Is 51 yrs old too old to start LVN school?

[tperkins740]

I am 51 yrs old and applying for the LVN program. What are the pros and cons of starting this career at this age?

[BAY AREA RN, BSN]

i believe that you are never too young. If nursing is what you want to do then do it. there is always someone who think they know if you will be hired or not. Out here in california age is nothing and you will be able to get you a job in your field if you apply yourself. i think the pros are that you have lived long enough to take it serious, you most likely have experience people being ill that were close to and you probably don't have no infants that need a lot of you attention. i have no cos for you, the sky is the limit.

[Extra Pickles]

People who try to dissuade you because of time investment and expense tend not to know what LPN programs actually are.

Most LPN programs are about a year-long with no prerequisites. How long is the program you are interested in? Economically speaking it is a low cost investment for a new profession. That's the upside. The downside is that nursing programs no matter what kind they are are physically demanding. Are you in good physical shape? If so and want to take on the academics and time spent in clinical rotations, can handle the upset to predictable family schedules, then go for it.

Like others have suggested, age is a factor when people hire no matter what the law says, and no matter what anyone tells you. How you present yourself though, that makes all the difference in the world. A 52 year old who comes across as vital, healthy, smart and dedicated will still take the job over the 20-something bored-looking know-it-all non-impressive applicant. If you are the best applicant for the job, you will still get the job.