How can I work full time and start dental assistant school now?

[Anonymous]

I’m stuck and not sure what do.

i want begin school now but im in process of saving up money for my studio to live close to work. I plan move end July for move in August 1st.
June I’ll have only $650 saved , half as an emergency fund and half for a new sofa bed for my studio.
my family lives far 1 hour in a senior apt , it’s a boring depressing city nothing to do on days off, I don’t have my own room, it’s my moms room I need share.
I need my own quiet place to work on school and restart my online clothing business & spend less money on gas as I’ll live close to job.

i work 8-11 hours, sometimes 6 days a wk.

one college only has full time hours half in person half online.

another college has 9 month program fully in person full time.

another offers only online classes but u need pay $79 a month or $1200 total.

one college does offer flexible schedule part time, online and in person , but to register classes will begin til 2027 June.

I want be a dentist assistant. I work currently full time at a clothing warehouse and I want become a trainer which is almost like a lead but not getting promoted yet. I’m good with fashion, business, organizational , warehouse & attention to detail skills.

[AI Opinion]

You’re juggling a lot, but this is doable with a phased plan.

1. Secure stable housing first (Aug–Dec)
- Priority: move closer to work, lower gas, protect your mental health.
- Use this period to stabilize hours, build a small emergency fund, and adjust to your new schedule.

2. Use the transition time for prep (now–Dec)
- Research each program’s total cost, schedule, and externship requirements.
- Call schools and ask: “Do you have evening/weekend or hybrid options that allow full‑time work?”
- Start basic prep online for free (anatomy, dental terminology) so school feels easier later.

3. Compare programs realistically
- Fully in‑person full time (9‑month): tough with 8–11‑hour shifts; might require cutting work hours or changing jobs.
- Half in‑person/half online full time: slightly more flexible but still heavy; ask if they allow part‑time enrollment or evening labs.
- Fully online $79/month:
- Check if it’s accredited (CODA or at least accepted by employers/state board).
- Many online‑only dental assistant programs are not respected; you’ll still need hands‑on training. Don’t pay until you confirm recognition.
- Part‑time flexible (starts 2027):
- Long wait, but this might fit best with full‑time work; consider getting on the waitlist now as a backup.

4. Interim career move (next 12–18 months)
- Push to become a trainer at your warehouse:
- Ask your manager what specific skills/metrics they need to see.
- Training experience will look good on applications and can mean slightly higher pay or more predictable hours.
- Use any raise to save for tuition and a stronger emergency fund.

5. Timing to start school
- Most sustainable path:
- Move in August → stabilize finances for 4–6 months.
- Target school start in early/mid‑2025 so you’re not broke and burnt out.
- If you absolutely want to start earlier, consider:
- Taking only 1–2 prerequisite/online courses at a time while working full time.
- Then switching to more intensive schedule later, possibly dropping your work hours to 30–35/wk if you can afford it.

6. Financial strategy
- Track every expense for 2–3 months. Cut non‑essentials and redirect to:
- Emergency fund (aim for at least 1–2 months of bare‑bones expenses).
- “School fund” for books, uniforms, exam fees, lower work hours later.
- Ask schools about:
- Payment plans, grants, state workforce training funds, employer tuition assistance.

7. Mental health and energy
- With 8–11‑hour shifts, you must protect sleep.
- If you can’t drop work hours when you start school, limit course load at first.

If you tell me:
- Your approximate monthly income
- Rent/utilities estimate for the studio
- State/country you’re in

I can help you map a concrete month‑by‑month plan from now through your first semester.

[Asker]

income every 2 weeks $1300 , and with overtime and working 6 days a wk about $1600
California
Studio $900/$1k , no bills
Phone $60
Car insurance $140
Car payment $380
Pay extra car bill, I’m paying $150 a month for an issue I fixed to my old car that is broken.
I signed the contract so it’s a bill I regret adding and can’t stop it as the issue got fixed already to that car.

[Asker]

Right. Now driving to my families senior apt I have no room no privacy and hate that city. So staying there to save money isn’t an option.
I spend $800 a month on gas driving there so might as well rent my studio and work on school in peace and quiet and not waste 3 hours a day driving the freeway as that time can be used for school

[Asker]

If I’m a trainer it’s $300-400 more a month. I’m eager and wondering if I’ll ever get promoted as trainer even tho I work hard.
I have ego so I don’t want ask them mylsef , I want supervisors to ask me so I feel good they chose me.