Starting Pre-Req’s at age 37

Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello there! I am 37 years old and will start taking my pre requisites at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth Tx.

I have ready some have applied to nursing school at this age but starting the pre req's courses seems like a long shot but I am so ready to take on this journey.

Anybody else going to this this community college? What is the hardest part about going back to school? I graduated high school 20 yrs ago!! That's a heck of a long time, I know.

Specializes in LTC.

Hi, I'm 37changes... lol. Started pre-reqs at, you guessed it -- 37. Will be in my second semester of nursing school when I turn 39. Will be graduated with my ADN before I turn 40. It's just a number. I'm so glad to be where I'm at right now, doing what I'm doing. It's a whole new beginning. Good luck! :)

littleboyboo

48 Posts

Lol, I wouldn't worry about it. I was 36 when I started. No one guesses me 36 or 37 though, because I'm told I look younger (Oh believe me! I'm not boasting). I just feel fortunate to look younger than I am.

It's not so uncommon for people to start on their associates in their 30's . . . not at all from what I've seen. There's people in my class in their 40's and 50's.

For me, the hardest part was getting used to school again as a whole. It's not so bad! In fact, it's most of the older students that I find try the hardest and you've got some living under your belt, so take advantage of it! If you don't do it now, you'll just regret in a few years.

What's two or three years of your life to become a nurse? If you want it, GO FOR IT!

araew2129, ADN

351 Posts

Specializes in MSICU.

I started prereq this past summer, just before I turned 36. I am a career changer, spent 10 yrs in social work. The hardest part for me was getting reacquainted with college in general (it's been 10 years since I graduated with my bachelor's in social work) but especially learning (for the first time) how to STUDY! Learning science is a whole new ball game for me. I'd recommend you try to figure how you learn best so you can know how to prepare notes and memorize everything you need to and how to fit the time in to your schedule to dedicate to studying. Good luck to us ;)

nopuma

13 Posts

Hi there!

I am in my early 40's and I am almost done with my pre-requisites; nursing will be my second career. Our children are now young adults with one left in college, so I am now able to focus on my education goals. Despite the challenges of trying to balance full time work, school, and family, it has been quite fulfilling to get closer to my end goal. As others mentioned, it is just a number; you can do anything you put your mind to.

You can do it! Good luck!

Hello 37changes and thank you. í ½í¸€ How awesome! Wishing you the best of luck.

slow12

21 Posts

Good luck, age is just a number! I'm sure there is a lot you will bring to your patients. Don't give up no matter how long it takes!!!!

shawerin15

1 Post

I just turned 37 in my first semester of prereqs. This is my new career after 13 years of SAHM and several unexpected life changes. I feel a bit like "homeroom mom" in school at times, but it's going well and I'll be applying to Beth-El School of Nursing at UCCS next fall. Accelerated program, as I already have my BA. I have a large blended family and 3 of my kids are HS freshmen this year, which means I HAVE to finish before they graduate. If all goes well (so far so good), I'll graduate with my BSN the week before those 3 start their senior year. Ack!

But it's all worth it. Most of my friends who got their DNP did so in their 50s. (that's on my 10yr plan)

All the best to you!

I'm 45, just got into nursing school this Fall. Will graduate when I'm close to 47. So - you are not alone!

You are all right, I am not alone!! Thank you all for your encouraging words!! It really means a lot. Good luck to all of you, wishing you the best in nursing school!!

Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello!

I was 37 when I started taking my pre-reqs for an Accounting degree (one class at a time). Two years later I changed my major to nursing. Fast forward to now... I'm 48 with a BSN. I'm contemplating pursuing my MSN next year.

:)

Suzie-Q.

49 Posts

Old broad here... I am just finishing my pre-req's this semester and I am 56 years old. I won't start until NEXT January (2019) and will be 57 when I start and 59 when I finish... Age is just a number. GO FOR IT!! (career changer here as well... this is my retirement career. already have a law degree, insurance career, human resources career, management career, etc. behind me).

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