Can I really afford a graduate degree?
Filipino nurses have been stereotyped as bedside nurses, especially in Western countries. This may have been one of the reasons why despite comprising only 4% of the total healthcare workers, it is estimated that at least 25% of the COVID-19 mortality among the nursing profession in the United States (US) are Filipinos. The majority opt to remain in that role as they can work overtime and make more money that way. For this reason, fewer from our ranks are pursuing further studies to advance our respective practices. Another, obstacle that some may perceive is the educational expense associated with graduate or even post-graduate degrees.
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One of the common traits we Filipino nurses share is the ability to remain contented in our respective comfort zones. Even if the work itself is hard, it is common for us to “just deal with it.” Nevertheless, we rarely, if at all, think that we may have missed out on countless chances to advocate for our plight by relinquishing our rightful place on the table.
For the few who may consider pursuing advanced studies, the prospect of earning less is a heavy burden. Most of us are breadwinners not only of our immediate families but also of our extended families back home. It then becomes a balancing act as to which option to prioritize. Do I want to be selfish and pursue my goal of advancing my career? Or do I forgo self-development in the interest of so many people who are depending on the dollar remittance I send biweekly? Of course, there is also that unspoken concern about how steep graduate studies costs are here in the US.
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How much does graduate studies cost?
There is no straight answer to this question as they vary from one institution to another. When I was researching for my graduate school a few years back, I remember the per credit hour cost to range between $400-1,000.00. Also, it is imperative to look carefully if there are differences in terms of tuition costs for in-state vs. out-of-state students. We have to check how many credit hours are required to complete the graduate courses. It typically ranges between 30-40 credit hours if one already has a baccalaureate degree in nursing or other fields.
Next, a prospective graduate student should also look into what other fees are charged by the institution. Some may have technology fees, health services fees, etc. Also, factor in the pre-enrolment fees. For someone who is a foreign graduate student like me, the prospective school may require official transcripts from the previous college or university attended. Some may not even accept those forms from non-US institutions unless credentialed by third-party organizations like the Commission on Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). In a nutshell, we may already spend a few hundred dollars during the application process.
What about other resources needed for school? We should also take into consideration the non-academic costs of graduate school. If attending school on campus, housing, board and lodging, transportation, and even parking fees should be factored in. If the classes are offered online, it goes without saying that having a computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet) is a must. Next to that, a reliable internet connection is necessary. Books, software applications, etc. are also costs often overlooked.
How do I pay for all of these?
Knowing costs sometimes solidifies as a deal-breaker for those who are breadwinners. However, as nurses, we are a resilient bunch, and we always know how to find creative and resourceful ways to achieve our respective goals. Some of the things to consider include tuition reimbursement from work, scholarships, and loans among other financial options. I actually discussed some of these items in my previous blog entitled:
I read about the options that are available to me. For example, I scheduled a career advising session with my educational benefit vendor to fully understand what I was getting myself into. I worked extensively with them to figure out how to spend the least out-of-pocket amount. I inquired about tuition deferment, discounts, and an increased reimbursement if I choose to attend a partner school.
It took a lot of work and so many email exchanges. I even advocated for the inclusion of my chosen institution as part of the preferred partner school. I was a nurse with a mission, determined to reach my graduate school degree. Albeit uncharacteristic of a Filipino nurse, I fought for what I thought was a rightfully deserved benefit in a tactful and respectful manner. My efforts, thankfully, were not for naught!
One option that I did not fully explore when I was back in graduate school was applying for scholarships. I had a little taste of it when I applied for the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) scholarship. Looking back, I could have explored this alternative more as there are a myriad of scholarship options available for undergraduate and graduate students alike. It can either be provided by private entities or by one’s prospective schools like the Illinois State University.
Taking out a loan as the last resort
Financially conscientious nurses may frown at this prospect. They may think:
Take out a loan to go to school? No, thank you!
I get it because I am one of them. I, too, did not want to incur another $20K or more in additional debt. However, if that is the only way to be able to advance, then one has to carefully weigh its pros and cons.
Money is of utmost importance. Nevertheless, it may warrant looking into the prospective financial rewards the advanced degree may bring. Maybe not right away, but there will be definite cumulative effects in the future.
Others may think that it will not be a sound financial decision, especially for a nurse who may be nearing retirement. In a way, that may be true. That is why it is important to really evaluate and formulate realistic expectations.
Final Thoughts
The decision to pursue a graduate degree should not be taken lightly. At the same token, as healthcare evolves rapidly, nurses have to keep up with the changes. Whether through informal or formal means, we have to be at the forefront of our practice. And no, a graduate degree is not only limited to becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, although many are. Aside from the practitioner route, the specialty tracks of graduate studies in nursing include leadership, education, healthcare policy, patient safety, and informatics, to name a few.
Although it may require dedicated time, effort, priority-setting, a daily balancing act, and the unwavering resolve to succeed, a graduate degree will all be worth it at the end of the journey. I hope that nurses don’t allow physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, or even financial challenges to deter our determination that we will take our profession to new heights.
And yes my fellow Filipino nurses, equipped with our graduate degrees, we will be taking that seat on the table, thank you very much!