Nursing School at 50 years old!

[BatmanandRobin]

I am in the process of checking out schools anywhere in Massachusetts to receive an APN certificate in the next couple of years. I have a B.S degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern 20 years ago, so I need to take math and science. I live 15 miles west of Boston, but will travel anywhere to take night and or weekend classes. Are there any schools that have clinicals during the evening (after 5:00 p.m.) when I'm done with my full-time job? Any suggestions on schools? Anybody ever done this at 50 years old? Thanks for your help!

[A_Simp]

I would suggest that you take your prereqs (sciences, etc) at a local community college. (Mass Bay?) Most ASN programs will accept the tranfer credits and it more cost effective.

Some schools to look into are the local community colleges. I went to Lawrence Memorial/Regis College in Medford and they have a eve/weekend program that will allow you to work during the week. Although, nursing school is a grind and it will be tought to work full-time.

Since you all ready have degree, there are a few programs that will allow you to transition that into a BSN - Regis College, Simmons, Curry, Umass, MGH, to name a few. Those programs are called accelerated BSN.

Don't worry about your age. I am in my early 40's and I just encouraged a former client, who's in her mid 50's, to pursue her goal of nursing. She decide on the accelerated BSN at Regis.

Let me know if you have any additional questions and I'll try to answer them for you.

[kat von b]

I go to a community college in western mass and there are plenty of over 50's in the group! Don't let age hold you down.

I don't know any schools out near the boston area (since I dont live out there) but check the classes that they require and get as many non nursing classes done as you can first. Even if they aren't pre-req's. It makes nursing school so much easier. I can't imagine taking other classes on top of my nursing ones.

Good luck!!!