40 yr old with high school diploma wants pre-license program

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I want to go to school for nursing. Bsn. I'm in my 40's highest I have is highschool diploma. What are other options aside from community college courses would I be able to do a prelicense nursing program  elsewhere where I can go straight into nursing field 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Many options exist for getting your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It depends on what is available in your location, your flexibility, and your finances.

Community college

A straightforward way to fulfill prerequisites is through community college to complete your general education and anatomy, physiology, Microbiology, and chemistry courses. From there, you can transfer to a BSN program.

That said, community college is typically more suited for students who do not have competing daytime commitments.

Pre-licensure programs

  • Check your state universities, as some state universities offer direct-entry BSN programs where you can apply straight from high school or as a non-traditional student (with just your high school diploma). With others, you'll need to meet specific prerequisite courses for entry. 
  • Several private nursing programs are more flexible in admissions policies and cater to students with different academic backgrounds. However, they can be expensive.
  • Some universities offer online BSN programs, where you can complete theory-based coursework online and attend clinicals at local healthcare facilities. You'd still need to meet prerequisite coursework before entering the program, but it could be a more flexible option for you.
  • Clinical rotations. Make sure that the school makes all the clinical rotation arrangements.

Allnurses provides 10 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs | 2025

Steps to Prepare

  • Research financial aid. Nursing school can be expensive, so look into scholarships, grants, or student loans. Some hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees.
  • Consider your lifestyle. Since you're in your 40s, consider flexibility in class scheduling or job options while studying. 

Accreditation

Just be sure that the nursing program you choose is accredited, and note there's a difference between a school being accredited and their nursing program being accredited. 

In the U.S., the two main accreditation bodies for baccalaureate nursing programs are: 

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Read What You Need to Know About Nursing School Accreditation.

In addition to accreditation, check the school's NCLEX pass rates and overall reputation. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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