58 years old - Am I too old to start nursing school??

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Lpn to rn program. Yes u can

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Millionstars1 said:
Lpn to rn program. Yes u can

I could only fine two programs in a thread on allnurses: Indiana State which gives a BSN and Excelsior which also gives an ASN but the Excelsior program in not accepted in California. Are there programs other than this that are exclusively online?

Specializes in Nursing is my Second Career; Future FNP DNP.

Dear Am I Too Old,

What did you end up doing? I (currently 48) was tempted to apply to a fast track course and I decided to apply for RN and will work my way through to DNP. I will start school in August.

I'm anxious to hear about your progress.

Yes. Go for it!

Congratulations to you. Only the young believe that your age will hold you back. Ofter that nurse maybe a new grad now (RN) but she may not be a new nurse. It may take a while to get a job but look at what the employers are missing out. You come with a lot of perks, experience, dedication, and I think confidence. Because some of the older students maybe changing and pursuing a new career, having to go into the work force due to a lost or long time LPNs, either way age brings wisdom, life experience. Again congratulations to you.

Did you end up going to nursing school? I’m just curious. I saw this thread while I was searching for something and was going to respond “just go for it” you can decide later if it’s too much. Nursing school was horrible for me in my 20’s, because of my introversion and shyness and childhood baggage. In hindsight I wish I had waited later in life to go to nursing school. I think I would have been in a much better place if it was something I wanted to do in my 50’s. I really wish then In my 20’s I would have picked another profession because it was so hard for me with my immaturity. If you are in your 50’s and want to be a nurse, than I would think you know yourself and should just do it! I had a married couple in my nursing school class who were both Chemistry teachers both in their 50’s who decided to be nurses. They worked 12 hour shifts on the weekends and nursing school during the week and they were awesome!!

I don’t mean you have to come from a place of being a Chemistry teacher, I just mean if you are seriously considering and willing to do the work to get admitted and it’s something that sounds interesting then go for for it! I started nursing school scared, frightened , with social anxiety, and somehow made it through. I wish the best for you in whatever you decided to do

Specializes in Military.

The thread is a little old but found it interesting as I am looking to get to nursing school after retiring from the military in Jan 2025, I will be 57. I have education benefits to take care of the training, so no loans (thankfully enough), but will I be on the receiving end of not being hired due to age. I am not "too valuable" as I have no experience, except life to cause a "no hire due to age". Any thoughts on starting this next stage of life in 2024/5. Thanks a ton!! 

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