Is APN realistic at my age?

[Mudwoman]

I am 57, and in good health. I am a RN with 97 hours towards a BSN and can realistically finish my BSN working full time and going to school part time in 2-3 yrs. However, that puts me at around 60 yrs old going into a MSN program for APN. I would only be able to do the program part time which means it would take me 4 yrs to complete. I don't worry whether or not I could physically or mentally do the work, but I do worry that if applicants out-number the available seats in a program, that my age will automatically disqualify me. If I need to look at another path, I would rather do that now rather than later. I welcome your thoughts and experiences. Thanks in advance!

Charlee

[SoundofMusic]

I'm 47 and will graduate in 2013 at the age of 50 or so. What hampers me is not my age, but my BUSY, busy, lifestyle. I've got a house, husband, dog, kids, older kids who need me still .... I've just got a LIFE -- and that's what gets in the way more than my AGE.

I'm trying to find different ways to keep my energy up to keep up w/ it all ... I worry a bit that I dont' have enough years in nursing, rather than my age ....if you have a lot of time in nursing, I think that is what will strengthen your chances.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

I attended an education session tonight at the University of Washington regarding the ARNP program there. I have a couple of deficits that I would have to correct before I can apply. My GPA has to come up some and I need stats. This leaves me with not being able to enroll until January of 2012. I will be 57 years old by the time I start. I just don't think that financially it would be worth it. I would only have about 10 years of work life left. I have been a nurse for 32 years. When I went to nursing school, it was not as difficult to get in as it is now. I am a very experienced nurse with excellent clinical skills. But everyone seems to want people with an academic focus.