How many much older (40+) students out there starting classes? (I'm 47)

Everline · May 12, 2012

I'm 40+ and just finished my pre-reqs. I won't be starting until August of next year though, due to the waiting list at my program of choice. I worked in social services for a decade but have been home raising my daughter for the last several years. I never really left college. That is to say, I'm always taking some class or another. I got my BA years ago, but not for any particular profession. I just love learning. When I was in my early twenties, I thought about nursing, but certain obstacles prevented me at that time. Recently, I had an experience that made me decide and become determined that nursing is what I want to do and I couldn't be more excited. I wasn't sure if I could do the sciences, but I have surprised myself and done very well. Good teachers inspire me. I was lucky that way these past two semesters. Good luck to you!

BiloxiQueen · May 12, 2012

Good luck to you. I am 41 and have finished my prerequisites as well. I've turned in my application for the nursing program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. I should know if I got in sometime in the middle of July. It's very encouraging to here from others who are trying to start a career in nursing who are my age and over.

nursingstudent3109 · May 12, 2012

Thanks for your replies and good luck to you two as well. I agree, it's encouraging to chat with other "older" students who are completely changing careers later in life. And I continue to think we have the advantage over the younger students because of all the older students I've encountered at my school, 99% of them have much more determination and stick-to-it-tiveness than the youngsters. :)

tmmycarson · May 12, 2012

Hello! I am 42 and just finished my pre-recs getting ready to take the teas V test. Have any of you taken it ? i recieved "b" for all my pre rec courses.. ap1&2 and math, and micro. I have been told that I still must ace the TEAS test to get in the ADN program at Weatherford college.. I am thinking of applying for both ADN and LVN. any suggestions?

rubato, ASN, RN · May 12, 2012

Hi everyone. I am also 42 and starting the RN program this fall. I attempted college in 1988 for about 1 semester, but dropped out. I'm having such a good time this go round. I definitely think we have an advantage. I am no longer interested in partying every night. My social life doesn't take a front seat to everything. I don't really have any personal drama to deal with (been married for 19 years). I think that's part of why I have a 4.0 and am in the honors program.

I've now taken 13 classes, and do you know the most intimidating thing? Taking the ACT! I had to go to a high school on a Saturday and take this half day test with about 150 high school juniors and seniors. I was the only one out of school. Having not been in a classroom in 23 years, I was shocked at how good I did.

I keep hearing that there will be a few oldies with me in the nursing program, but don't know if it really matters. Once I get past the annoyingness of the youngsters, they're kind of fun to be in classes with.

tyvin, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

I was 32 when I went in but the "youngness" of the others where I was not a concern. If fact we had a 50 something with us and there was never a big deal about age that I heard. The only reason I know she was 50 is because she kept remindng everyone...kind of annoying; no one cared. We were all too absorbed in the program to dinker about petty things like age. I couldn't even tell you the average age of my classmates.

Congratulations...I think you'll find that no one is really going to care about your age unless you make a big deal out of it. Relax and have fun; I know you're going to love it.

momtojosh · May 12, 2012

hey there....i will be 50 in october...

I started this journey 5 yrs ago when i became a LPN....i was a stay at home mom for 20 yrs and decided to become an LPN...

I didnt go right into my classes after i graduated LPN school...worked for almost 2 yrs...then i decided to go for it....i only needed chem and Alg for pre-reqs...got them out of the way...took a semester off...and really decided this is what i want to do....i did my A & Ps....and finishing micro this semester...i decided to do it this way cause i only want to be a part time student...so i was accepted for fall of 12...just the nursing classes...only 7 credit hours next semester....8 in the spring...and 10 the following year....hope i make it thru!!!!

congrats!!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · May 12, 2012

Add me to the over 40 crowd (I'm 45)! I'm finishing pre-reqs this summer and will start the nursing program for sure in January (guaranteed admission), possibly this August (if space becomes available). I've been an early childhood teacher for 20+ years and am ready for a big change. :)

debmomto4, BSN, MSN, RN · May 12, 2012

I'm 47 too! I am a teacher but after being out of teaching raising my children there are few jobs in that field. So decided that nursing was something that always interested me too. Just finished my A&P1, accepted to nursing school at Community college, have 15 transfer credits from first degree so I will be taking Chemistry over the summer and A&P2 and Calculations for Nursing in September and starting nursing school in Spring of 13. Would love to finish before 50 too! Good luck everyone!

momtojosh · May 12, 2012

hey...i am an early childhood teacher as well.....all my credits transfer from 1st degree.....i really dont think i would do it if they hadnt......good luck...

Nickyg1225 · May 13, 2012

Hi, I'm 41 yrs. old and will be done with my pre-req's this fall. This is my 2nd career also, I worked in the airline industry for the most part of my adult life. I wanted to make a difference in someone's life on another level so, I decided on nursing. I really am enjoying this journey and excited to be a part of this community.