Hi, I'm 32 years old going on 33 I'm a few months. I'm an LVN in California. I'd like to go back to school to "challenge" myself & get that RN title. I'm happy with my accomplishments so far and my work & hourly wages. But inside, i just want to get that extra piece of the pie since it's available for the taking.
The bridge LVN-RN or LVN-BSN are all available at the public colleges, they require the prerequisites, which at this point will take me over a year to get, that's not including the other extra year of school.
Since my aim is to get that RN title for my own accomplishments, i don't mind if it's ADN or BSN. At this point, i might as well go to a private school for my ADN, which will take less time than a public school.
But by the time I'm done, I'll be 35 years old. Am i too old to go back to school? Will i be too old to get the RN title by then?
The age thing is going to be extremely personal. I don't think any one person can tell you whether you're too old or not- that's going to be a personal decision involving where you are in life and what your ultimate goals are. I'm 35. I don't think I'm too old to go back to school and get the next level degree (doctorate), but my goals don't require me to do so.
I will go against the grain and say that a private school isn't necessarily a bad idea, as long as it's one that is well respected, affordable, and not a predatory for-profit school. I think a lot of people automatically combine "private" with the "predatory for-profit". I attended a private school for my initial pre-licensure BSN degree, and it was actually less expensive than the public state schools at full price, I was given a 1/3 tuition scholarship for my high school academics, and the program has a very good local reputation.
I've done research on some private schools and overall i would not hesitate to start my RN schooling there. As i mentioned in another comment, my husband is very supportive and he wants to see me achieve my goals, in essence the public or private route is not a big issue. In the end it is a personal choice and im doing it. Thank You :)
I think that asking this question online means that you will be a good RN. Its called the nursing process and this is you gathering info in an attempt to make an informed decision. I do not think that you are too old, and I think if it is what you want and it works for you than do it! Good luck and I wish you well!!
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
You are a kid relatively. Go for it, but take the cheaper option even if longer. You will not regret it. I think you will be a fine/great RN, but don't pay stupid money for it.
I am more curious to know why you would think 30 anything is too old to go back to school to become an RN. I strongly believe that once you figure that out, you'll be able to answer your own question
35 is absolutely not too old. I just finished at 30. An old employer of mine said "You'll be 30 with or without the degree, so you might as well have it." I had several class mates in their mid 40s. Good luck!
What is being "too old?" what is being "too young?" Change your thinking on what you can't change and focus on what you can change. I know you will make the right decision :)
bananerz84
28 Posts
I've done research on some private schools and overall i would not hesitate to start my RN schooling there. As i mentioned in another comment, my husband is very supportive and he wants to see me achieve my goals, in essence the public or private route is not a big issue. In the end it is a personal choice and im doing it. Thank You :)