Feeling trapped in current job postion..what can I do (small town)? Education

[lela1026]

keeps me here for now.? I started out at a pretty good pay rate with a hospital that I work with. I am a tech in the ER and make good money w/ shift diff, weekend diff, call pay and some possible OT pay. However, I a plan to graduate and would like to move into a more administrative postion using my degree. I am unable to leave the comapnay b/c of tuition, as a single parent of three they pay 100% of benefits (daughter getting braces) and this is the most money I have ever been paid. However, I need experience relating to my degree, and new skills. Within the year I have interviewed for two other "perfect" postions. However, my HR will make me take a two dollar pay cut b/c they are entry level and I have been denied jobs b/c I do not have the degree in hand. I love the job I do, hate co-workers, not to mention it is very physical and forces me to choose between my kids and job at times. This is a small town so this is considered a good employer, I have worked all other major/good employers in the town already
As a single parent of three I have to keep the job b/c of money. I am unable to commute to two nearest larger cities b/c of family obligations.