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

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi, everyone. Just wondering how many older students like me are starting nursing classes this year? I'm 47 and just finished most of my pre-reqs; starting nursing classes in the fall and am extremely excited! Second career for me after doing data entry for over 25 years and never having gone to college before, but I love it! I don't feel like I could have done this when I was younger - didn't have the determination I do now. And now that my children are grown, there's only my husband and I left so I have plenty of time for studying. This is happening at the perfect time in my life. My ultimate goal is to work as a L&D nurse. I became interested in that 3 years ago when my granddaughter was born and I noticed the nurses helping my daughter through her labor. I thought that was such an interesting and rewarding career. My goal is to have my RN by the time I turn 50! Never thought in a million years my life would take this turn, but soooo glad it has.

I'm 38 and just finished my first year of nursing school...there are several in my class over 50 - one is an LPN going for RN and one is an RD...enjoy the whirlwind!

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I'm 44 - finished with my pre-reqs and on my way to nursing school in the fall! It's exciting and I have never felt odd because of my age. There are a lot of older people going back to school. Besides, we will be too busy studying in nursing school to worry about who is what age. :)!

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At 39, I graduated LPN school. At 43 I am doing the LPN to RN bridge program and will be entering the 2nd year of a 2 year ADN program, I'll be 44 when I graduate. Then onto RN to BSN..I'll probably be closer to 46 when that happens.

We have pretty much an equal division of ages. There are just as many younger ones as there are of us 40's group. I'd say the average age is mid 30's.

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I was 47 when I started NS. I graduated in Aug 2010 and passed the NCLEX in Feb 2011 (I was still working in IT, so I delayed taking the exam.) I am currently an RN on a Med/Surg/Tele floor. You can do this!

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Just wanted to say congrats and encourage all of you... I am 40 and just finished my BSN!! Honestly the professors in my program really enjoyed having the older mature students and treated us as such.. Good luck and Happy Studying!!!

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46 here - one more year of prereqs at my school of choice, apply and find out in February if I make it into their 2 year BSN program! Decided to transfer in for their required 1 year as a transfer student - it gives me bigger odds of getting into their program. I love finding other "older" students!! Just finishing my series of A&P this term.

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Good luck all,

I am 48 and on my last semester of nursing school. Will graduate in October with my ADN and in the Spring with my BSN (I am doing a concurrent program) and so excited. I am not even the oldest in the class as there are about 10 people older than me. By the way, we started out with 102, down to 64 and did not loose any of the "old folks" so there is something to be said for age and experience. Our professors love us because we are serious and interested in being there. Anyway, good luck to you guys and it is never too late. I have always wanted to do this and after my daughter became independent, I gave up on the corporate world and here I am.

I got a job as a patient care tech after my first semester to see if I would enjoy the environment. I just thrive in it and should have been here all along. Of course, like with many of you, life sort of got in the way. It is never too late and I am proof.

Buckle up though, nursing school is going to be a wild ride! If there is anything I can help with, let me know...

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Hi, I'm 57 and just graduated. It's my second career, and really wished it had been my first. I am waiting to take the NCLEX, and then I can start my career. It is definately doable as you can see. I took a long time to decide what I really wanted to do, but I found it. I wish all of you luck, and remember no matter how hard it seems, you can do it!

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Hi, I'm 57 and just graduated. It's my second career, and really wished it had been my first. I am waiting to take the NCLEX, and then I can start my career. It is definately doable as you can see. I took a long time to decide what I really wanted to do, but I found it. I wish all of you luck, and remember no matter how hard it seems, you can do it!

Congratulations! It is never too late to become who you really are.

Good luck with the NCLEX... I am next!

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Hello all. This is my first post. I am 41 entering into MOC/Watts program in a few weeks. I started my nursing journey back in 1999! This will be my second degree and I enjoy reading all the encouraging words from other mature students. I can't wait to start. This is exciting to say the least. I plan on working full-time while in school and hearing from others I know it can be done. Send more words of encouragement. Just makes me know I made the right decision.

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Hearing all these responses from you fellow "older" students is great! Really gives me encouragement to see I'm far from the only one going after this prize at my age. As has been mentioned, older students are much more serious in their studies. I love the quote from jacksonleo that said they started out with 102 students, down to 64 but none of the older students left. I think that speaks volumes. Good luck to all of us and I can't wait for fall so school can start!

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Hello! I am so glad to have found this website! I am 43 and I am taking my pre-reqs. right now. I admit I was very intimidated when I decided to go for a degree in Nursing! However, as seen by these posts, I am not alone. I remember reading an answer that Dear Abbey gave to a woman who was saying she was going to be 50 and felt she was to old to get her college degree. Abbey replied, "You are going to be 50 regardless. Wouldn't you rather be 50 and a college graduate?" Thanks for all the encouraging words everyone! Good luck!!!!

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