I started my Master's in Psychology last summer because I find that the number of adolescent mental health problems are on the rise and many...most?... of my students come to the clinic in distress before trying to barge into the guidance counselor's office (who are so busy they basically have a wall of appointments back to back all day) . I just wanted to be better prepared and have more knowledge of the human person.

Where did you get your Master's from? I'd love to get my master's in psychology but time/cost are my biggest decision points.

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