Thinking of a Masters in 2015

[dmjacobsen]

No, I completely agree! What happened to the certificate programs in those fields like ultrasound and nursing? We had both here in the 90's. Now there are no ultrasound schools here at all. It's all about $ apparently. Why does an ultrasound tech or an RN need a 4 year degree? They don't. I have friends now that have been RN's for years that are now being forced into getting a degree to keep their jobs. How stupid! Is English Literature going to help them give a shot? No! Some idiot came up with the idea that to learn certain occupations you have to complete a 2 or 4 year degree. It's really idiotic! There are basically no job training schools anymore. Do plumbers need a associate degree? No! Sorry you are having to fight this same fight! It's even more frustrating for someone with a lot of experience in a field to be denied the opportunity because of a degree.

While, as a nurse, I agree that RN's do not necessarily need the 4-year degree in its current iteration to perform the job, I think you underestimate the role of the RN. Comparing the education requirements of a plumber (a highly technical occupation) with that of an RN (a multi-faceted occupation where a minor mistake can actually kill someone) is a little unfair.

Not to sound too harsh here, but it seems like you're looking for an easy path. Nothing easy is going to pay off. If it did, everyone would do it.

I can certainly empathize with your situation. I have a 10-month-old and it's very difficult to balance work, school, and home life. However, you're simply not going to be able to find an easy path that pays well. Kinda like the old engineering adage: "Fast, Cheap, Good -- pick two".

Have you considered a career in the public sector? Depending on your specific location, you can find many government jobs that require non-specific Bachelor's degrees for entry, many of which may actually be related to your current skillset. After spending some time in grade, you could then consider getting an MPA or MBA to bump up to a higher level position.