Late Bloomer here. Am I too late?

[Mencey]

Hi. I am a 37 yr old Male. I am going through a career change after having been in another industry for 10+ years. I have been interested in becoming an RN for some time now and have been trolling this website for a while and have found it very informative and useful. So, thanks for that. Here's my issue. While I do have some schooling done, I am lacking my sciences as well as a couple other classes to get into a nursing program at Riverside Community College in California. First, I am concerned about my age. I am also concerned about my gender being an issue in getting hired post-schooling. Are either of these valid concerns or am I worried about nothing. Last, but definitely not least, at this point, due to the competition getting into a nursing program at the local Community college nursing programs, would I be better off going somewhere like CNI that will charge me an arm and a leg? Hopefully I don't sound like I'm rambling too much. I appreciate your opinions.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I am a late in life career changer too. Always did office administration but decided that after raising two educated successful kids, it was my turn to follow my dreams of continuing my education. Had taken some liberal arts classes in the nineties, but the only one that I ended up able to use for my nursing degree is ENG because it doesn't expire. Don't qualify fror grants (FAFSA doesn't take into consideration your expenses like mortgage and car payments and a family). My school doesn't participate in the student loan program. So there have been HUGE financial sacrifices to make since I am single and paying my own way at age 49. Started pre reqs in 2010, sometimes full time, sometimes part time. Finished up all pre reqs, didn't get in, so started on co reqs, and now I am started the ADN program in August. If you have the support of your family, you can certainly do it. I did it on my own with no one helping financially, and it's been very difficult. But I so enjoy school!!! Planning on continuing with my BSN after ADN. Good luck to you!