Is 35 too old to start from Scratch?

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I have always wanted to be a nurse but didn't have the discipline to stay in school and get good grades. I completed only 3 classes when I went to community College 8 years ago. I've been working a corporate job for 11 years and feel like I need to make a career change. I would have to start community college basically from scratch for pre-reqs. Is it doable to accomplish becoming an RN at such a late age? I've also been told its near impossible to work while in nursing school. How does one pay their bills, health insurance and such while becoming a nurse. All advice is welcomed!!!

In my opinion, yes it is. I could never imagine myself going back to school at that age..

Then you must be very young. And don't have a good imagination ;-)

Bella, NO, it is not too old to go back to school, it's pretty common actually. The only way 35 is too old to start back to school is if you aspire to become an RN by 37. That will not happen. But if you have a few years, determination and self-discipline of course it's possible. People also work full-time jobs while taking this professional pathway. Depends on the individual as to whether it's a success or a failure.

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This person feels too old to do it. If you don't feel too old you're not. I know a PA who started PA school at 65, after careers as a fighter pilot and engineer. It's just something he wanted to do, so he did.

I probably draw the line at 78. I think I said that on another thread on the same topic lol, and someone else said "unless it's a young 78"! So whatever age you feel old at, that's the age you're too old to challenge yourself!

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In my opinion, yes it is. I could never imagine myself going back to school at that age..

35 is not old. People are living well into their 80s...so technically it's not even middle age. 'at that age'? Gah....she's 35 not 85.

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No! I started the LPN program when I was 30 and now 31...I'll graduate in May and turn 32. Work a year and then probably start my RN at 33 or 34...which I'll end up 35 or 36 before I get that. Age is just a number. I worked in childcare for several years...went to college after high school and at that point of my life didn't know what I wanted to do...sometimes it just takes life experience before you can make that decision.

Plus in our LPN class...we have a couple of people who are 39 and older. I see nurses now and they are still going in their 70s....we all good. :nurse:

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35 is not old. People are living well into their 80s...so technically it's not even middle age. 'at that age'? Gah....she's 35 not 85.

Im sorry, but I have to disagree. 35 IS old. And you always have to think ahead. That user will not be a nurse at 35.. It will definitely take them 4-5 more years if they are starting from scratch. I honestly would not recommend going back to school unless you REALLY want to be a nurse and put yourself through all that stress. However, if this is your dream, then go for it.

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I don't think you're too old at all. I'm 26 and am completing my pre-requisites to get into nursing school, so I'll be about 28 by the time I graduate. And I am currently taking all of my pre-reqs online so that I can work while I am in school (I am earning my degree through a community college, as well). That'll at least help me pay the bills until I get into the actual nursing classes. You could try and take as many classes online as you can so that you can still work to support yourself for now.

You should also check into special scholarships, grants, or loans that your state might offer to nursing students, to help pay your bills while you're completing your nursing classes and clinicals. I know my state (Missouri) offers a special loan to nursing students in addition to federal aid.

I'm also looking to take some pre-reqs online, can you tell me what school you are taking yours from?

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As someone who is a little younger than you(27) and is contemplating starting the journey to nursing, these answer make me feel good!

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The school part should come second to whether you can handle working as a nurse. You can go to school at any age. Age doesn't matter to a certain degree. Ask yourself if you can handle all that comes with working as a nurse. Can you deal with the sacrifices?

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Not at all! I'm 31 and have almost half of my pre reqs done. I'll likely be 32 once I'm able to apply for the nursing program. I've been a stay at home mom with my 6 kiddos so this next chapter in life is really exciting for me. I'm hoping there will be other "oldies" in my nursing program with me. I wish you all the best in your new nursing journey!

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I have always wanted to be a nurse but didn't have the discipline to stay in school and get good grades. I completed only 3 classes when I went to community College 8 years ago. I've been working a corporate job for 11 years and feel like I need to make a career change. I would have to start community college basically from scratch for pre-reqs. Is it doable to accomplish becoming an RN at such a late age? I've also been told its near impossible to work while in nursing school. How does one pay their bills, health insurance and such while becoming a nurse. All advice is welcomed!!!

Yes its possible because I'm doing it, and I was about 35 when I started this journey! It's taken my many years to get all my pre-reqs. I actually ended up completing a degree in the process because I took so many classes...LOL!! I have 3 more classes to go and then I can apply to nursing school. That will be another 2-3 years from now, and I am in my mid-40s. So far I have worked...fulltime for many years, and recently dropped to part time. I plan to continue working until I start the nursing program itself.

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I'm also looking to take some pre-reqs online, can you tell me what school you are taking yours from?

I took all my classes online so far with Rio Salado. My experience with them has been excellent. The website navigation is easy and the tutors have all, with the odd exception, been very responsive and positive. Of course, it was better for me as I am in-state so the cost per credit was under $100...it's based in Arizona. If you are out-of-state, then I imagine the cost would be higher.

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Im sorry, but I have to disagree. 35 IS old. And you always have to think ahead. That user will not be a nurse at 35.. It will definitely take them 4-5 more years if they are starting from scratch. I honestly would not recommend going back to school unless you REALLY want to be a nurse and put yourself through all that stress. However, if this is your dream, then go for it.

Lightning, you are starting to come across as silly now. Telling a message board full of professional nurses (you are not one yet, still a student I believe?) that 35 is old, and too old to go to school for nursing just looks ridiculous.

I also remember your posts on another thread in which you state RNs are really just waitresses who don't do much else, they are there primarily to get snacks and call the doctor who actually saves lives. Your posting history shows lack of understanding of what nurses do and lack of respect for those who do it, so you can see why your opinions on the nursing profession aren't going to be weighed too heavily or taken too seriously.

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