How old is too old ?

[acanfield1015]

Hi,

I am 50 years old and living in CA. Am I too old to start a career as an LVN ? I am considering a return to school for a 2nd career.

AC

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

No, you are not too old to start a career in nursing. However, with you being located in CA, I would advise against obtaining your education from one of the trade schools that charges $25,000+ in tuition. The LVN job market in CA has suffered multiple blows in the past five years, and now it is taking many grads more than a year to land that first job.

At your age, you do not want a mountain of student loan debt without a way to reasonably repay it, which is why I suggest obtaining your schooling at a public adult education center or regional occupational program (ROP). You could get the exact same LVN education for a fraction of what the private schools are charging. Also look into community colleges. Good luck to you!