Is Going Back To School As An Adult Right for Me?
Going back to school as an adult can seem like a big step to most people, and it might even scare them a little. Adults are more likely to have a day job and a family, which makes it seem like going back to school is out of the picture. But is it really impossible? Not at all. According to a study by the National Center for Educational Statistics, 15% of postsecondary students are over the age of 25.
At ACI Medical & Dental School, we make it easy to go back to school with flexible day and evening programs where students can prepare for an exciting new career in the healthcare field in just a few months, while still handling all their other responsibilities. Here are a few reasons going back to school can be a great decision for you.
5 Reasons For Going Back To School As An Adult
There are many awesome advantages to going back to school, no matter what age you are. If you are on the fence, here are a few reasons why you should consider it.
1. You have a clearer picture of what you want now.
You’ve experienced life outside of school for a while now, and may have had some time to explore different career paths. This means you have a much greater sense of direction. You know what you want, and you have a clear picture of that. Going back to school can help you finalize your goals and give you the career that you have always wanted.
Many times, students in their early 20’s who graduated from a university and are now in the workforce are not entirely enjoying their job because it is not what they thought it would be. But you have the advantage of knowing what you want and you have the ability to go get it.
2. There are far more programs available now then there was before.
The good thing about going back to school now is that there is much more opportunity than there once was. Professors are better, schools have more to offer, and there is more flexibility in scheduling class times. Overall, you can gain a lot more going back to school today.
3. Flexible class options are helpful for those balancing a busy schedule.
Many schools are really great at providing schedules that can work around most adult student’s busy lives. Evening class options are super convenient for those who have families at home or work during the day. It gives you the flexibility to participate in class at a time that works best for you.
4. You’ll use your time wisely the second time around
As an adult, you most likely won’t have as much time as you did the first time you were a student. Because of this, you won’t want to waste your time by procrastinating assignments, something many young students do often. Being a more mature adult with a better sense of responsibility and time management, you’ll be able to use your time more efficiently and manage it accordingly. This will lead to higher grades and better career readiness after graduating.
5. You’ll have the ability to start a brand new career.
If the job you’re at right now is causing you a lot of stress and you’re looking to dive into a brand new career, going back to school is the perfect opportunity for you. You’re able to have a fresh start and work on the career goals you’ve always dreamed of. You can join a higher paying, in-demand field in an exciting new job with room to grow.
Next Steps for Adults Going Back To School
Now that we’ve talked about the benefits of going back to school, it’s time to start taking the first step! Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of motivation or inspiration to get your feet off the ground. Going back to school doesn’t have to be scary, and your future could benefit greatly from making that decision. Do your research and planning, find the school that best fits your needs, and take the first step!
Choose a School That Works for You
Jumping back into education as an adult isn’t easy, especially when life doesn’t pause. You may have a full-time job or a family to look after. So, you’ll want to find a school that fits with your education goals and outside responsibilities. Seek out places that are flexible, offering things like part-time classes, different start dates throughout the year, quick study options, or evening and weekend classes. In other words, find a school that fits your life, not the other way around.
Learn About Your New Career
If you’re going back to school with the goal of starting a new career, you should know some basics about the job you’re after. For example:
- What is the job outlook for my new career?
- Is the school accredited and do they provide the certifications I am looking for?
- What types of places can I work after graduating?
- Does the school I’m looking at have on-site internship opportunities?
This info can help you pick a school that not only has the certifications you’re looking for but can also support you when you’re ready to make that career leap.
Talk To Admissions
Before you start your application, it can be helpful to speak with an admissions advisor. They can help you figure out what qualifications you’ll need. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a Medical Assistant, you’re going to need a high school diploma or GED at least. They can also help you navigate the application process, including how to send in high school or previous college transcripts, whether you need to worry about test scores, and how many recommendation letters you might need. A helpful admissions counselor can make the process of applying a lot less daunting.
Start Your Financial Aid Application
After you’ve sent off your application, it’s time to look into financial aid. You’ll need to fill out a FAFSA form, which schools use to figure out your financial situation. On top of that, look into what other benefits you might be eligible for through your school. If you’re a veteran, for example, some schools have benefits available just for you. Many schools also offer affordable payment plan options.
Take Advantage of Career Services
The career services department is there to help you land a great job after graduation. At ACI Medical & Dental School, a lifetime of career services support starts from day one. Students are given one-on-one, individualized career counseling, and attend our weekly Career Assistance Program (CAP) to help with writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and much more.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Going back to school might mean leaning on others a bit more than you’re used to, and that’s okay. Remember, your school is equipped to help you transition from working full-time to hitting the books again. Don’t be afraid to ask for help getting back into the swing of school. The staff is there to help you succeed!
It can definitely be hard to take that final leap, but once you have a plan, you’ll feel confident taking that first step. Going back to school as an adult could be the best decision you ever made!
Why ACI Medical & Dental School?
ACI Medical & Dental School is the perfect place for you if you are considering going back to school as an adult:
- We offer three exciting medical and dental programs, with both day and evening classes available to accommodate your busy schedule:
- Certified Medical Assistant Program with EKG, Phlebotomy, and Patient Care Technician
- Dental Assistant Program with Radiology
- Medical and Dental Administrative Assistant Program with Electronic Health Records, Billing & Coding
- With jobs in healthcare continuing to grow, there has never been a better time to start your new career. You can be qualified for a new job in the medical or dental fields in just a few months!
- We have several financial aid options available, including Title IV for all day programs and VA benefits.
- Our results speak for themselves:
- 96% Pass Rate on National Credential Exams (7/1/22 – 6/30/23)
- 94% Employment Rate (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)
- 94% Pre-COVID Year Graduation Rate (IPEDS 9/1/18 – 8/31/19)
If you are interested in going back to school as an adult and getting started on an exciting new career, contact ACI Medical & Dental School today to learn more!
