How old is too old?

LegalBeagle · Aug 4, 2005

I am 42 years old and have been out of school for over 22 years. I have spent those years working to put my dh through seminary, raise 2 kids, and get them through college. I am just now at a point in my life where I can finally do something for me. I plan on starting at our junior college in January and will apply to the 2 year nursing program in March.
I have no idea what my chances are of being accepted. Although my GPA is very good (4.0 the last time I went to college), it is also 22 years old!
I am working through an ACT test book and have ordered some math books since this is my weakest area. If I can learn the math, I am confident that my ACT score will be high enough.
Though I am extremely excited about going to college and learning, I am wondering it they'll think I'm too old. Will being over 40 make it less likely to get into nursing school? Is age a factor when they decided who will be accepted into a program?
How many of you are over 40 or are going to school with students my age?

Good heavens, I HOPE you aren't too old. I'm 58 and looking at the same thing! (College that is)

suzy253, RN · Aug 4, 2005

Never, never too old!!! I started nursing school at age 50 and am presently a senior--hopefully will graduate 5/06 at age 53. So there you go! Goodness, if I can do it anyone can. Good luck to you. :)

krisssy · Aug 4, 2005

You are not too old! I am 58, haven't worked as a nurse since 1972, took a med surg refresher course, did very well, will be starting a master's program (mental health specialty) in the spring of 2006. I have a master's plus 24 post grad credits in education. I have found that the older I get, the better my grades get. Also, as I got older my motivation and seriousness of purpose grew as well as my study skills and concentration. I am not able to work right now, but I am able to go to school and prepare myself to do what I want to do. I can't wait, and I know I will do a good job in school and be a really terrific psych. nurse, because my heart is really in it. Go for it girl-you are so much younger than so many of us who are just starting out in our 50's or even 60's or 70's. Krissy

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Aug 4, 2005

I'm 47, and I'm just finishing Chemistry during a summer session; fulltime classes at my nursing school start in three weeks!

I promise you that age is not going to be a factor.

missninaRN · Aug 4, 2005

What a relief!

I am still freaking out a little bit about all of this. I mean, I haven't been in a classroom for so long, and I'm not sure how we are going to pay for school, but I really want to do this.

melissasmom · Aug 4, 2005

I am 42 years old and have been out of school for over 22 years. I have spent those years working to put my dh through seminary, raise 2 kids, and get them through college. I am just now at a point in my life where I can finally do something for me. I plan on starting at our junior college in January and will apply to the 2 year nursing program in March.
I have no idea what my chances are of being accepted. Although my GPA is very good (4.0 the last time I went to college), it is also 22 years old!
I am working through an ACT test book and have ordered some math books since this is my weakest area. If I can learn the math, I am confident that my ACT score will be high enough.
Though I am extremely excited about going to college and learning, I am wondering it they'll think I'm too old. Will being over 40 make it less likely to get into nursing school? Is age a factor when they decided who will be accepted into a program?
How many of you are over 40 or are going to school with students my age?

I am 48 and just finished my last prereq for ns-chemistry. Right now I am taking a&p 1-will take a&p2, med term and pharmacology while waiting to get into nursing program. Make sure that you talk to someone at your college. Each one has different requirements, tests etc. You may not need to worry about your act. I didn't have to take it at my school. There was a math test that I had to pass though and they provided study guides. You are definitley not too old. Good luck! you can do it.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Aug 4, 2005

dead is too old, probably . . .

~faith,

Timothy.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2005

I'm 32. I know that even if I had to call off my plans now, I'd be ready to jump back in even 10 years from now.

You are not too old!! Good luck, and congrats on going back to school. :)

rgrgray · Aug 4, 2005

I'm 32. I know that even if I had to call off my plans now, I'd be ready to jump back in even 10 years from now.
You are not too old!! Good luck, and congrats on going back to school. :)

you are never to old to do something for yourself..... and your 42 years young not old go for it you are going to be great!!!!!!!!!!!

kdickson39 · Aug 4, 2005

you are never to old to do something for yourself..... and your 42 years young not old go for it you are going to be great!!!!!!!!!!!

I sure hope 42 is not too old, cuz I too am 42 and looking at going to nursing school in January. I have raised my kids and am still raising a 12 year old with a neuro muscular disease. I feel like I have alot to offer as a nurse and pray everyone else thinks the same. :balloons:

Maisie · Aug 4, 2005

I am 48. I just finished my prereqs and was accepted into the fall semester of the nursing program. They do not discriminate. There are many people in the program who are around my age.