RN Programs minimum age?

cerebellam · May 19, 2017

Depending on the program you choose, there is pre-requisites to complete before you can even consider applying to the program. It took me two years to finish all of mine before I even applied. (Then again, I took extra classes towards my bachelors as well to get them out of the way early).

If you take two years of pre-reqs and get those out of the way so you don't have to worry about them later, you should have no problem.

Remember, sometimes taking your time is important!

Talking with an academic advisor will be beneficial as well. Good luck!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 19, 2017

You would have a very hard time getting hired as an 18 year old into a nursing position.

Aspiringrn. · May 19, 2017

Wouldn't they consider you as an adult since you're legal at 18?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 20, 2017

Wouldn't they consider you as an adult since you're legal at 18?

I many states, you're not legal to drink until 21. Handling narcotics becomes problematic.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 20, 2017

I many states, you're not legal to drink until 21. Handling narcotics becomes problematic.

Many states only require bartenders to be the age of majority, 18 in most states. It is quite possible for one to become an RN prior to age 21.

OP, I think your problem isn't going to be eligibility to be hired at 18 but rather to be in clinicals before you are 18. Many won't even hire CNAs who are under the age of 18. It's also important to enjoy being a kid before taking on those adult responsibilities- they aren't all they're cracked up to be.

Ilikeletters · May 21, 2017

Unless you have taken all your prereqs, you're not going to finish in two years. ADN programs are 2 years, but the prereqs for them generally take at least a year and then there is the application timeframe. You're better off going to a BSN program.

Aspiringrn. · May 21, 2017

I am actually a CNA right now. My facility allows me to do all the tasks within my scope of practice except use any mechanical lifts.

It does make a lot of sense to not allow a minor to be at clinicals.

Thank you for your input!

nursegirl1189 · May 21, 2017

I think it is amazing that you want to start the program now. Don't be hesitant because of your age the earlier the better. I have never seen a young nurse discriminated against during the hiring process mangers will look at you with more determination than the average person. I've seen that with my own two eyes. You will have prerequisites to do before getting in the actual program but I don't believe your age will hold you back it will actually be a positive. I THINK YOU SHOULD GO FOR IT!

I am 16 year old with a high school diploma. I want to enter college as soon as possible and get into an RN program. Am I allowed to enter at 16 years old? An associates degree takes two years so I'll be 18 when I graduate.

Toadette, MSN, RN · May 23, 2017

I graduated high school at 17 in 2004 and started nursing school at 17 also. The only stipulation was that I had to be 18 before clinicals started (I was). I finished in 2 years taking 16-18 credits a semester. It's grueling but not impossible with the program I attended. I graduated in 2006 and took my NCLEX and had a job before graduation.

Just make sure you talk out all the details with your program so you get the whole picture. Best of luck to you!