If you’re committed to providing women’s care in a DNP Nurse-Midwifery program or taking another DNP program, then there’s probably little that will stop you. The decision to help others by providing quality care is one that will provide you with a lot of life satisfaction, but it requires that you first complete the specialized education.
As you head back to school, you might stress about the related financials. If so, this budgeting guide will help you feel more in control and save money, both before and during your time at college.
Examine Your Budget
The chances are good that you have heard time and again the importance of having a budget. But if you’re like many adults, you’re not quite sure where exactly to start. Financial literacy is not a skill that everyone feels confident in, and it’s okay to admit that.
Begin by talking with your spouse and anyone else who will be part of the financing for school. Open the conversation so that they know that you can speak genuinely about what costs are involved in going to college.
Then, look at what you can expect for expenses. The biggest one is tuition, followed by textbooks and supplies. Look at where you can begin to cut back on spending your money monthly, such as eating out less often or using public transportation rather than a personal vehicle.
Over time, these changes can add up, and you can put those savings toward school. Putting that money toward your education rather than fancy dinners, for example, will help you secure your future by aiming to graduate from a Doctor of Nursing Practice program that puts you in high-demand in the workplace.
Select an Online Program
Online education can save you money in many ways, as compared to an on-campus curriculum. A big reason why is that you can continue to work as a BSN or in another nursing role while attending school.
Whether your job is full-time or part-time, you can look forward to offset tuition costs by retaining your income during the program. With online nurse midwifery programs, you can complete assignments outside of your working hours, ensuring you meet the deadlines.
If it is easier to do schoolwork at night after your shift ends, for example, then that option is available to you. Many adults with families also find online to be a great way to go back to school as then they can balance it with childcare easier than if there is a set on-campus class schedule.
You won’t have to worry about the transportation costs involved with commuting to and from class when you take an online DNP Midwife program. You can take on extra work shifts, too, if you have time, thanks to the flexibility that comes with web-based learning.
Finally, there are no relocation costs when you enroll in an online institution like Baylor. You will attend one of the best graduate schools without worrying about having to move somewhere other than your current residence to do so.
Look for Schools with Great Advisors
Another way to budget for a DNP program is to reach out to the school of choice to find out when their advisors are free to connect with you. Ask what they suggest in terms of how you can cut costs while taking the program and see what fits with your lifestyle.
As professionals at Baylor University have helped many students through online nursing programs, they can provide tips on what has worked for students in the past. Learn from their experience to help you get through the program with success, all without incurring financial stress.
They might also tell you about scholarships and grants available to you. Perhaps you can apply to one from a health care organization like the American Cancer Society, for example. You won’t know unless you try, and the more cost-saving opportunities you pursue, the better chances you have of securing some of them.
Compare Prices of Nursing Scrubs
During the clinical practice part of the DNP Midwife program, which is conveniently provided by Baylor University to help you, you may have to wear scrubs. This uniform is typically worn during deliveries, for example.
Often, you will find better deals online than in brick-and-mortar stores locally. The reason is that many websites provide deep discounts by buying in bulk. They can, therefore, afford to sell scrubs for as much as half of what’s on the price tag in a physical store located close to you.
While it is often cheaper, online purchases don’t have to compromise quality. Check what is available and look for the deals. If you worry that you won’t find a size that fits, then try on the uniform at a store down the street so that you have an idea of sizing, and then buy similar online for less. Use the money saved to buy what you need for next semester.
Staying on Budget when Taking a DNP Program
Making the decision to live on a budget doesn’t have to mean being unhappy. Sadly, some people look at budgeting as being restrictive, but making small changes can go a long way and still allow you to enjoy a great quality of life as a student.
When you choose a quality online university, you’ll save money by being able to continue to work and cut out commuting costs too. You will also be furthering your education so that you can graduate with your chosen credentials, such as DNP Nurse-Midwifery. Then you can look forward to a job that pays what you deserve for the work you do, while also doing what you love, which is providing female care.
Finally, start to think about ways to cut costs before applying to a program at Baylor or elsewhere. That way, you already have good habits in place when you start back at college and can immerse yourself in the program happily. Enjoy your school experience, all while making financially-savvy decisions.
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