didn't start school til age 50

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

moved to own thread for best response....Welcome to AN!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

Not 50 yet but I did return for the ASN (RN) at age 45 (I felt so out of place when i started out in the classroom because i had everybody else by by at least 20 years), and I will be 49 when I get into my final semester of the BSN this coming January. So, we're ALMOST in the same boat. I have to read, read, read, and re-read some more in order for info to stick. At one point, it got so bad that I thought I had early-onset Alzheimer's. Actually had me worried for a minute. :nailbiting: But when I calmed down and realized that the issue was only academically related, I just chalked it up to decreased or worn-out brain cells and kept on reading. It eventually sticks. Good luck. It will all be fine.

mrsric1964 · Jul 31, 2013

I am in my second semester. I started at age 49 and will be 51 when I graduate with an Associate Degree. I already have an Associate degree for Medical Assistant, graduating when I was 48. I love being the oldest one in my class.

mrsric1964 · Jul 31, 2013

I am in my second semester. I started at age 49 and will be 51 when I graduate with an Associate Degree. I already have an Associate degree for Medical Assistant, graduating when I was 48. I love being the oldest one in my class.

Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN · Jul 31, 2013

Have you already done your prerequisite courses? I ask, because I'm starting my ADN program next month, and that alone will last 4 semesters. Completing my prerequisites took me another 5 semesters. I spaced them out a bit because I was also worried about my age (I was 43 when I started). One of the programs I was considering conceded prerequisites could be done in 1 year, but to allow for 2. Mine may be a 2 year degree, but it will take me 4 years to get it.

Pipestone · Jul 31, 2013

I so encourage you to go for it. My mom went back to school for Early childhood education at 53 and I'm going back to school this fall (After Degree Nursing) at age 40 (41 in October). I'm a bit nervous too, but I took 2 classes in spring and did well so I'm feeling better than I was!

Kralinn · Jul 31, 2013

I'm 49 and just graduated from LVN school. I'll be taking the NCLEX-PN within the next month or so. I plan to continue on and take the LVN-RN bridge which will last another year after I take care of some prerequisites. Unfortunately many of my credits from before have been too long to transfer so that's one obstacle. BTW, I wasn't the oldest in my class. We had someone who turned 50 this year prior to our graduation. Good Luck to you and your desire to go back to school-it's never too late:yes:

teacher08 · Jul 31, 2013

My classmate was 63 y/o when we completed the RN program. Passed NCLEX on first try. :yes:

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

My classmate was 63 y/o when we completed the RN program. Passed NCLEX on first try.

AWESOME! :up:

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

I am 49 right now, will be 50 only six days before my RN program starts next month! I am pretty sure I am the oldest in my cohort, but whatever!!! Finances are always an issue because FAFSA doesn't take into consideration that you have a mortgage to pay! But if it's an ADN you are after it's doable, financially. Then I plan to get my BSN online after that. Those courses will come easier to me, as I am an English and arts nerd, and from what I've heard, those additional courses for the BSN seem concentrated in those areas. Don't let your age be an issue!!!

maluisa · Jul 31, 2013

I graduated last year at the age of 44. I debated it for a bit before I started. I knew I wanted this more than anything so as soon as our family business allowed me to be away, I took the plunge and registered. It was hard and time consuming but do not regret it at all. I looked at like this: I was going to be 44 years old on August 16th 2012 (the day of my graduation) whether I went to school or not. Isn't it better to have some more knowledge with that age?