Do you have a previous bachelors degree before going into nursing? (RPN/RN/LPN)

djh123 · Feb 25, 2018

#1, you're not even remotely close to being 'old' (but you know that), and in my nursing class, out of 40-50 people, I'd bet at least 10-15 of us already had a degree, and we ranged from 'usual college age' to 50+.

inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 25, 2018

There may be accelerated BSN programs since you have a degree in something else. But, no degree is required.

Oldmahubbard · Feb 25, 2018

I would recommend going the RN route, if at all possible. An LPN license will not open most doors.

You will not be the only person in your class with a previous bachelor's degree of some kind. I was one of 3 or 4 in our class of 50 people. You will be one of the younger people there, as well.

I have known people with Master's degrees who apparently can't make a living with it, and decide to become nurses.

It is rather sad how many useless degrees are conferred, and every year, more and more.

Corpsman2OncRN, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2018

I'm in an accelerated BSN program right now at 29 after getting a BA in another field and then spending some time in the military. Definitely will not be the "old one" at 24, and also as others have said you should weigh your options and check out some accelerated programs as well since you do already have a degree. Good luck!

belljar1995, PhD, RN · Feb 25, 2018

Definitely will be no where near the oldest and even if you are the oldest, it wouldn't matter. All that matters is the work you do in the program. However, it is important to know what you want- you can have dozens of degrees and graduate degrees and no one in nursing cares, unless you have the BSN or MSN. Certainly, you can top that up after an ASN--but you might want to consider a direct entry MSN or an accelerated BSN/MSN if you believe you want to work in an advance practice role. Nursing is very strange in that the majority of schools and hospitals will not recognize degrees in other fields. However, a direct entry program will appreciate the additional perspective that you bring to the cohort.

itiswell · Feb 25, 2018

Definitely look into an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program!! It's made specifically for people who have a prior Bachelors degree. Most programs are between 12-18 months and you graduate with a bachelors. I went through an accelerated program and at 24 I was one of the youngest in my cohort. Our average age was 31 and we had several students who were in their 40s and even a couple in their 50s.

RNperdiem, RN · Feb 25, 2018

The majority of my nursing school classmates had a college degree. We were well-educated but unskilled for the job market.

TravelTigerRN, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2018

Hey! I'm currently 24 as well. I'll be 25 when I start nursing school. Currently applying for BSN,ADN and ABSN. I have a first bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Science. We're not old at all. I went to an information session at a school and they said within their current graduating cohort of 150 students the ages range from 19-54. Many students I talked to were also career changers. Almost everyone I am taking Microbiology with is a career changer.

cleback · Feb 26, 2018

Nursing is a popular second career. You will fit in.

LadysSolo · Feb 26, 2018

I had a BS in Biology, got a Diploma in Nursing (giving away my age, LOL!) at age 27, went for my Master's in my 40s and got my BSN and MSN at the same time (the program I attended was Diploma to Master's.) All my BS courses counted towards my Master's.

jaderook01, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2018

Twenty-four is far from old. I already had a B.A. and a Master's degree and went to nursing school in my late thirties. Personally, I went for a BSN as it was only two years.

allnurses Guide · Feb 26, 2018

I'm asking because I am 24, with no good career prospects, and a bachelors degree in human resources. Looking to do practical nursing (since it's shorter and cheaper) this coming Fall. I hate the feeling of being the old one!! LOL!!

Old your 24 for cripes sake. I went back to school for nursing when I was 36 and I wasn't the oldest in my class by far. I have a BA in arts and letters and started out as a middle school English teacher but I hated every minute of it. I just couldn't stand dealing with spoiled entitled teens and their whacky parents. The great cosmic joke is that I am currently the lead charge nurse on an acute psych unit for adolescent girls in crises and I love every minute of it. Time has a way of settling you down a bit and I wouldn't trade what I do for anything except a really big lotto win and retirement to Wyoming or Montana.

Hppy