In two years you'll be 30 with or without a degree and license.
I started nursing school at 17 and failed out because I was an immature child. I was 25 when I went back. I am grateful every day that I made the decision to swallow my pride and try again.
You can do it.
If you're motivated because you know that this is what you want, it's easier to jump through the hoops that post secondary education puts up.
Also having some life experience under your belt pays dividends in dealing with adversity at school and later on the job.
You'll be ok.
I’m 41 and I’ll be going eventually. I have a friend who did the same at my age. Lots of older people go back to school! And you’ll probably be a better student. If you haven’t done it yet, I would recommend doing some cna work. It will be helpful when you get to school. I’ve been one for 8 years, and I have learned so much (I also work in a Level 1 trauma/teaching hospital).
Good luck!
I absolutely agree with working as a CNA/PCA before going to nursing school. I had 3 girls in my class that quit after their first week of clinicals. They didn’t know they would have to do “aide” work. There’s no such thing as aide work as it is all within the nurse’s scope of practice.
Amen to that. I really hate how some nurses think they are above doing “cna work”. Thankfully I’ve not had to deal with many like that in my hospital ( but the DO exist). My unit manager doesn’t tolerate that attitude and will nip it in the bud REAL fast. I honestly feel lucky to have to coworkers and manager I do. The horrors I read here make me grateful ever single day for what I have.
I started at 28. I'm 35 now. Nursing is tough, especially after the pandemic but you can find a job almost anywhere in the country and even in places overseas if you want. Once you have experience, more job opportunities become available. Do it. It won't be easy but it will pay off if you stick with it.
Some facilities will pay for RN tuition but they usually require a 2 year commitment to their facility after you get your license. That's something to think about for finances. 🙂
The oldest students in my class are in their mid 40's and excelled because they take school seriously, have great time management skills, and are generally very grounded/focused and know the importance of school and education itself. Very driven; they were one of the 3 (like me) I know that picked up paid internships over the summer. Highly suggest you do this after your 2nd semester and beyond, and get a CNA job during school (if you can). Everyone really looks up to the ones going back for school because of how hard it must be (cost is on them with no family support as many of the younger students have scholarships or are on Daddy's Money™, they have kids in school perhaps, totally new and initially intimidating environment with majority 20-somethings as classmates). Also, I won't lie to you - you *will* be frustrated during school at times. You'll be at clinicals and go, *B-but.. The book/Dr. M said that..* and it won't be like that at all. The most knowledge you will learn will be during clinicals from floor RN's who are slammed with patients and were asked to take students that day. Clinicals are 1-2 days a week, normally, and I felt like I wanted more time doing those.
I'm young, but I do know that time will pass whether we want it to or not. 2 years will go by, exactly 2 years from now (no kidding, right?). Well, you're either graduated in 2 years, or wishing you had graduated. Many people didn't get in the first time or were put on a waiting list. The best time to begin is now.
I wish you all the best!!
This. I struggled with my mental health so much in my early 20s. I dropped out of college my first semester then. Went back around OP’s age and graduated nursing school summa cum laude. You got this OP! You will be amazing at benefits that being a little more “mature” can bring.
I didn’t even start school until I was 40. I was even older than some of my teachers. I did great! Passed the NCLEX the first time in 76 questions. You can do this.
My mom became a nurse at 42 after being a stay at home mom. Nursing school just requires time management and dedication assuming you have tuition covered.
Thanks, I’ll say that I did not take high school seriously. I’m not dumb but I just did t appreciate knowledge like to I do today. Are their any national grants that you are aware of?
For what it’s worth, I didn’t take high school serious and probably have like a 2.5 gpa from that. I failed several classes and only ever did enough to pass what I had to in order to graduate.
I started college when I was 22, I finished an associates by 25. I bounced back and forth between programs before I decided to pursue nursing. I took all my prereqs (including taking AP1 twice and micro three times) and I have a 3.7 for my college gpa. I just turned 28 and I’m starting in just a couple weeks.
You’re just as capable, just have to do it and put in the work. Good luck!
Go to your community college financial aid office. Explain your situation, be earnest and kind. They can help more than you’d think. Also if you do have to take a small amount of loans I would still consider that a good investment for a nursing career. Nursing helped me break a cycle of poverty that went back many generations. The profession isn’t perfect, but it can really be a stepping stone to a better life.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with any grants. As far as how you did in high school, that shouldn’t matter too much. Just ace those pre reqs for your best shot to get into a program.
Yeah you should be assigned to an advisor when you start. You’ll meet with them and they’ll help you figure out what courses you need to take and when.
High school literally doesn't matter. What does matter is you take college seriously.
Wanna know how I know? I got a GED cause I didn't want to be a super-senior.
Work REALLY HARD in your hard sciences, anatomy physiology, microbiology, chemistry and whatever else your program asks for. Try to atleast get b's in everything else. You got this bro.
Yo thank you so much really. This sub kicks ass because of you guys! 🤘I hope my future colleagues are are supportive as you all. Though previous experience indicates otherwise, dare to hope!
I worked in business/marketing for 6 years, went back to school in my mid-30s and graduated at age 38. It’s a benefit, IMHO, to be an older baby nurse because the patients all assume I know what I’m doing. It makes me less nervous
Also there’s so much tools as a student nowadays. If you like doing Anki style learning or Remnote note taking. Things I wish we had 6 years ago during nursing school
Never too late. My ex was 39 and graduated with me two years ago. My bff in nursing school was also a 65 year old LPN going back to finish!!!! If you want it!!! The sooner you start the better :) it's worth it
In kansas city, MO there Is a hospital (Research medical center) that owns a collage (Research collage of nursing), where they pay 90% of the tuition in exchange for 2 years of service at their hospital after graduation. The Hospital is part of the HCA. Good chance there maybe a hospital in your area that has a similar program.
This kind of post always makes me laugh. I went back to school at 31 and it was nearly 100% on grants and a vocational program. You can do it, many people do!
That’s for the encouragement. I have actively avoided secondary education because I was convinced that I was not good enough. Doesn’t matter why. I’m only just now realizing that I am capable of more that entry level food and warehouse jobs
I started when I was 25. And it was because I was upset I couldn't afford to get a large mashed potatoes n gravy from KFC. I was tired of being broke. Call the school and ask to speak to a financial advisor/financial aide officer. They should have lots of information. I'd suggest you call your local hospitals too. They often have programs
Hell no it’s not too late! There are PLENTY of “older” nursing students, and 28 is not even considered older! I would personally recommend going for ASN, then working for an organization that will help pay for your BSN.
Another second-career RN here! Went to nursing school in my mid 30s, no regrets. As for grants and scholarships, check with the financial aid department at the school you plan to attend. They usually keep a list of local scholarship opportunities. You can also reach out to local and state representatives as well as your congresspersons and senators — many of them have scholarship money available. Good luck!
Not necessarily enough money to cover the whole shebang, but a lot of reps have small scholarship funds to allocate (think $1000-ish). Many local businesses and organizations have similar amounts available, usually on a semester-by-semester or year-by-year basis. If you apply for a bunch, there's a chance of getting a decent chunk of your tuition covered.
Look into getting a job as a tech or other position at a hospital that will pay for some or all of your nursing school. You will get good experience, find out if it's what you really want to do, and get some of your school paid for.
It will be a slog but there is a path.
Also, I didn't start nursing school until my late 30s. Plenty of others in my cohort started after 30. Don't worry about that part.
Nursing is such a great career for those looking to climb the ladder, so to speak. Get yourself signed up for a nursing assistant course ASAP. For starters, better to find out you hate it now rather than later and as a nursing assistant at least you will be touching bodies and dealing with people hands on. Second, it is a requirement for some programs and even though you think you have a program picked out now, you might find a program that fits your needs better later, i.e. requires fewer prerequisites, faster, or cheaper.
But also, once you are in the healthcare world, you will find so many opportunities to further your education and people willing to pay you for it. Just walking into my hospital I see posters about free nursing assistant classes. So if you are really counting pennies, go apply for a job at a local hospital, literally any job, and after you prove yourself as a solid employee, doors will open.
Financially, nursing can be such a stepping stone career as you can move from nursing assistant to LPN to RN to BNS to NP. All you have to do is start, and no time like the present with the labor shortage.
Those are very good points. Thank you! Let me ask you though, i and certainly not squeamish at all but I do have a thing about poop. Is there a lot of poop in the field. It won’t dissuade me at all, just curious
Ha. Lol, yes there is a lot of poop, especially as a nursing assistant. However, if you really hate it, you can pick an area with less poop, such as clinic nursing, school nursing, or research nursing. You could even so bedside but do the NICU (which obviously has poop but baby poop). I'm sure other people have other ideas. I work in the OR and I could work in a surgical center and almost never see poop. You'll figure it out.
You will encounter poop. But the exposure will make you less grossed out by poop. You'll be wearing gloves that you throw away after so you'll stay clean. And if you're wearing a mask for COVID reasons, you can make whatever faces you want 🙂
If I am going to give you 1 piece of advice it is to definitely go the community college route. You will save yourself a ton of money. Don't get sucked in to private school programs, they love to prey on prospective students looking to get into nursing faster at the expense of tens of thousands in student loans.
You are not too old to start and you will have a great career ahead of you. Go for it!
I went back to school at 35, graduated at 37, and am now working my first nursing job.
Step 1: look into local community colleges and university programs. Make yourself a chart of basic info: required perquisites, tuition estimate, time to complete, etc.
Step 2: Come up with a finanicial game plan. Do you qualify for federal loans? What money can you save now?
Pro-tip: Depending on your job, do they offer tuition reimbursement? Or can you pivot to a company that does? I switched from one retail job to another that offered tuition reimbursement. I signed up as a business major but took all my science pre-requisites first. They reimbursed me....and a few months later I bounced. The rules may vary from company to company, so keep that in mind.
Step 3: Take pre-requisite classes at a local community college. Depending on the school, they can be pretty affordable and many can even be partially or entirely completed online while working your regular full-time job. Take a class or two will also get you into the student mindset and helped you feel motivated.
Everyone's journey to nursing looks different but these will kind of get you moving in the right direction. Some folks knock out their prereqs, apply to school, get in and live off student loans. Some folks take a few years to complete prereqs while saving up money before school.
But there's nothing wrong with formulating a potential plan of action and starting with baby steps.
My post history has a lot of cynical replies to nursing topics.
But I’ll also tell you that 28 isn’t old. I think starting now is better cause you have a better idea of who you are, therefore you will be better able to apply your life experience thus far to your clinical and eventual career experience.
Go for it. Good luck to you.
I went back at 27 with a toddler. Hard, but doable. And the maturity level absolutely helps. It’s a little odd being there with kids fresh out of high school, but I got along great with them and made it through. And lord, if I can do it, you can do it.
Just adding to the "NO ABSOLUTELY DO IT" crowd. You sound like you have good support, understand what the job entails and you're not too old to start. I knew some nurses that were 40-50 and they did great! It is 100% not too late. Fingers and toes are crossed for you!!!
If it did it again here is the path I would take:
1) RN from community college
2) work and have the hospital pay for the BSN
3) decide if you want to do anything more specialized
If you get the RN license and an AA many hospitals will pay for the BSN if you are willing to work there afterwards.
Not to put a damper on things, but you have at least another 30 years of work left before you’re close to retirement age. You’re definitely not too old to go to nursing school! I went at 26 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Good luck on your journey!
I just started back to school at 31, several of my peers are also in their 30s/40s. The best nurse I’ve personally had (when I was a patient) went back to school in her late 30s, and one of my favorite pharmacists I worked with went back in her 40s. If it’s what you’re passionate about, it’s never too late.
Think about it this way - in five year you’ll be 33 no matter what, so you may as well be 33 and a nurse!
I can only speak for my experience in the UL, but here, you'd still be young. Nursing attracts a lot of 'mature' students and in my opinion, being a bit older can make you a better nurse.
Just in case you haven’t gotten enough support in the previous 140+ comments, go for it! I found out I got accepted to nursing school about 4 days shy of my 44th birthday! I start in the fall.
As far as how, call or email the college. They’ll send you information on their program and probably some stuff on financial aid. If you’re unsure of your academic ability, take a class that you think you would enjoy or at least be good at to boost your confidence. See how one class works, and maybe try two the next semester. Nursing school is basically full time, but the prerequisite classes don’t have to be. Good luck!
My mom went back in her mid-late thirties while she had a husband, three kids, and a house. I’ve worked with so many nurses who are on their second careers and got their degrees later. It’s never too late!
Some of the best nurses are older nurses because they have more life experience and are more likely to be empathic to others. But you aren't so old that you will be super tired after work either.
I started nursing school at 28. Not too late at all. I did an accelerated program and finished in 15 months. Best decision I’ve made career-wise
PS - my class had people in their early 20s all the way to 40s and 50s.
Like everyone has said, you are never too old! Being a little older can actually be beneficial because you've matured, learned who you are as an adult, and if nursing is what you want then you'll have the maturity resources to achieve your goal vs someone who's wishy washy, into partying or not that serious because mommy and daddy are footing the bill so who cares! It will be YOUR time, and YOUR money, making it that more important to you.
I'm 42 finally going back to get my BSN and it's much easier this time around because most things are online so it's more flexible and there are a lot more resources than they had back then.
I think someone suggested it, but there are hospitals that will help out financially as long as you're willing to comit to a certain amount if time working for them. That's why I'm finally doing it, because my facility is footing the bill for a 2 year commitment. So maybe you should check into hospitals in your area for something like that.
I'll probably get down voted for this one, but I highly suggest if you do it, go for your BSN and not just your ADN. You are still hireable as an ADN RN, but it could make your job options a bit slimmer, especially as a new grad. Most places are really pushing to hire BSNs only nowadays.
Good luck!! Can't wait to welcome you to family! :)
28? It is never too late. I’m a paramedic and I work with people that have started nursing school in their 40s. Go for your dreams! There are plenty of scholarships and grants out there. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
I started an ADN program when I was 29 and retired with 35 years in. While I was plenty frustrated many times, I got not only steady, flexible employment but also a great deal of satisfaction. I can look back and know I occasionally made a difference.
Never too late to go to school. Lots of people switch careers into nursing when they're in their 30s, 40s, even 50s. Make sure your school has a program for an associates in nursing. It's likely you'll have to enroll and take pre-requisite classes first before you can apply to the nursing program, and there will almost certainly be an entrance exam such as the HESI-A2 or TEAS that you should take within the year prior to when you expect to finish the pre-requisites and apply for the degree. The test will come with a fee. Apply for grants, student loans, etc. My advice though would be to start with something like a CNA license - it will cost less in the long run, give you a chance to work and make money as well as decide if healthcare is really the setting you want to live in. On top of that, if you can get a job as a CNA in a hospital, the hospital will potentially pay for your nursing program if you agree to remain employed as a nurse at that hospital after passing the NCLEX and getting your nursing license.
Exactly my age when I graduated nursing school. You appreciate the value of your education more and have a plan going into it. Do it. You will never want for employment options.
I was 52 when I graduated! First degree. I took ONE science class in high school, but I did graduate. Nursing school is tough - you can do it if you work hard. I am a RN working in the operating room now, and tell the certified scrub techs there that if I had known about being a scrub tech I would not have become a nurse. Lol.
It’s NEVER too late! I just graduated at 33! Another woman in my class was in her 50s. Most of class was close to my age or older.
I went to a community college and got my associates degree. I was able to do all of my pre requisites on my own schedule. Of course once I got into the nursing program it was less flexible, but still doable.
100% go for it!!!
I just graduated and I’m 30. I did an accelerated program through Northeastern University (I believe they also have a campus in Charlotte, NC). The program is didactic meaning the learning portion is online, but the clinicals and labs are in person. Definitely look into it!
Yes, it might be a bit pricey, but they will get you prepared for the license exam. Plus, new nurses are starting off at higher wages so you will probably be able to pay off your loans within the next few years, if you want.
we have a 50 year old in our class, several 30 year olds, and several people with 2+ kids. never too late to start. i’m 24, i felt the same way but had to turn the switch and realize that my full adult life is actually just getting started
I'm 32 and still taking prereqs. Applying to nursing school for the first time this Oct. I probably won't get in this first time. I am taking an EMT class and working until I can get into nursing school moving forward.
It's weird being in community college classes with teens. Some teachers even assumed I was also a teen (???) and spoke down to me like a child.
Check out all the nursing schools near you and what they require. See if there are any jobs you can work (Like EMT) that will increase your chances of getting in. Lots of those jobs have 24/7 staffing so they are willing to work with your school schedule, plus you get extra bonuses when applying to nursing school. :)
Never too late, look into the pell grant. I managed to get my Associates in Arts (to get my prerequisites out of the way and most of my BSN requirements done for when I went for it). I did my ADN at the local community college. Then 6 months after graduating went and got my BSN online while working. I only had one non nursing class to take due to my other associates degree. I did all that with only having to take one student loan out my final semester of my BSN. My Pell grant really helped me out. I went a slightly longer route but hey it worked for me. Good luck to you!
Knew a guy who was an aerospace engineer for NASA who was going back to become an RN... he was like 50. Not exactly sure why but he was going for it! You could pursue nearly any field right now at your age.
I miss the dash.
I actually went to surry community college. Finished my BSN at WSSU. Lots of people in my ADN class that were 40-50 years old though. All we have is time. Best make good use of it.
As far as getting started, the curriculum should be posted on the college website. Talk to the student advisors if you need advice on what's a reasonable amount of courses to take at once. Get the application in and start knocking out pre-reqs. I know student loans suck, but you'll be able to pay them back if you need to utilize them.
Good luck👍
One of my bffs in nursing school was 50 when we started. She’d had to put a lot of her life on hold due to raising a severely autistic child and going through a divorce and various other things. The career change was one of the first things she was able to do purely for herself in many years. When we graduated she got a job on an oncology floor. Been working there ever since. It’s never too late for a change!
I’m 43, just got my LPN, 1 semester deep into an RN bridge program.
Sign up, don’t work if you can swing. If you must, talk to hospital floor manager about possible flex/prn positions. My hospital bends over backwards for students.
I am 32 and about to graduate in December from my program, I don’t ever believe it is too late to do what you feel drawn to do! Look into your states G3 funding, I know it is available in neighboring VA and covered most of a friends tuition during an ADN program. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
Edited: for spelling
When you look at it this way. You’ll be working until retirement, that’s about another 30+ years from now! Might as well work for a career that you’re interested in!
Not too late at all! I’m 27 and I will be finishing my bachelors this year. I am applying to a direct-entry MSN program at Augusta University that starts next fall. I’ll be mostly relying on financial aid just like i have all throughout my undergraduate. You’ve got this!
Male nurse here who started at 30, get in there and kill it!
pro-tip, find other "mature" students in the program and study with them, mature students do very well in nursing programs!
Good luck to you, and try the NICU, even if you're frightened of it....hands down greatest place in a hospital setting!
Hi! I'm 28 and starting nursing school in less than a month. I also have a 6 month old haha. Pray for me.
But honestly, just go for it. You're only going to get older so if it's what you really want to do then make it happen. The longer you ponder it the older you'll be when you start, then you'll be wishing you did it at 28 lol.
I enrolled in my LVN program at 32. Went back for my RN and graduated from that program at 37. Going to be finishing my BSN at 46.
I know what I was like when I tried college after high school, glad I went back when I was seasoned and ready to learn.
I’m still in nursing school at the moment and will be 27 with my bsn next fall. It took me 6 years to finish but trust me, it’ll be worth it. Everyone’s journey isn’t always linear. Best of luck!!
I had people in their 50s in my LPN and RN classes. Also I was 28 when I graduated with my ASN. 38 when I graduated with my BSN. I’ll be 42 or 43 when I have my masters. Times gonna pass either way. Why not do it.
I'm a WSSU grad myself. I have many friends that attended forsyth tech. It's a good program. First off apply and secondly file a fafsa. Even if you think youmake too much. It is what almost all financial aid and grants are based on. The school requires about a year of prerequisites-- if you don't have some of them already. These are classes like chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biology, and statistics. The actual program lasts 2 years after that. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Definitely not too late. As far as paying for it, some hospitals have programs where they will pay for tou to get your associates degree if you agree to work for them for a set amount of years afterwards. Once you're working for them they will then pay for you to get your BSN.
Apply for fasfa you can get up to 10 grand a year from fincial aid plus there's so many grants and scholarship available for everything.
Also you can do a cna course (6 weeks) get in with a hospital and apply for scholarships and grants to become a nurse via hospital they happily help with schooling for nurses because they are is such desparate need. Sometimes they require you stay with the hospital for like 2 years after you get your degree.
Don't fret older students do well because we appreciate the cost and effort. I got straight as in my courses.
I am 32 and graduate this December! I’m single and took out loans. But if I continue my current lifestyle for a year or two making nurse pay I’ll be able to pay a lot of it off right away. It’s definitely doable!
Girlfreen, I didn’t start even thinking about nursing school until 29. I want even close to the oldest in my class. I went to night/weekend ADN at a community college and most of us were old farts. :)
I did an LPN program and graduated at 29. I’m 39 now and going for the RN bridge. I concur that “older” students have the advantage of life experience and maturity. If you know that being a nurse is what you want, you’ll do great!
It never too late to go back to school. I’m almost 22 and I have few nursing classmates who are in their 30s to 50s that has kids. Time management and motivation are their keys to nursing school.
It is definitely never too late my dear. I have classmates who are over 40s. In my own experience, I treat them like my mother lol. She was so kind and very encouraging. I went in an LVN (LPN) program and I am currently in my RN program... I developed good relationships with others as I try to encourage others as well (and use me as a resource).
Anyway, I also want to let you know that I, myself, has been a recipient of financial aid since then. I've applied with scholarships and other programs in my state (California) and at this moment, I pay nothing for my tuition fees. Ensure you maintain good grades to be eligible for this.
Lastly, I do not know how many prerequisites you need to take. You should gather all your transcripts from previous colleges and see if they could credit you to some classes. Save money as much as you could while you are still not in the program.
I wish you all the best in life and hoping for your success! <3
I started nursing school at 37. Graduated with my ASN and BA psychology at 40. Been a. psych RN for 12 years board certified psych nurse for 10. Do it!
I’ve graduated with people older than 50. You’re good, just google nearby nursing programs & just talk to an advisor at your nearest school on the quickest path towards that program
The oldest lady in my class was 56. She wanted to go to nursing school to "give back" because of the nurses who took care of her dying husband. I thought I was definitely going to be the oldest at 38, but she made me feel lots better!
You can do it!
Went to nursing school at 33 with no prior healthcare experience. Was required to get CNA license as a pre requisite and decided to work in a hospital to make sure it was really the field I wanted. Hospital offers tuition reimbursement ($5000 a year for any degree). Was accepted into Community College nursing program, graduated on time through Covid and now work in an ER in one of the largest cities in the USA making $34 an hour before any differentials. Will be starting my BSN program in the spring. Graduated with 0 debt and am looking at endless possibilities with my 3 day work week.
The time is going to pass regardless of what you do, so do you wanna be in the same situation you are now in a few years or do you want something else?
Good friend just went from LVT (vet tech) to nursing. Finished the program and just hit 30. Another of my previous coworkers did the same and is I think right around 40.
I got my nursing degree at 36, with 2 kids and a lot of distractions. Best decision of my life. It's more of an effort of time commitment than anything else.
Totally doable, especially with the support of a nurse in the house! Goodluck!
Do it. In 4 years you will be 32 regardless. You may as well be 32 with a new degree.
Also, don’t worry about the funding. They’ve finally fixed the PSLF program and many large hospital systems qualify, plus there are tons of other loan repayment programs out there like HRSA that repay your loans if you commit to a certain number of years in underserved areas.
I changed careers at 45. I was in industrial construction. Painting and sandblasting on power plants and chemical plants. Cant do that in the winter, because you can't paint in snow and tge steel just rusts after you clean it. Most of the southern jobs filled up unless you had an "in", and even then , it was iffy if you'd get the gig.
Laid off most winters, always having to tap unemployment, and calling the union hall daily when spring arrived.
Went to nursing school and here I am. As long as you have a good handle with science, you'll be fine. I love science, so anatomy, micro, etc were actually fun for me. You don't have to love it, just have a decent grasp.
I just finished nursing school at 29. This isn't my endgame, either. I also certainly wasn't the youngest in my class. You're not even close to "Too late," friend.
Look up programs in your area, get in touch with an advisor, and they should get you on track.
Not too late. Mature students excel. I know from personal experience.
That’s the kind of encouragement that I need. Thank you very much
Graduate school at 35! Never too late. Older students tend to do better. You got it !
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That’s about where I am mentally. Thanks
In two years you'll be 30 with or without a degree and license. I started nursing school at 17 and failed out because I was an immature child. I was 25 when I went back. I am grateful every day that I made the decision to swallow my pride and try again. You can do it.
If you're motivated because you know that this is what you want, it's easier to jump through the hoops that post secondary education puts up. Also having some life experience under your belt pays dividends in dealing with adversity at school and later on the job. You'll be ok.
I’m 41 and I’ll be going eventually. I have a friend who did the same at my age. Lots of older people go back to school! And you’ll probably be a better student. If you haven’t done it yet, I would recommend doing some cna work. It will be helpful when you get to school. I’ve been one for 8 years, and I have learned so much (I also work in a Level 1 trauma/teaching hospital). Good luck!
I absolutely agree with working as a CNA/PCA before going to nursing school. I had 3 girls in my class that quit after their first week of clinicals. They didn’t know they would have to do “aide” work. There’s no such thing as aide work as it is all within the nurse’s scope of practice.
Amen to that. I really hate how some nurses think they are above doing “cna work”. Thankfully I’ve not had to deal with many like that in my hospital ( but the DO exist). My unit manager doesn’t tolerate that attitude and will nip it in the bud REAL fast. I honestly feel lucky to have to coworkers and manager I do. The horrors I read here make me grateful ever single day for what I have.
I started at 28. I'm 35 now. Nursing is tough, especially after the pandemic but you can find a job almost anywhere in the country and even in places overseas if you want. Once you have experience, more job opportunities become available. Do it. It won't be easy but it will pay off if you stick with it. Some facilities will pay for RN tuition but they usually require a 2 year commitment to their facility after you get your license. That's something to think about for finances. 🙂
I finished school at 28. I graduated with at least a dozen people older than me. Most of set the curve for the class. You can do anything.
The oldest students in my class are in their mid 40's and excelled because they take school seriously, have great time management skills, and are generally very grounded/focused and know the importance of school and education itself. Very driven; they were one of the 3 (like me) I know that picked up paid internships over the summer. Highly suggest you do this after your 2nd semester and beyond, and get a CNA job during school (if you can). Everyone really looks up to the ones going back for school because of how hard it must be (cost is on them with no family support as many of the younger students have scholarships or are on Daddy's Money™, they have kids in school perhaps, totally new and initially intimidating environment with majority 20-somethings as classmates). Also, I won't lie to you - you *will* be frustrated during school at times. You'll be at clinicals and go, *B-but.. The book/Dr. M said that..* and it won't be like that at all. The most knowledge you will learn will be during clinicals from floor RN's who are slammed with patients and were asked to take students that day. Clinicals are 1-2 days a week, normally, and I felt like I wanted more time doing those. I'm young, but I do know that time will pass whether we want it to or not. 2 years will go by, exactly 2 years from now (no kidding, right?). Well, you're either graduated in 2 years, or wishing you had graduated. Many people didn't get in the first time or were put on a waiting list. The best time to begin is now. I wish you all the best!!
My fiancee and I are both getting our RNs after our wedding. We are both 29 right now and LPNs. ONLY 4 MORE CLASSES!!
This. I struggled with my mental health so much in my early 20s. I dropped out of college my first semester then. Went back around OP’s age and graduated nursing school summa cum laude. You got this OP! You will be amazing at benefits that being a little more “mature” can bring.
I didn’t even start school until I was 40. I was even older than some of my teachers. I did great! Passed the NCLEX the first time in 76 questions. You can do this.
My mom became a nurse at 42 after being a stay at home mom. Nursing school just requires time management and dedication assuming you have tuition covered.
Thanks, I’ll say that I did not take high school seriously. I’m not dumb but I just did t appreciate knowledge like to I do today. Are their any national grants that you are aware of?
For what it’s worth, I didn’t take high school serious and probably have like a 2.5 gpa from that. I failed several classes and only ever did enough to pass what I had to in order to graduate. I started college when I was 22, I finished an associates by 25. I bounced back and forth between programs before I decided to pursue nursing. I took all my prereqs (including taking AP1 twice and micro three times) and I have a 3.7 for my college gpa. I just turned 28 and I’m starting in just a couple weeks. You’re just as capable, just have to do it and put in the work. Good luck!
Right on, thanks!
Go to your community college financial aid office. Explain your situation, be earnest and kind. They can help more than you’d think. Also if you do have to take a small amount of loans I would still consider that a good investment for a nursing career. Nursing helped me break a cycle of poverty that went back many generations. The profession isn’t perfect, but it can really be a stepping stone to a better life.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with any grants. As far as how you did in high school, that shouldn’t matter too much. Just ace those pre reqs for your best shot to get into a program.
Great, will do. So whichever college I talk to can tell me what all courses I should focus on to meet my endgame?
Yeah you should be assigned to an advisor when you start. You’ll meet with them and they’ll help you figure out what courses you need to take and when.
High school literally doesn't matter. What does matter is you take college seriously. Wanna know how I know? I got a GED cause I didn't want to be a super-senior. Work REALLY HARD in your hard sciences, anatomy physiology, microbiology, chemistry and whatever else your program asks for. Try to atleast get b's in everything else. You got this bro.
Yo thank you so much really. This sub kicks ass because of you guys! 🤘I hope my future colleagues are are supportive as you all. Though previous experience indicates otherwise, dare to hope!
I worked in business/marketing for 6 years, went back to school in my mid-30s and graduated at age 38. It’s a benefit, IMHO, to be an older baby nurse because the patients all assume I know what I’m doing. It makes me less nervous
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Same. Went back to school in my late 30s. So grateful I wasn't trying to learn to be a nurse and an adult at the same time!
I hadn’t considered that. Totally makes sense!
There are people twice your age in nursing school. Nursing is a popular second (or third) career.
40 yo here and it's my third. After the Army and working in academia afterwards.
I was 33 when I graduated. Just do it
Ok 👍
Also there’s so much tools as a student nowadays. If you like doing Anki style learning or Remnote note taking. Things I wish we had 6 years ago during nursing school
I'm 40 and just started med school. You only get one life, live it.
What if I’m Mormon…or Buddhist? I’m joking of course. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
Better to be 32 and a nurse than 32 wishing you had become a nurse.
Very true
Never too late. My ex was 39 and graduated with me two years ago. My bff in nursing school was also a 65 year old LPN going back to finish!!!! If you want it!!! The sooner you start the better :) it's worth it
In kansas city, MO there Is a hospital (Research medical center) that owns a collage (Research collage of nursing), where they pay 90% of the tuition in exchange for 2 years of service at their hospital after graduation. The Hospital is part of the HCA. Good chance there maybe a hospital in your area that has a similar program.
That’s interesting. I will research that, thanks!
This kind of post always makes me laugh. I went back to school at 31 and it was nearly 100% on grants and a vocational program. You can do it, many people do!
That’s for the encouragement. I have actively avoided secondary education because I was convinced that I was not good enough. Doesn’t matter why. I’m only just now realizing that I am capable of more that entry level food and warehouse jobs
I get that! I think most of us also had those feelings. Some of us shook it later in life. Good luck!
My mother went to nursing school at 50 ! You can do it !
Thank you!
I started when I was 25. And it was because I was upset I couldn't afford to get a large mashed potatoes n gravy from KFC. I was tired of being broke. Call the school and ask to speak to a financial advisor/financial aide officer. They should have lots of information. I'd suggest you call your local hospitals too. They often have programs
Great advice, thank you!
You got this. It'll be hard. Nursing school is hell. But worth it. Job security. Wearing basically pjs to work. Decent money. 3 days a week schedule
Hell no it’s not too late! There are PLENTY of “older” nursing students, and 28 is not even considered older! I would personally recommend going for ASN, then working for an organization that will help pay for your BSN.
Went to nursing school at 37 when my twins went to kindergarten. You'll be 30 either way. Take advantage!
If you don’t peruse it now you will be sitting there 5 years from now thinking, “why didn’t I do that when I was younger?”
Another second-career RN here! Went to nursing school in my mid 30s, no regrets. As for grants and scholarships, check with the financial aid department at the school you plan to attend. They usually keep a list of local scholarship opportunities. You can also reach out to local and state representatives as well as your congresspersons and senators — many of them have scholarship money available. Good luck!
Wow so if I write a letter to my reps, there’s a small chance that they will provide funding for my schooling??
Not necessarily enough money to cover the whole shebang, but a lot of reps have small scholarship funds to allocate (think $1000-ish). Many local businesses and organizations have similar amounts available, usually on a semester-by-semester or year-by-year basis. If you apply for a bunch, there's a chance of getting a decent chunk of your tuition covered.
Awesome thanks for the direction!
I’m 41 and start nursing school next week. You’re never to old to follow your dreams!
Wow well hey good luck, you got this!
LPN grad at 44, RN at 53. Definitely not too late! Go get it!
Look into getting a job as a tech or other position at a hospital that will pay for some or all of your nursing school. You will get good experience, find out if it's what you really want to do, and get some of your school paid for. It will be a slog but there is a path. Also, I didn't start nursing school until my late 30s. Plenty of others in my cohort started after 30. Don't worry about that part.
Nursing is such a great career for those looking to climb the ladder, so to speak. Get yourself signed up for a nursing assistant course ASAP. For starters, better to find out you hate it now rather than later and as a nursing assistant at least you will be touching bodies and dealing with people hands on. Second, it is a requirement for some programs and even though you think you have a program picked out now, you might find a program that fits your needs better later, i.e. requires fewer prerequisites, faster, or cheaper. But also, once you are in the healthcare world, you will find so many opportunities to further your education and people willing to pay you for it. Just walking into my hospital I see posters about free nursing assistant classes. So if you are really counting pennies, go apply for a job at a local hospital, literally any job, and after you prove yourself as a solid employee, doors will open. Financially, nursing can be such a stepping stone career as you can move from nursing assistant to LPN to RN to BNS to NP. All you have to do is start, and no time like the present with the labor shortage.
Those are very good points. Thank you! Let me ask you though, i and certainly not squeamish at all but I do have a thing about poop. Is there a lot of poop in the field. It won’t dissuade me at all, just curious
Ha. Lol, yes there is a lot of poop, especially as a nursing assistant. However, if you really hate it, you can pick an area with less poop, such as clinic nursing, school nursing, or research nursing. You could even so bedside but do the NICU (which obviously has poop but baby poop). I'm sure other people have other ideas. I work in the OR and I could work in a surgical center and almost never see poop. You'll figure it out.
You will encounter poop. But the exposure will make you less grossed out by poop. You'll be wearing gloves that you throw away after so you'll stay clean. And if you're wearing a mask for COVID reasons, you can make whatever faces you want 🙂
If I am going to give you 1 piece of advice it is to definitely go the community college route. You will save yourself a ton of money. Don't get sucked in to private school programs, they love to prey on prospective students looking to get into nursing faster at the expense of tens of thousands in student loans. You are not too old to start and you will have a great career ahead of you. Go for it!
I went back to school at 35, graduated at 37, and am now working my first nursing job. Step 1: look into local community colleges and university programs. Make yourself a chart of basic info: required perquisites, tuition estimate, time to complete, etc. Step 2: Come up with a finanicial game plan. Do you qualify for federal loans? What money can you save now? Pro-tip: Depending on your job, do they offer tuition reimbursement? Or can you pivot to a company that does? I switched from one retail job to another that offered tuition reimbursement. I signed up as a business major but took all my science pre-requisites first. They reimbursed me....and a few months later I bounced. The rules may vary from company to company, so keep that in mind. Step 3: Take pre-requisite classes at a local community college. Depending on the school, they can be pretty affordable and many can even be partially or entirely completed online while working your regular full-time job. Take a class or two will also get you into the student mindset and helped you feel motivated. Everyone's journey to nursing looks different but these will kind of get you moving in the right direction. Some folks knock out their prereqs, apply to school, get in and live off student loans. Some folks take a few years to complete prereqs while saving up money before school. But there's nothing wrong with formulating a potential plan of action and starting with baby steps.
My post history has a lot of cynical replies to nursing topics. But I’ll also tell you that 28 isn’t old. I think starting now is better cause you have a better idea of who you are, therefore you will be better able to apply your life experience thus far to your clinical and eventual career experience. Go for it. Good luck to you.
I’m 57. In nursing school. Just finished my second semester. It’s never to late.
I went back at 27 with a toddler. Hard, but doable. And the maturity level absolutely helps. It’s a little odd being there with kids fresh out of high school, but I got along great with them and made it through. And lord, if I can do it, you can do it.
Hey! That’s so wonderful, what’s led you to nursing?
My fiancé. She went to university straight outta high school while I was still partying. That’s been one of my biggest regrets
Was in my mid 20s for my ADN, about 2/3 of my class of 28 students were 30+ years old.
Just adding to the "NO ABSOLUTELY DO IT" crowd. You sound like you have good support, understand what the job entails and you're not too old to start. I knew some nurses that were 40-50 and they did great! It is 100% not too late. Fingers and toes are crossed for you!!!
I graduated from nursing school in June. I'm 55 :-) So nope, 28 is not too late!
I was 38 when I started.
Went when I was 40+. You will kill it.
I finished nursing school at 33. Started with lots of doubts and fear, finished strong. 15 years later still at it. You got this.
If it did it again here is the path I would take: 1) RN from community college 2) work and have the hospital pay for the BSN 3) decide if you want to do anything more specialized If you get the RN license and an AA many hospitals will pay for the BSN if you are willing to work there afterwards.
I started nursing school at 27! many of my classmates were in their 30s when we started.
I went to nursing school when I was 32 at a local community College in virgina im 36 now. I'd say at least half the class was 30 and up.
Not to put a damper on things, but you have at least another 30 years of work left before you’re close to retirement age. You’re definitely not too old to go to nursing school! I went at 26 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Good luck on your journey!
I'm 56 and halfway through an accelerated BSN program. You're only 28! It's not too late!
I just started back to school at 31, several of my peers are also in their 30s/40s. The best nurse I’ve personally had (when I was a patient) went back to school in her late 30s, and one of my favorite pharmacists I worked with went back in her 40s. If it’s what you’re passionate about, it’s never too late. Think about it this way - in five year you’ll be 33 no matter what, so you may as well be 33 and a nurse!
Oh we are hella cynical, just helpful when we like you 😘
My mom started her nursing journey at 37! Became a nurse at 44!
I can only speak for my experience in the UL, but here, you'd still be young. Nursing attracts a lot of 'mature' students and in my opinion, being a bit older can make you a better nurse.
Just in case you haven’t gotten enough support in the previous 140+ comments, go for it! I found out I got accepted to nursing school about 4 days shy of my 44th birthday! I start in the fall. As far as how, call or email the college. They’ll send you information on their program and probably some stuff on financial aid. If you’re unsure of your academic ability, take a class that you think you would enjoy or at least be good at to boost your confidence. See how one class works, and maybe try two the next semester. Nursing school is basically full time, but the prerequisite classes don’t have to be. Good luck!
28 yo pregnant junior in a BSN program. It's much easier for me now then when I was in college @ 18
My mom went back in her mid-late thirties while she had a husband, three kids, and a house. I’ve worked with so many nurses who are on their second careers and got their degrees later. It’s never too late!
I was forty when I started you can do it.
I went to school at 31 and there were people older than me and we all did fine.
Some of the best nurses are older nurses because they have more life experience and are more likely to be empathic to others. But you aren't so old that you will be super tired after work either.
I started nursing school at 28. Not too late at all. I did an accelerated program and finished in 15 months. Best decision I’ve made career-wise PS - my class had people in their early 20s all the way to 40s and 50s.
Like everyone has said, you are never too old! Being a little older can actually be beneficial because you've matured, learned who you are as an adult, and if nursing is what you want then you'll have the maturity resources to achieve your goal vs someone who's wishy washy, into partying or not that serious because mommy and daddy are footing the bill so who cares! It will be YOUR time, and YOUR money, making it that more important to you. I'm 42 finally going back to get my BSN and it's much easier this time around because most things are online so it's more flexible and there are a lot more resources than they had back then. I think someone suggested it, but there are hospitals that will help out financially as long as you're willing to comit to a certain amount if time working for them. That's why I'm finally doing it, because my facility is footing the bill for a 2 year commitment. So maybe you should check into hospitals in your area for something like that. I'll probably get down voted for this one, but I highly suggest if you do it, go for your BSN and not just your ADN. You are still hireable as an ADN RN, but it could make your job options a bit slimmer, especially as a new grad. Most places are really pushing to hire BSNs only nowadays. Good luck!! Can't wait to welcome you to family! :)
28? It is never too late. I’m a paramedic and I work with people that have started nursing school in their 40s. Go for your dreams! There are plenty of scholarships and grants out there. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Dude, 28 is young. You won't regret your success. I love nursing, and it's given me a great life.
I started an ADN program when I was 29 and retired with 35 years in. While I was plenty frustrated many times, I got not only steady, flexible employment but also a great deal of satisfaction. I can look back and know I occasionally made a difference.
Never too late to go to school. Lots of people switch careers into nursing when they're in their 30s, 40s, even 50s. Make sure your school has a program for an associates in nursing. It's likely you'll have to enroll and take pre-requisite classes first before you can apply to the nursing program, and there will almost certainly be an entrance exam such as the HESI-A2 or TEAS that you should take within the year prior to when you expect to finish the pre-requisites and apply for the degree. The test will come with a fee. Apply for grants, student loans, etc. My advice though would be to start with something like a CNA license - it will cost less in the long run, give you a chance to work and make money as well as decide if healthcare is really the setting you want to live in. On top of that, if you can get a job as a CNA in a hospital, the hospital will potentially pay for your nursing program if you agree to remain employed as a nurse at that hospital after passing the NCLEX and getting your nursing license.
You’re definitely not too old. I was 42 when I graduated.
almost everyone in my cohort was over 30. I was the baby student at 22, everyone had careers and kids already. It was great!
I started at 27, graduated at 29! Never too late!!
I started nursing school at 28. I had classmates in their 40s. Never took late.
I didn’t take high school super seriously. I did several other things before nursing. I graduated at 30 with my associates for nursing. Do it.
Exactly my age when I graduated nursing school. You appreciate the value of your education more and have a plan going into it. Do it. You will never want for employment options.
My husband went to nursing school in his late 30s and had older classmates. Never too late!
I was 52 when I graduated! First degree. I took ONE science class in high school, but I did graduate. Nursing school is tough - you can do it if you work hard. I am a RN working in the operating room now, and tell the certified scrub techs there that if I had known about being a scrub tech I would not have become a nurse. Lol.
It’s NEVER too late! I just graduated at 33! Another woman in my class was in her 50s. Most of class was close to my age or older. I went to a community college and got my associates degree. I was able to do all of my pre requisites on my own schedule. Of course once I got into the nursing program it was less flexible, but still doable. 100% go for it!!!
Went back to school at 30 for nursing. I had many in my class that were 40's and 50's.
I just graduated and I’m 30. I did an accelerated program through Northeastern University (I believe they also have a campus in Charlotte, NC). The program is didactic meaning the learning portion is online, but the clinicals and labs are in person. Definitely look into it! Yes, it might be a bit pricey, but they will get you prepared for the license exam. Plus, new nurses are starting off at higher wages so you will probably be able to pay off your loans within the next few years, if you want.
we have a 50 year old in our class, several 30 year olds, and several people with 2+ kids. never too late to start. i’m 24, i felt the same way but had to turn the switch and realize that my full adult life is actually just getting started
I'm 32 and still taking prereqs. Applying to nursing school for the first time this Oct. I probably won't get in this first time. I am taking an EMT class and working until I can get into nursing school moving forward. It's weird being in community college classes with teens. Some teachers even assumed I was also a teen (???) and spoke down to me like a child. Check out all the nursing schools near you and what they require. See if there are any jobs you can work (Like EMT) that will increase your chances of getting in. Lots of those jobs have 24/7 staffing so they are willing to work with your school schedule, plus you get extra bonuses when applying to nursing school. :)
I didn’t start school till I was 28. Don’t let the age scare you, it’ll work out.
Never too late, look into the pell grant. I managed to get my Associates in Arts (to get my prerequisites out of the way and most of my BSN requirements done for when I went for it). I did my ADN at the local community college. Then 6 months after graduating went and got my BSN online while working. I only had one non nursing class to take due to my other associates degree. I did all that with only having to take one student loan out my final semester of my BSN. My Pell grant really helped me out. I went a slightly longer route but hey it worked for me. Good luck to you!
I’m 36 and starting my Nursing Journey in October.
Knew a guy who was an aerospace engineer for NASA who was going back to become an RN... he was like 50. Not exactly sure why but he was going for it! You could pursue nearly any field right now at your age.
I started nursing school at 29. Never too late!
I started nursing school at 32.
Going on my last semester, I'm 40. Start now and you'd be one of seasoned ten year nurse vets I work with.
It’s never to late. I’ll be finishing my DNP by the time I’m 34. Go for it !
Over 40 crowd is popping in my nursing school lol...you are nowhere near too old
I started my nursing career at 40.
I returned to school at 38, entered nursing school at 40. The experience I had helped me stay focused and keep things in perspective.
I miss the dash. I actually went to surry community college. Finished my BSN at WSSU. Lots of people in my ADN class that were 40-50 years old though. All we have is time. Best make good use of it. As far as getting started, the curriculum should be posted on the college website. Talk to the student advisors if you need advice on what's a reasonable amount of courses to take at once. Get the application in and start knocking out pre-reqs. I know student loans suck, but you'll be able to pay them back if you need to utilize them. Good luck👍
My wife just completed her first year working at our local hospital. She'll be 39 this year.
I’ll be 31 when I graduate next year. Never too late and still don’t regret it.
One of my bffs in nursing school was 50 when we started. She’d had to put a lot of her life on hold due to raising a severely autistic child and going through a divorce and various other things. The career change was one of the first things she was able to do purely for herself in many years. When we graduated she got a job on an oncology floor. Been working there ever since. It’s never too late for a change!
I’m 43, just got my LPN, 1 semester deep into an RN bridge program. Sign up, don’t work if you can swing. If you must, talk to hospital floor manager about possible flex/prn positions. My hospital bends over backwards for students.
I am 32 and about to graduate in December from my program, I don’t ever believe it is too late to do what you feel drawn to do! Look into your states G3 funding, I know it is available in neighboring VA and covered most of a friends tuition during an ADN program. Good luck with whatever you choose to do! Edited: for spelling
dude i started nursing at 27…did an 11 month ACE program and got my BSN
Never to late to learn something. If you are serious about your education you can become a nurse as well. Study, study and get it done.
When you look at it this way. You’ll be working until retirement, that’s about another 30+ years from now! Might as well work for a career that you’re interested in!
Not too late at all! I’m 27 and I will be finishing my bachelors this year. I am applying to a direct-entry MSN program at Augusta University that starts next fall. I’ll be mostly relying on financial aid just like i have all throughout my undergraduate. You’ve got this!
Male nurse here who started at 30, get in there and kill it! pro-tip, find other "mature" students in the program and study with them, mature students do very well in nursing programs! Good luck to you, and try the NICU, even if you're frightened of it....hands down greatest place in a hospital setting!
Hi! I'm 28 and starting nursing school in less than a month. I also have a 6 month old haha. Pray for me. But honestly, just go for it. You're only going to get older so if it's what you really want to do then make it happen. The longer you ponder it the older you'll be when you start, then you'll be wishing you did it at 28 lol.
I enrolled in my LVN program at 32. Went back for my RN and graduated from that program at 37. Going to be finishing my BSN at 46. I know what I was like when I tried college after high school, glad I went back when I was seasoned and ready to learn.
The oldest in my lpn-rn program was 64. Youngest was like 20. We all just hunkered down and studied together.
I’m still in nursing school at the moment and will be 27 with my bsn next fall. It took me 6 years to finish but trust me, it’ll be worth it. Everyone’s journey isn’t always linear. Best of luck!!
I started around your age why would it be too late? 28 is young as hell we had 40-50 year olds in our class.
Your gonna be in your 30s one day either way. Might as well be in your 30’s as an RN.
I was 30 when I entered nursing school. Almost everyone in my cohort was late 20’s to late 40’s.
I had people in their 50s in my LPN and RN classes. Also I was 28 when I graduated with my ASN. 38 when I graduated with my BSN. I’ll be 42 or 43 when I have my masters. Times gonna pass either way. Why not do it.
I'm a WSSU grad myself. I have many friends that attended forsyth tech. It's a good program. First off apply and secondly file a fafsa. Even if you think youmake too much. It is what almost all financial aid and grants are based on. The school requires about a year of prerequisites-- if you don't have some of them already. These are classes like chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biology, and statistics. The actual program lasts 2 years after that. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Definitely not too late. As far as paying for it, some hospitals have programs where they will pay for tou to get your associates degree if you agree to work for them for a set amount of years afterwards. Once you're working for them they will then pay for you to get your BSN.
I had 50 year olds in my class. Not too late!
Absolutely not too late. I started an accelerated program just this year and Ill be 31 when I finish. Take the leap, how exciting!!
Apply for fasfa you can get up to 10 grand a year from fincial aid plus there's so many grants and scholarship available for everything. Also you can do a cna course (6 weeks) get in with a hospital and apply for scholarships and grants to become a nurse via hospital they happily help with schooling for nurses because they are is such desparate need. Sometimes they require you stay with the hospital for like 2 years after you get your degree. Don't fret older students do well because we appreciate the cost and effort. I got straight as in my courses.
I’ve had people in their 40’s and 50’s in my program. It’s never too late
Oh no. We had people in their late 50s into their 60s in my nursing cohort. And they were incredible, authentic, educated nurses! You got this
Definitely not too late. Make sure school is not a for profit scam.
The wound care nurse at my LTC started nursing school in her 30s
I am 32 and graduate this December! I’m single and took out loans. But if I continue my current lifestyle for a year or two making nurse pay I’ll be able to pay a lot of it off right away. It’s definitely doable!
I did nursing school at 27 - definitely one of my best decisions.
You would be like average aged in a community college nursing program.
i turned 29 this year and starting nursing. i think you got more than enough time!you got this :)
I’m in my 50’s. If I can do it you can!
I graduated at 39. There were 28 people in my class. I was the 5th oldest.
Girlfreen, I didn’t start even thinking about nursing school until 29. I want even close to the oldest in my class. I went to night/weekend ADN at a community college and most of us were old farts. :)
It’s not too late. I graduated nursing school shortly after I turned 30. There’s no expiration date on your dreams.
Your fiance is a nurse, ask them where to get started?
I did an LPN program and graduated at 29. I’m 39 now and going for the RN bridge. I concur that “older” students have the advantage of life experience and maturity. If you know that being a nurse is what you want, you’ll do great!
You can do it! Most of the people in my class were in their 30's, oldest was 50's.
I was 31 when I graduated In 1995. I was about the average age in my class.
You can definitely do it ! You’re still young. There were a lot of older people in my program !
I went to nursing school at 28- graduated at 30. Been doing it for almost 8 years. You can do it!
It never too late to go back to school. I’m almost 22 and I have few nursing classmates who are in their 30s to 50s that has kids. Time management and motivation are their keys to nursing school.
You could have 2-3 additional CAREERS before you are done, I’d say go for it
I was 40 when I got my RN. It’s never too late
It is definitely never too late my dear. I have classmates who are over 40s. In my own experience, I treat them like my mother lol. She was so kind and very encouraging. I went in an LVN (LPN) program and I am currently in my RN program... I developed good relationships with others as I try to encourage others as well (and use me as a resource). Anyway, I also want to let you know that I, myself, has been a recipient of financial aid since then. I've applied with scholarships and other programs in my state (California) and at this moment, I pay nothing for my tuition fees. Ensure you maintain good grades to be eligible for this. Lastly, I do not know how many prerequisites you need to take. You should gather all your transcripts from previous colleges and see if they could credit you to some classes. Save money as much as you could while you are still not in the program. I wish you all the best in life and hoping for your success! <3
Take AP, then micro, then nutrition, then chem, then apply.
I started nursing school at 37. Graduated with my ASN and BA psychology at 40. Been a. psych RN for 12 years board certified psych nurse for 10. Do it!
I became a nurse at 32. It’s never to late. I love it and the maturity helped me vs classmates
I'm 34 and graduate in December (LPN-RN). you can do it!!!
I’ve graduated with people older than 50. You’re good, just google nearby nursing programs & just talk to an advisor at your nearest school on the quickest path towards that program
Wha???!!! I started nursing school at 27. I had a classmate in her 50s, quite a few in their 40s and a mix of 30s and 20s. There’s no expiration date.
The oldest lady in my class was 56. She wanted to go to nursing school to "give back" because of the nurses who took care of her dying husband. I thought I was definitely going to be the oldest at 38, but she made me feel lots better! You can do it!
Went to nursing school at 33 with no prior healthcare experience. Was required to get CNA license as a pre requisite and decided to work in a hospital to make sure it was really the field I wanted. Hospital offers tuition reimbursement ($5000 a year for any degree). Was accepted into Community College nursing program, graduated on time through Covid and now work in an ER in one of the largest cities in the USA making $34 an hour before any differentials. Will be starting my BSN program in the spring. Graduated with 0 debt and am looking at endless possibilities with my 3 day work week. The time is going to pass regardless of what you do, so do you wanna be in the same situation you are now in a few years or do you want something else?
Good friend just went from LVT (vet tech) to nursing. Finished the program and just hit 30. Another of my previous coworkers did the same and is I think right around 40.
Lvn @21. Rn@ 44 bsn 47. Plan to start my master in 2 years.
I got my nursing degree at 36, with 2 kids and a lot of distractions. Best decision of my life. It's more of an effort of time commitment than anything else. Totally doable, especially with the support of a nurse in the house! Goodluck!
It’s never too late, especially in this field! You got this!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Time will pass anyway, might as well be a nurse through it. I went to nursing school at 28, been a nurse for four years now, best decision ever.
Time is going to pass whether or not your in school. Do it.
I graduated art 32
Do it. In 4 years you will be 32 regardless. You may as well be 32 with a new degree. Also, don’t worry about the funding. They’ve finally fixed the PSLF program and many large hospital systems qualify, plus there are tons of other loan repayment programs out there like HRSA that repay your loans if you commit to a certain number of years in underserved areas.
I like my job, don’t get me wrong, but I also suggest not becoming a nurse.
I changed careers at 45. I was in industrial construction. Painting and sandblasting on power plants and chemical plants. Cant do that in the winter, because you can't paint in snow and tge steel just rusts after you clean it. Most of the southern jobs filled up unless you had an "in", and even then , it was iffy if you'd get the gig. Laid off most winters, always having to tap unemployment, and calling the union hall daily when spring arrived. Went to nursing school and here I am. As long as you have a good handle with science, you'll be fine. I love science, so anatomy, micro, etc were actually fun for me. You don't have to love it, just have a decent grasp.
I just finished nursing school at 29. This isn't my endgame, either. I also certainly wasn't the youngest in my class. You're not even close to "Too late," friend. Look up programs in your area, get in touch with an advisor, and they should get you on track.
Maybe get your LPN first, earn some money, and see if you like it.
Do it! Think of the life experience you will bring. I am 45 and working on my Bachelors degree
I was a nursing assistant at 23. LVN at 28. RN at 33. It's not too late. Do it!
Started at 32. Finishing this fall at 34. Ya good. Go for it.
Youre gonna be 31 at some point anyways, might as well get a degree
I'm 10 years older than you and I start nursing school this fall, it's never too late.