Thinking of a Masters in 2015

[smf6824]

Ok, I was on this forum a lot a few years ago. Y'all helped me soooo much in my pursuit of my BA at TESC. Since then, I found a part-time job as an editor at a local newspaper. It pays little and I love it but might not have the job for much longer. My boss is at the point where he might not have the funding to keep it afloat. At any rate, I am thinking of getting a masters. IDK where or what concentration. I don't have any money for it, meaning it would all be on a loan.....Not sure what I want to do from here on out. I've kind of lost my direction but need to do something to make some decent money. I'm 43 now. I went to college 20 years ago to become a Certified Medical Assistant/Nurse Aide and EKG Technician. I keep my CMA certification but it only pays $15/hr. at the most and is a hard job the older you get. I've tried like hell to get into an RN program and here in SC it's just not possible for me. I gave up that path. I have an AS in liberal arts from (Regents) Excelsior and AA/BA from TESC Liberal Studies/History concentration. I love history and genealogy. I've thought about getting a RA MA in History locally from The Citadel but what would I do with it? Not really interested in teaching unless online. I also do genealogy for people who are looking for help but it's hard to get many clients. Bottom line is that I need a degree that would actually equate to a decent paying job. Any ideas??

Wow, I am impressed you got paid 15 an hour for being a medical assistant, CNA, and EKG tech.... good job. Besides that I feel your concern regarding graduate school. I am planning on going when I finish my degree shortly and I have no idea on what to do. I was considering an MBA, MPA, or MPH. I presume you have to look at graduate school based on what you would like to do. In your post you really only discuss that you enjoy history and gave up on the prospect of nursing school. So I am left to presume you enjoy the medical setting and are a fan of history. Based on these assumptions I would say teaching or some allied health job. Fortunately this typically don't require graduate school. You can become a licensed teacher and teach specifically online by just getting a post bachelor certificate in education (Ok... kind of grad school). You can also go to a local community college and become a physical therapy assistant or certified occupational therapy assistant. If you truly want you could go for respiratory therapy; however, I can't lie there are NO JOBS in the field but it is an option if you want to just maybe do some casual work... plus it can be hard work too. So long story short what do you want to do with your life? If we have that perhaps people can give you more options.