2 answers
Tyra
Student
Kerrville, Texas
6
Questions
2 answers
Aaron Chun
42
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hi Tyra,
It does not matter how old you have to be to study and start working in any career such as a nurse or a midwife. I had a classmate who was 42 years old when he first started studying to become a Registered Nurse in a 4 year university program graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Even though he was the oldest compared to his whole class he never let his age hold him back from achieving this degree. After graduating with this degree in the Spring of 2019 he is now currently studying for his Doctorate of Nursing in the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii. Everybody is different some people pursue their degrees while they are young straight out of high school or older like my classmate. Some people who are older are more mature and experienced where they can handle pursuing any degree in life. Hope this helps.
-Thank you,
Aaron
It does not matter how old you have to be to study and start working in any career such as a nurse or a midwife. I had a classmate who was 42 years old when he first started studying to become a Registered Nurse in a 4 year university program graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Even though he was the oldest compared to his whole class he never let his age hold him back from achieving this degree. After graduating with this degree in the Spring of 2019 he is now currently studying for his Doctorate of Nursing in the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii. Everybody is different some people pursue their degrees while they are young straight out of high school or older like my classmate. Some people who are older are more mature and experienced where they can handle pursuing any degree in life. Hope this helps.
-Thank you,
Aaron
Thank you !
Tyra
Ercelene D. Kinnebrew MBA, BSN,
Author|Educator|Registered Nurse|Health Coach
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ercelene D.’s Answer
Hi Tyra,
A lot of students who know they want to pursue a career in nursing may enroll in a nursing program after graduating high school or obtaining their GED. I have also seen an increase in older adult students entering the field of nursing as a second career. With the current need for nurses across the US if you have a desire to help people and want to become a nurse don’t let your age deter you! I have worked with nurses as young as 20 and others in their 70’s.
There are different types of nursing credentials and nursing programs to choose from that will prepare you for a career in nursing.
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) option is typically a 2 year program dependent on the schools curriculum and program requirements. The scope of practice, meaning what procedures, actions and responsibilities you are permitted to perform, may be limited as a LPN in some states. As a LPN you will work under the supervision of a RN or a Medical Doctor. Prior to practicing as a LPN you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
The next option is the Registered Nurse, (RN). The scope of practice for a RN is greater than the LPN in most states. To obtain your licensure as a RN you are required to complete an Associate degree program or a 4-year Bachelors degree program and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
The decision is ultimately yours depending on what type of career in nursing you desire. Your nursing career can range from hands-on clinical care, nurse management, healthcare informatics, nursing education and training or leadership. There are a lot of opportunities in nursing.
I hope this helps you. Wishing you great success!
Ercelene
A lot of students who know they want to pursue a career in nursing may enroll in a nursing program after graduating high school or obtaining their GED. I have also seen an increase in older adult students entering the field of nursing as a second career. With the current need for nurses across the US if you have a desire to help people and want to become a nurse don’t let your age deter you! I have worked with nurses as young as 20 and others in their 70’s.
There are different types of nursing credentials and nursing programs to choose from that will prepare you for a career in nursing.
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) option is typically a 2 year program dependent on the schools curriculum and program requirements. The scope of practice, meaning what procedures, actions and responsibilities you are permitted to perform, may be limited as a LPN in some states. As a LPN you will work under the supervision of a RN or a Medical Doctor. Prior to practicing as a LPN you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
The next option is the Registered Nurse, (RN). The scope of practice for a RN is greater than the LPN in most states. To obtain your licensure as a RN you are required to complete an Associate degree program or a 4-year Bachelors degree program and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
The decision is ultimately yours depending on what type of career in nursing you desire. Your nursing career can range from hands-on clinical care, nurse management, healthcare informatics, nursing education and training or leadership. There are a lot of opportunities in nursing.
I hope this helps you. Wishing you great success!
Ercelene