Is 61 too old to start Pre-Nursing?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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  1. Is 61 too old to start Nursing School?

    • 19
      Yes, sit back and enjoy knitting.
    • 22
      No, go for it. We need grandmas in the field.
    • 3
      Don't know.

44 members have participated

Hi, everyone!

I am interested in changing careers. I just finished the CNA courses this summer. I really liked it and thinking I might want to do more.

BUT, I am 61 years old. You that have been through Nursing school, please be honest with me. I am a good student, but I don't want to spend time and money if it is unrealistic.

I have registered for A&P I and II in the Fall. Good/bad? Please submit your comments and do not be afraid to be brutally honest. I only need these classes to be able to apply, as I already have a BS

Thank you.

I don't know how much nursing school costs where you live but I've paid over 40 000 in the past 4 years, while not having much time to work so I don't know if it would make financial sense to go to school at this point in your life. But I don't know your situation and how much longer you are planning to work. Wishing you the best, whatever you decide.

Go for it! People are living longer and longer and working in something you love and have an aptitude for will keep your mind sharp plus set an example that you are never too old to learn new things! Education is the most valuable investment you can do for yourself that can't be taken away. I say- sounds like a good idea!

She already has a BSN she only needs her AP's !! Id say go for it! Anything is possible, it has been done before and there are scholarships! We only live once so do what your heart desires :). There will always be people that will doubt you, even you will doubt yourself and question your desires.

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Lets say you only work nursing for 8-9 years, so let those 8-9 years be the best.

Yes there will be discrimination and it will be hard, but nothings that comes easy is worth it!

Please do it and prove the world that you can!!! Best of luck :)

Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
She already has a BSN she only needs her AP's !! Id say go for it! Anything is possible, it has been done before and there are scholarships! We only live once so do what your heart desires :). There will always be people that will doubt you, even you will doubt yourself and question your desires.

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Lets say you only work nursing for 8-9 years, so let those 8-9 years be the best.

Yes there will be discrimination and it will be hard, but nothings that comes easy is worth it!

Please do it and prove the world that you can!!! Best of luck :)

Re-read OP. No BSN, no RN. A CNA with at least 3 years of school to be an RN. By then she will be 64.

Very unlikely she will work 8-9 years. She will be paying off student loans with a social security check.

Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

Go for it! Just graduated at 59. Have had 3 interviews, offered all 3 positions, in a highly competitive area! It's too late when you're dead!

Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

I highly recommend Community College- lots of scholarships available. If you have a hearing loss or other disability of ANY kind, get them well documented by MD, then apply to Dept of Rehabilitation, they may pay your entire way through, including books, uniforms, transportation.

You are the first person to give realistic time frames on admission and entrance. Glad to see.

I actually think being over 60 will not be too old to start a career in nursing. Many patients possibly will be over the age of 60 and they may be able to relate to you and you might be able to be a very effective advocate for them. I would take each A & P separately and make sure you get really great grades because that will be considered. As for expense, consider going to a community college for your classes because it is less expensive and don't take student loans out to cover extra expenses. Consider working as a CNA while you are in school to offset expenses. It is possible where you work as a CNA will want to hire you as a nurse.

Specializes in ICU, ER, NURSING EDUCATION.

Message me and I'll answer any questions that I can to help you out.

I have seen 18 votes in favor and 18 against. The reason is obviously.

I can not suggest you "go for it" or "don't do it" like others did because no one know you better than yourself. Do you think you can study for very long hours (over 10h) everyday? Are you good at technology? Can you stand (I mean it) 6~8 hour in clinical rotations, 3 time a week? Do you have a vivid memory as years ago? Can you catch up your peers at 20s? ........

You need to ask yourself for these questions.

Let me tell you my story. I am 56 and going to complete my acceleration BSN program by December this year. I graduated from college about 30 years ago so the school requested me to take all prerequisite courses. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.5 and I had mine at 3.9. To be honest with you, the acceleration program is very challenging to me and I have to study much harder than the 20s peers since my memory is lapses. My only suggestion to you is to challenge yourself at the maximum level such as taking AP I&II and another course altogether. If you can pass all and get as least B+. Then go for it. It's just my opinion. Good luck to you.

You are amazing! I am 56 and will be graduated from accelerated BSN by December. My biggest concern is who is going to hire an old new graduate nurse like me?

If you know you are capable go for it! I am currently working in home care. I have seen many older nurses over the years. One nurse in my PN class was in her sixties and a few were in their 50s. You need to research which option is best for you. Some for profit nursing schools such are expensive, but you will have a diploma in 2 years. Speak to an advisor about pre reqs that can be obtained via CLEP, DANTES etc. I did a 1year PN program, and just completed my RN . I attended a board certified nursing program. I plan to start a BSN-MSN in january via an accredited online nursing program. There are many paths to get a nursing license, the only thing that can restrict you is you. The pay is good and the student loan repayment is low. In addition you can choose jobs that fit your pace eg. hospital, visiting,homecare, school....Good luck

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