I'm 53 and want to be an LVN (Clock is ticking)

nursinghopeful1111 · Dec 26, 2010

As long as you take the required pre reqs and do well, along with any other requirements the program may have such as CNA, TEAS, interview ect..then your chances are as good as anyone else's :)

FYI, Most programs require your science classes such as Anatomy and Physiology,and microbiology to be taken w/in 7 years of your application so you might need to retake those if you have taken them previously.

anurseatlast · Dec 26, 2010

If nursing is what you want to do, go for it. There are many non-traditional students in nursing school now. After I raised my children, I went to school and graduated with my BSN at 51. I think that there are a lot of advantages of being an older student. You have more life experience and understand that you need to devote time and energy to school. Going back to school after being out for many years can also be a challenge but once you get into the swing of it, you will do fine. One of the great things now is that you write papers on a computer - a far cry from the manual typewriter with carbon paper that we used when we were in high school!! And you can do almost all of your research via comuter. Way easier than going to the library and physically pulling all the books.

Motivated grandma · Dec 26, 2010

I'll need to take nutrition and a special a and p class for allied health students prior to admittance, so I won't need the two semesters of regular A & P. :yeah:

I know I can do this. I just have to convince the community college that I can!

Guest717236 · Dec 26, 2010

I went to school years ago in Boston and one of our

nursing students in the dorm was over 50 and had changed to

nursing from another career. Not only was she a role model and

leader in classes, she also commuted on weekends. She lived

on one of the islands off Cape Cod and her commute included

a ferry boat ride from the mainland to the island....every weekend!

She was the highest average in the class at graduation.

You are not nuts! You have a lot to offer nursing, so best wishes

on your goals... :nurse:

And please keep us posted~!

Streamline2010 · Dec 26, 2010

I'll need to take nutrition and a special a and p class for allied health students prior to admittance, so I won't need the two semesters of regular A & P.
I know I can do this. I just have to convince the community college that I can!

You might also look at the local vo-tech schools. Every one of them in my locale runs a LPN program full time 1 year and the total cost with books & uniforms & all averages $10,000 or so. Most start two classes per year, too. And might have more seats open than the community college does.

One even runs a full time 1 year program that is 3PM to 10PM.

The 2-year part time programs, I'd avoid. 2 years is too long to drag out a LPN course. The highest dropout rates are in the 2-yrs. It's better to just put your life on hold 1 year and do it and get out.

For admission, if you have the test scores on the preadmission exam, and can pass the physical, it's a piece of cake to get in. The programs here admit anyone from age 18 to late 60s.

I applied to LPN and RN but already had all the non-nursing college done for either AS RN or diploma RN, so I went for RN after they extended unemployment benefits, lol. If I had to retrain ASAP, I'd have chosen the LPN/LVN for it's availability instead of waited for the next RN slot to open.

Motivated grandma · Dec 27, 2010

Thanks, everyone, for the vote of confidence.

"The 2-year part time programs, I'd avoid. 2 years is too long to drag out a LPN course. The highest dropout rates are in the 2-yrs. It's better to just put your life on hold 1 year and do it and get out."

Oh, I agree. Besides, I do still have two teens at home, so I want to be home when they are, even if my nose will be stuck in books (where theirs should be).

CLUVRN, MSN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

Yes, if you're serious about going back to school and excelling, do not let your age stop you! You still have a good 20+ years to work as a nurse. Go for it!

FLDoula · Dec 28, 2010

I turned 50 this past October..... started taking RN pre-reqs and co-reqs in January, 2009. I'm going into our program August, 2011!! I'll be 52 when I graduate. Like you my kids are mostly grown... I only have a 17 yr old at home. I have lots of time to study and am a 4.0 student! I can't advise you on a LPN program but say if it's what you want to do... DO IT!! :yeah:

My aunt, who when she found out I'm going to school said... "oh my..you will be 52 when you graduate." My other aunt, who is a nurse anestitist said... "she will be 52 at that point in time whether she is in school or not." Totally makes sense to me!

freesia29, ASN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

I am almost 40, but my 2 good friends that I met in Biology are both grandmothers at 55 and 57 years old, one is going into nursing, she is in the LPN program now...and wants to be a nurse practitioner....and the 57 year old is in the surg tech program....

You can do it!!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

You're not too old! Go for it!!! I personally wouldn't recommend the private tech schools as you can do it at community college for a fraction of the cost. :) I think you're a great candidate.. from what I understand, there are lots of us non-traditional students filling up the classrooms at nursing schools all over the country.

ALL1872 · Dec 28, 2010

To Anurseatlast: you made me laugh! I do remember the carbon paper and the ACTUAL "cut and paste", not the computer version. Too funny!

I am 48 and returned to school and actually found it easier than 30 years ago. I feel like I have exorcised those demons of procratination, distractions etc from my college days. I think also that the constant learning and cerebral stimulation has bled into other areas of my life and I find that I work and concentrate better now that I am back in school. I work full time and take courses and have had no problems.