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Is it possible to work night shift full time and complete dental hygiene school?
Hello everyone I majored in business administration and I am too far along to switch and will complete it just so I don’t feel like I wasted my life more than I already have. I have come to realize that I enjoy knowing my work can have a positive impact on others lives and looking to complete a second degree in dental hygiene.
My same university offers this program and will take me approximately 3 years to complete I will be 24-25 when I finish. I would like to know if it possible to work night time positions such as a hotel night auditor/ grocery stocker positions in order to fund my degree as I will no longer have financial aid. My university also does not provide any afternoon or night time school options.
Please give my any advice or share any stories about others who have worked while in dental hygiene school and it is possible or should I just give up and accept my circumstances.
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david’s Answer
First, I concur with Michelle: finishing a business degree is a significant achievement, and my guess is it will serve you well in the future if you see new windows of opportunity open. You will have medical training and business training, and that could be a firm foundation for a position you cannot now envision. Anyway, in the current situation, I encourage you to revisit your plan and timeline. For example, with the business degree you can earn a higher income than working nights in a labor-intensive role, and you will be more alert for studies that way. That might force you to look for evening classes for a dental hygienist license, from when you could then contemplate finishing the degree online. Another approach might be to work with the business degree full-time for a year and save the earnings so that you could work just part-time when you start the dental program. To summarize, you have built a significant store of marketable skills with the business degree, and a strategy that capitalizes on that strength might prove valuable. Regardless, I commend you for your dedication and vision. I wish you the best.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brillith !
I'd be happy to give you some advice. You should be aware that you haven't "wasted" your life one bit. You most certainly will gain by receiving your Bachelors Degree in Business, a very valuable achievement ! I wouldn't recommend working third shift while going to college, though (ex. 12 midnight to 8 AM). What you can do as a first step is to find out what time the Dental Hygiene courses are given, probably in the daytime, and work around your school schedule. You would not be able to get a work study job because as you said, you'd have your Bachelors Degree already and wouldn't be able to get financial aid. The only thing they'd help you with would be loans and since you're working your way through your second Bachelors Degree, I don't think you want to take out loans, or maybe you do. Another way colleges waive it is for returning students who worked in their first career and need to return for a second Bachelors to obtain gainful employment. Again, not the category you are in.
It is however advisable to go ahead and complete a federal financial aid application just to see what they may say. Do not hesitate to look into scholarships and grants, also. Always check with your college about this because they will be able to tell you the accurate and current information.
There are three usual work shifts - first which is, for example, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., second from 5 P.M. to 1 P.M. and third shift which is, for example, from 1 P.M. to 9 A.M. I know that you will experience being tired at various times and you will have to adjust to it if you work the third shift. You will need to figure out which shift is best for you, if you will be able to be alert, full of energy both physically and mentally, so you can give this some thought and come to your best decision about it. Consider second shift, but base it on what you know you'd be able to do. Also think about how far your job would be and how much time it would take you to commute. If you could obtain a job you love remotely, that could be an option, too. Do not forget that you will have a valuable degree in Business that may open some doors for you and offer a fitting schedule.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
DENTAL HYGEINE SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/academic-major/dental-hygiene
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM CREST AND ORAL B https://www.adea.org/studentawards/Crest-Oral-B-Laboratories-Scholarships-for-Dental-Hygiene-Students-Pursuing-Academic-Careers.aspx
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DENTAL HYGEINE MAJORS https://www.smartscholar.com/scholarships/dental-hygiene-major-scholarships/
50 DENTAL HYGEINE SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.besthealthdegrees.com/best-scholarships-for-dental-hygiene-degrees/
I'd be happy to give you some advice. You should be aware that you haven't "wasted" your life one bit. You most certainly will gain by receiving your Bachelors Degree in Business, a very valuable achievement ! I wouldn't recommend working third shift while going to college, though (ex. 12 midnight to 8 AM). What you can do as a first step is to find out what time the Dental Hygiene courses are given, probably in the daytime, and work around your school schedule. You would not be able to get a work study job because as you said, you'd have your Bachelors Degree already and wouldn't be able to get financial aid. The only thing they'd help you with would be loans and since you're working your way through your second Bachelors Degree, I don't think you want to take out loans, or maybe you do. Another way colleges waive it is for returning students who worked in their first career and need to return for a second Bachelors to obtain gainful employment. Again, not the category you are in.
It is however advisable to go ahead and complete a federal financial aid application just to see what they may say. Do not hesitate to look into scholarships and grants, also. Always check with your college about this because they will be able to tell you the accurate and current information.
There are three usual work shifts - first which is, for example, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., second from 5 P.M. to 1 P.M. and third shift which is, for example, from 1 P.M. to 9 A.M. I know that you will experience being tired at various times and you will have to adjust to it if you work the third shift. You will need to figure out which shift is best for you, if you will be able to be alert, full of energy both physically and mentally, so you can give this some thought and come to your best decision about it. Consider second shift, but base it on what you know you'd be able to do. Also think about how far your job would be and how much time it would take you to commute. If you could obtain a job you love remotely, that could be an option, too. Do not forget that you will have a valuable degree in Business that may open some doors for you and offer a fitting schedule.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Brillith
You're very welcome, Brillith !
Michelle M.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Brillith,
Whoa!!! Education is not "wasted" and, you won't turn into a pumpkin if you don't finish your schooling by the age of 25!
Goal: Become a dental hygienist without incurring debt.
how?
1. Get a job somewhere, anywhere, that has tuition assistance, even if it is the admitting desk of the hospital ER. It won't pay for all of your education, but MIGHT pay for some. Make sure you know the finer points of the tuition policy prior to taking the job.
2. Military???? Some of the best training. Sure, there are trade-offs. worth considering though.
3. Work full time midnight shift while also going to school full-time. Sure. You will have no life, and it might make you short-tempered because you will be constantly stressed. I did this the last semester of my senior year. Got off work at 7 a.m., went to school and "crashed", waking up at 9:30, missing my first two classes. Pre-cell phone days. Two of my 4 C's were "earned" that semester and I lived in fear of failing. In fact, I still have the occasional nightmare, some 40 years later. Choosing this option for 2-3 years I do not believe is sustainable. I highly advise against it. Being a zombie for 3 years? Nah!
4. Drastic reduction in expenses - people have gone to college while living out of their cars. . . showering at the gym, etc.
Never give up!!!! Never.
If you want it, go get it.
Besides, perhaps you'll work your way into a dental mgt position. You just never know where the road is going to take you. Stay open-minded to various possibilities, even those you had not considered.
best of luck!
Kim
Whoa!!! Education is not "wasted" and, you won't turn into a pumpkin if you don't finish your schooling by the age of 25!
Goal: Become a dental hygienist without incurring debt.
how?
1. Get a job somewhere, anywhere, that has tuition assistance, even if it is the admitting desk of the hospital ER. It won't pay for all of your education, but MIGHT pay for some. Make sure you know the finer points of the tuition policy prior to taking the job.
2. Military???? Some of the best training. Sure, there are trade-offs. worth considering though.
3. Work full time midnight shift while also going to school full-time. Sure. You will have no life, and it might make you short-tempered because you will be constantly stressed. I did this the last semester of my senior year. Got off work at 7 a.m., went to school and "crashed", waking up at 9:30, missing my first two classes. Pre-cell phone days. Two of my 4 C's were "earned" that semester and I lived in fear of failing. In fact, I still have the occasional nightmare, some 40 years later. Choosing this option for 2-3 years I do not believe is sustainable. I highly advise against it. Being a zombie for 3 years? Nah!
4. Drastic reduction in expenses - people have gone to college while living out of their cars. . . showering at the gym, etc.
Never give up!!!! Never.
If you want it, go get it.
Besides, perhaps you'll work your way into a dental mgt position. You just never know where the road is going to take you. Stay open-minded to various possibilities, even those you had not considered.
best of luck!
Kim
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Brillith
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Yes, it will be hard to work at night will you be able to study, and towards the end of your school before you complete the Hygiene program you have to complete the internship and externship. You will have to go to a dental office to perform cleaning and exams sealants, radiography, and other duties that a dental Hygienist is required
Best Wishes
Best Wishes
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Brillith!
Is it possible to work night shift full time and complete dental hygiene school?
It is indeed possible to work a night shift full-time job while completing dental hygiene school, although it can be challenging. Balancing work and school requires excellent time management skills, dedication, and perseverance. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Time Management: Working a night shift job while attending dental hygiene school will require meticulous planning of your schedule. You will need to allocate specific times for studying, attending classes, working, and taking care of yourself.
2. Support System: Having a strong support system in place can greatly help you manage the demands of both work and school. Family, friends, classmates, and professors can provide emotional support and assistance when needed.
3. Flexibility: Look for job opportunities that offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate your classes and study time. Communicate with your employer about your educational commitments to see if they can adjust your work hours accordingly.
4. Self-Care: It’s crucial to prioritize self-care during this busy period. Make sure to get enough rest, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
5. Financial Planning: Since you mentioned that you will no longer have financial aid, carefully plan your budget to ensure that working part-time covers your expenses while pursuing your degree.
6. Seek Advice: Connect with current or former dental hygiene students who have worked while in school to gain insights into their experiences and strategies for success.
In conclusion, while it is challenging to work full-time on a night shift while completing dental hygiene school, it is possible with careful planning, support from others, and dedication to your goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) - The ADHA provides valuable resources and information on dental hygiene education, career paths, and student support services.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - CODA sets the standards for dental hygiene programs in the United States, offering insights into the requirements and expectations of accredited programs.
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) - The NBDHE is a crucial exam for dental hygiene students in the U.S., providing information on licensure requirements and professional standards in the field.
God Bless You,
JC.
Is it possible to work night shift full time and complete dental hygiene school?
It is indeed possible to work a night shift full-time job while completing dental hygiene school, although it can be challenging. Balancing work and school requires excellent time management skills, dedication, and perseverance. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Time Management: Working a night shift job while attending dental hygiene school will require meticulous planning of your schedule. You will need to allocate specific times for studying, attending classes, working, and taking care of yourself.
2. Support System: Having a strong support system in place can greatly help you manage the demands of both work and school. Family, friends, classmates, and professors can provide emotional support and assistance when needed.
3. Flexibility: Look for job opportunities that offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate your classes and study time. Communicate with your employer about your educational commitments to see if they can adjust your work hours accordingly.
4. Self-Care: It’s crucial to prioritize self-care during this busy period. Make sure to get enough rest, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
5. Financial Planning: Since you mentioned that you will no longer have financial aid, carefully plan your budget to ensure that working part-time covers your expenses while pursuing your degree.
6. Seek Advice: Connect with current or former dental hygiene students who have worked while in school to gain insights into their experiences and strategies for success.
In conclusion, while it is challenging to work full-time on a night shift while completing dental hygiene school, it is possible with careful planning, support from others, and dedication to your goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) - The ADHA provides valuable resources and information on dental hygiene education, career paths, and student support services.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - CODA sets the standards for dental hygiene programs in the United States, offering insights into the requirements and expectations of accredited programs.
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) - The NBDHE is a crucial exam for dental hygiene students in the U.S., providing information on licensure requirements and professional standards in the field.
God Bless You,
JC.