As a health care professional who is currently attending full time to get an MPH, if at all possible
go part time and keep your job.
I moved and quit my job to start my current program. I'm doing well in the program and all that, but I have had a quite a hard time getting hired (even part time). I'm sure it's the recession and the local job market (dismal), but it was quite a shocker for me. I ended up taking out way more in loans this semester just to get by, and I barely have anything left for this month (in fact I'm borrowing from family). I was recently hired for a part time job here that will allow me to continue full time with my program, however this was after months of job hunting (I started before I quit my last full time job) and months of unemployment. Fortunately I have no kids. Unfortunately I have no spouse (because I could have used some financial help!).
I also cannot emphasize
finding the right program enough. I'm fine with the program I'm in (because I'm in it now, and I intend to finish), but in retrospect, I would have chosen the more prestigious universtiy in an area with the better job prospects and higher cost of living. Also, my program is not really focused on the health care professional coming back to school....they're more focused on people straight out of undergrad who are gunning for med school, dental school, etc. So there's very little support for people like me.
Oh, and I would have
applied much earlier and to more schools to increase my chances of getting better financial aid.
As for practicum/internships, most schools will try to work with you and so will those sponsoring the internship. Even if they don't, maybe you can get a leave of absence for that one sem/term and take out loans. I thought it would be sooo easy for me to get a job, and unfortunately I was wrong.
Now I look at the part timers who have lives, aren't all obssessed on getting straight As for med school, and don't have the personal bank of mommy and daddy to rely on, and I envy them. I miss the social connection with other professionals.
Good luck!
