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Anyone can become a nurse at any age, as there is no official age limit to becoming a nurse. If you are over the age of 30 and want to embark on a nursing career, this is entirely doable. It may even end up becoming one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make in your life!
Pursuing a career in nursing after age 30 may be easier than you think, especially if you feel confident about this decision and have professional job experience that makes you more competitive in the career marketplace.
Consider Your Family’s Needs
Consider your family’s needs when planning your future career as a nurse. Going to nursing school may require you to set aside extra money for tuition and fees. You may need to be away from home for longer periods while you’re taking classes or doing practicum training. Planning carefully ahead of time can often lessen financial hardship and reduce the strain your absence might put on your relationships with your loved ones.
For example, if you have young children and lack childcare options, consider an online nursing program that allows you to receive your education at home. Or, if you need to budget carefully while going to nursing school, consider seeking financial aid or enrolling for the minimum number of credit hours at a time to put less strain on your finances.
Look Into Financial Aid Options
Today, a countless number of financial aid options exist to help cover your tuition while you’re going to school to earn your nursing degree. Financial aid can be extremely helpful, as it could free up more money that you can use for other costs of living.
Look into your options for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loan-repayment programs, and keep in mind that their eligibility requirements can vary. Some of these financial aid sources require you to live in certain states or counties, while others might require you to write 500-word essays. Some may be limited to nurses pursuing a certain subspecialty (such as midwifery), while others may be limited to aspiring nurses from certain ethnic backgrounds.
To learn more about your financial aid options and to apply for them, contact various nursing associations directly or consult with the financial aid advisor at your nursing school or program.
Earn Your Nursing Degree
An associate or bachelor’s degree is required to become a registered nurse. Though it may only take you about two years to earn an associate degree, you may have many more nursing role options if you pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Every state has its own degree and education requirements for becoming a registered nurse. Contact your state’s public health department or the department that specifically manages licensure to confirm the type of degree you need in your state to become a nurse.
After you find out whether you need an associate or bachelor’s degree, you can move forward with choosing a nursing school that suits your current personal and professional schedules. The time you invest in earning your degree can pay off later down the road.
Get Your Nursing License
Before you can start practicing as a nurse, you need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) so you can get your nursing license. Some states may require you to take additional exams to earn your license.
All nurses across all states must take the NCLEX. It features between 75 and 145 questions related to nursing, and you must answer the questions correctly at least 50% of the time to pass. After you pass the NCLEX, you receive your license and can start working as a nurse.
Embrace Your Age and Stay Confident
Some people who return to school after age 30 may feel insecure compared to their younger counterparts. However, your age gives you a major advantage over your peers in nursing school.
For instance, you may have more years of professional job experience than younger nursing students, which can look more appealing on a resume and to potential employers, even if your experience isn’t related to nursing. Also, deciding to become a nurse after 30 means you may feel more confident and motivated about your decision, especially since you’ve had more time to think about your ideal career and future.
If at any time you feel out of place in nursing school or in nursing positions because of your age, remind yourself that you have a lot to offer to the medical industry. Network with other nursing students who are close to you in age, too, as these individuals may be great sources of support throughout your journey to becoming a nurse.
Resource Links
- “How to Become a Nurse” via Gwynedd Mercy University
- “How to become a registered nurse in Texas” via The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- “What Degree Do You Need to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)?” via Regis College
- “2020 NCLEX® Examination Statistics” via National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- “Be Ready for Exam Day” via NCLEX