Thinking about Doctorate

[Cocolisa1]

Hello everyone, I am currently enrolled in WGU Master of Public Health and will be finishing up soon. I don't have a job in the field yet and I am working on finding a job at the moment. I haven't been in the work field in years but have been taking certification classes/certificate classes. I am disabled (Severe controlled RA) Anyways, I have applied to internships via WGU and also just waiting for responses. I just want to know if there's a possibility of me enrolling in a PhD program seeing my lack of job history (seems experience in some programs are needed)  and where would a good program be online. I prefer a ABD and online. I'm using financial aid, and located in NYC. 

In Progress: WGU Master of Public Health 
Completed: UMPI B.L.S Mangement & Pre-Law
Pierpoint BOG A.A
Certificates & Certifications:
CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee) – Expires: 11/09/2028
I.C.C. Phlebotomy Tech with Honors – Completed: 10/2023
Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator – Completed: 12/14/2023
Introduction to Generative AI Specialization (Coursera) – Completed: 06/11/2024
HIPAA Privacy Training (OSHAcademy, 01/2023)
American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification – Valid through 11/01/2025 | Certificate ID: 01CDFL3

Hi there: If you're open to other doctorates besides a Ph.D., here are some suggestions to look into:
Oklahoma State University, Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)* This is a cheap program from a great college. For instance, they have a DBA program that runs $129,000 but you can get a DHA for $23,000!
Central Michigan University DHA
Samford University, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational and Organizational Leadership
A. T. Still University, Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc), DHA or Ed.D. *This school is great and has a lot of flexibility. For instance, if you need it for any reason, you can take up to two blocks (a full semester off) without having to reapply for admission. You just pick up where you left off. 
*This is the college I am enrolled in for the DHSc.
 
Many online programs have an Applied Research Project, which approaches a dissertation a bit differently. You're still doing the research and writing but it's not like you will get to the end and be denied your doctorate for any reason.

Thank you so much for this! I have since posting have a much better understanding this level of education, which never in a million years I would ever thought of doing if it weren't for all the hacking I did with the information here and online! I love learning and even if its just for me personally I think it will be worth it.

[DragonDF]

Hello @Cocolisa1
How is your plan going on?

Maybe my mistake, but is not it better to get a jog first and than try to start the Doctorate degree?
I asked you because it can be used as a way to earn more in a job in USA, right?

[Cocolisa1]

Hello @Cocolisa1
How is your plan going on?

Maybe my mistake, but is not it better to get a jog first and than try to start the Doctorate degree?
I asked you because it can be used as a way to earn more in a job in USA, right?

Hi there, Yes, it's much better for me to get a job, and I actually have one lined up now! 
Which makes things much better for me in the long run. I've narrowed it down to South College thus far. It really is a task in itself to really find the perfect program for yourself. Something in a million years I would have never thought I would be thinking of.

[bjcheung77]

South College does look good if you can finish in 2 sessions with a flat rate of $6K each... Not a bad deal at all... Very tempting!