Please help. I'm 50 and want my nursing degree.

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I really want my nursing degree but wonder if I would have a hard time getting a job after graduation due to my age. While employers say they do not discriminate, we all know that they do. I am also considering enrolling into a school that has an accelerated accredited program, but heard that employers aren't as favorable to graduates from these types of institutions. If anyone out there has knowledge about nursing programs in the Akron, Ohio area I would appreciate any feedback. I've done research on Kent State and AKron University (both excellent nursing programs), but I heard both have waiting lists. Because of my age I don't feel I can afford to draw out my schooling to get my degree. Any advice would be appreciated...even if you want to tell me I'm crazy for pursuing this at my age. lol.

Thanks for your response. I need it.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I was 45 when I went back to college after selling my insurance agency. I worked full time nights as a NAR (for the health benefits) it took me 3 years to do the LPN and RN program I graduated at age 48 and have been doing LTC the whole time… that is the right pace for me. I love what I do. I have absolutely no regrets.

I really pushed myself to get it done. Like my 97 year old grandfather would say if he got a ding in his car was "you think i have time to wait for you to fix it? I'll take that one." and point to a new car. he would write a check and drive off with a new car.

Make up your mind and do it.

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Thanks, I'm going for it. I'm in the process of picking the right school. I can't wait to get started.

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Hi JB, I am an "older" student also, and am just completing my applications. I hope the nursing programs I am applying to will not reject me based on my age. I am confident I can do the work, but I am not confident that nursing schools will think that. I am really glad to hear from people in this thread that there were older students in their nursing programs. That gives me hope.

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Finished at 47 with an absn. Glad that I did it. BTW accelerated programs really put the pedal to the metal. Anyone who can finish an accelerated program is an exceptional student to begin with. Just do it and then look for a good nurse residency program. (I think the VA would be a good place for a nontraditional new nurse.)

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I will turn 45 next month and I'm half way through an accelerated LPN program....the advantage is twice the number of classes in the same amount of time as a "regular" program, and the disadvantage is twice the number of classes in the same amount of time...I'm in school this semester 8-4 two days per week and clinicals 6:30-2:30 two days a week....and that is just for one class! (med/surg)...I don't know that I would exactly "recommend" that route, but being the impatient person that I am, I wanted the fastest route possible.

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My mother got her nursing degree when she was 60. She worked full-time as a microbiologist and went to school at night at Houston Community College for her ADN. She then did nursing on the weekends (med/surg) and continued her lab management during the week. She is now 80 and is frustrated because she hasn't finished her CEU's for the year! She has cancer now, and really can't work anymore, but she still is committed to nursing -which I think goes to show that age is all about how you feel. In other words...go for it!

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Thanks for your response. Does your program require that you have the Science and Math pre-requisites or are they part of the curriculum?

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Wow, what an inspiring (and cute) message. Your message makes me smile because I know her type - go! go! go! Her schedule made me tired just reading about it. lol. She didn't even have time to spit.

I'm sorry she is sick. I can identify with your heartache because my mom died of ovarian cancer at age 63. It's a difficult time to go through.

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