Back to College after 20 Years

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I earned my B.A. twenty years ago, and now I want to become an RN. I was a pre-nursing major for a brief time, even taking Microbiology, Anatomy and Phys I and II. I do not even recall if I finished the courses (I will find out tomorrow when I pick up my unofficial transcripts!) From what I can tell I should take the required nursing pre-reqs, then apply to the Accelerated BSN program in a couple of years. I am committed to doing this and I know it will not be easy. I have a lot of classes to take, and will work full time now with the goal of NOT working once accepted into the 14-month program. Am I on the right path here? Anyone else in my age range on the same path?

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm 38, so I'm pretty close to your age. School is going great...I am doing SO MUCH BETTER than the first time around. I was a little worried originally that I would have trouble with all the sciences, but I've excelled at them. Not sure if it's age or just good old fashioned curiosity, but I'm a much better student than I was in my twenties.

Good luck!

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I am 49 years old and started an accelerated ADN program in October.

Taking finals next week for the 1st 5 classes, which included Micro, A & P 1, Algebra, English and Psychology. It's been a tough 10 weeks but I'm doing pretty well. I graduated high school in 1977, so I was a little nervous about this. I worked at a newspaper for 24 years as a graphic artist and my job was outsourced to India.

I am grateful for the opportunity to start a new career! You can do it!:bugeyes:

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Older students often are very high achievers, go for it, you have plenty of time left.

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Thanks, polka-dot. I hope I do well in my science classes, too. I know I am more patient and detailed now. I'm glad to hear that the second time around can be great! I am pretty excited.

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Thanks for the encouragement. Plenty of time, right? It sounds like you have a hefty courseload right now.

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Specializes in MedSurg.

AZMOMOF2 - I started my prereqs at 45 and graduated from nursing school at 50. You have all the time in the world. I found being an older student challenging in some ways, but I also found age to be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. I started my prereqs in CA but went to nursing school at a college in northern Minnesota, and actually had to order my high school transcripts when I started (didn't know they kept them that long). I remember not being a very good student in high school, but OMG, my poor Mother. My grades were terrible. Needless to say, I was a much better student in my 40's and really enjoyed going back to school - learning is much more fun when you want to do it. Good luck with everything. You'll do great and it will be well worth it.

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Specializes in MedSurg.

On more thing. Don't panic when you buy your books that first semester of nursing school. I literally started crying when I brought them all home - but everything ended good. It can be overwhelming at times, but the sense of accomplishment throughout your time in school and when you get your nursing degree, as well as when you are on the job, is second to none. Good luck!

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AZMOMOF2 - I started my prereqs at 45 and graduated from nursing school at 50. You have all the time in the world. I found being an older student challenging in some ways, but I also found age to be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. I started my prereqs in CA but went to nursing school at a college in northern Minnesota, and actually had to order my high school transcripts when I started (didn't know they kept them that long). I remember not being a very good student in high school, but OMG, my poor Mother. My grades were terrible. Needless to say, I was a much better student in my 40's and really enjoyed going back to school - learning is much more fun when you want to do it. Good luck with everything. You'll do great and it will be well worth it.

Thanks, Julz. I picked up my college transcripts today and I am glad my mom never saw my grades! You're giving me a lot of hope, here. I'm ready to start and I have already registered for my first pre-req to start in January. Thanks for the good information!

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

I'm not an older student as you can see from my age, but I would just like to say that I'm really happy you've decided to go back to school. I think that's great. I've been informing my dad & his girlfriend to go back to school when they retire (they're in their 60's) because at my comm. college you can go for free if you're I think 62 and I think it's a wonderful thing Hahah even though they're much older than you, I still think it's wonderful that you are challenging yourself and doing what YOU want to do. Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll do great! If you're going back you've already proven that you have the confidence and drive / desire to do what it takes!

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Specializes in MedSurg.

AZMOMOF2 - You are welcome. I remember that excitement and I excited for you too. Best of luck. Although AZ is not my favorite place - nothing personal, I'm not a desert person - I do have friends there and may end up working a contract some day (in the winter). Who knows - maybe we'll work together some day. Study hard but don't forget to rest that "old" brain once in awhile. :nurse:

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I'm back in school after a 40 year gap. I found that any memory cells I've lost in the interim are more than compensated for by an improved work ethic, better time management skills, and a whole bunch more maturity.

The only downside is that I do feel like a duck out of water when surrounded by my 19-year-old classmates.

In any case, best of luck in your educational endeavors.

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