Older mom thinking about career change---PT or Nursing

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I have been thinking about a career change--I have narrowed down to two: Nursing or PT.

A little background about myself--35yrs old, two kids under age 4, Masters Degree in Nutrition with 7 years work experience, pay about 40K.

Concerns: In case of relocation or lay off (which could be possible), I cannot trasfer my skills to another job (complicated case coz I don't have RD certification)

-Age--not sure I can afford to go to school full time and loose income, also by the time I graduate I would be about 40 years.

-Physical Therapy program is three years full-time.

-BSN Upper Division is two years part-time evening classes---so I could still be working full-time or either one year full-time BSN accelerated.

Both programs require about 1-2 years of Science pre-requisites.

Question? Could the PT career pay enough to offset the the extra year and full-time schooling?

Is it really worth it to stress out academically and financialy in PT school or would I rather get my BSN and endure the long-term stress of the nursing field?

I am assuming PT training is tougher than nursing but the career would be less stressful. Not sure what the pay difference is between the two.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I began nursing school part time at age 31 with 4 little ones at home.

It is difficult but can be done and the satisfaction of completion is amazing.

I am so proud of myself for taking this profession on. I truly feel blessed to call myself a nurse.

Best of luck to you!!!

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I began nursing school at 45 and graduated at 47. I had a classmate who was an RD.

As a nurse you can do many of the functions of a PT but not vice versa.

With a family nursing will tend to give you greater flexibility and portability.

Only you know what is the right decision for you and your family. (But I would vote for nursing with an accelerated option.)

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Specializes in NICU.

Hey! I'm 35! We aren't "older!"

I would think that your current degree would be a great foundation for the science of nursing, and that some of your previous coursework may equate to less of the prerequisites. Have you spoken to any advisors in your local RN programs? In my program, potential students that already had degrees and a strong work history were highly favored for admission.

I just graduated last year, and I love the flexibility I have in my schedule when it comes to my kids' activities and needs. I sit down with their sports/school/doctor/dentist schedules and make mine fit. I can work OT when I want to, and have plenty of paid leave for when I need it. When I work things just right, I work for 6 out of 7 days, and have 8 off, so we can travel some without having to use any vacation time. :)

Sure, sometimes there's higher stress in my job, but much of it is the pressure I put upon myself to do the best I can....which isn't much different from every other job I've had.

Oh, and just from a quick Google, the difference in starting salary isn't very large. The difference in training for either job just depends on where you want to take your career. For nursing, you can start as an LPN after a year of education, progress to an ADN after 15months-2 years, and a BSN in 4 years. From there....there's really a ton of options.

Good luck on your career change! It's very nerve wracking, but totally awesome. :)

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I am 38 with a teenager a 3yr old and 5yr old so I completely understand where you are coming from.

I chose nursing because it is more flexible (schedule), transferable(if my husband get the border patrol postion he has been tested for), and for me gratifying (I have always helped care for others, and think quick on my feet).

But as someone stated you need to do what is best for you and your family.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I suggest you do some research to compare the 2 careers.

Occupational outlook handbook website:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Average salaries for careers in different areas:

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/home

The book "Discover What You're Best At" by Barry & Linda Gale has aptitude tests which are used to suggest careers you are more likely to succeed in. Found mine for 5 bucks used.

You could also do some career testing at your local college.

I thought about going the PT route, but did the BSN instead. Now I wish I had investigated PT more as I think I might have enjoyed the career more and have a higher salary as well. You also might want to consider a Physical Therapist Assistant career as that career pays well for the amount of schooling required.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
i have been thinking about a career change--i have narrowed down to two: nursing or pt.

question? could the pt career pay enough to offset the the extra year and full-time schooling?

is it really worth it to stress out academically and financialy in pt school or would i rather get my bsn and endure the long-term stress of the nursing field?

i am assuming pt training is tougher than nursing but the career would be less stressful. not sure what the pay difference is between the two.

i'm not sure what pts make, either, but i know it's more than what nurses make. there are two kinds of stress, however: mental stress and physical stress. as you get older (and we all do) you may want to be thinking of a less physically challenging job. in that respect, nursing is far more flexible. it's also more flexible in terms of relocating.

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