Is 30 Too Old to Get a Nursing Degree?

It's not uncommon for students to start college or go back to school as adults to earn their nursing degrees.

Even students in their 30s can earn a nursing degree. 30 is not too old to get a nursing degree, and in fact, there are some benefits to earning a nursing degree at 30.

Reasons To Earn Your Nursing Degree at 30

Many students decide to earn degrees later in life. A nursing degree is an excellent option for students who want to change career paths later in life.

Nursing is a good career path because it's in demand and pays relatively well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurses is expected to increase by 6% by 2032. Additionally, some nurses can make just under $100,000 per year.

What Will I Learn In a Nursing Degree Program?

In a nursing degree program designed to lead to licensure as a registered nurse, students cover a variety of topics. These include:

• anatomy and physiology
• medical ethics
• medical terminology
• patient care
• pharmacology

Students are also required to complete clinical hours. These hours are spent in a medical facility and give students hands-on experience in nursing.

What Can I Do With My Nursing Degree?

Most students who earn their nursing degree proceed to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses, then go on to obtain their nursing licenses and work as registered nurses.

There are several different types of registered nurses. Some nurses start in one department and later move to another, while others stay in one area their whole careers.

Cardiac Nurse

Cardiac nurses care for patients with heart problems. They may work in hospitals, rehab centers, and home care settings. They may also do things like to assist with surgery and develop treatment plans for patients.

Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses are specifically trained for emergencies. They may work in doctor's offices but more often hospitals, especially in the Intensive Care Unit. A critical care nurse may need to treat wounds and monitor life support equipment.

Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses are registered nurses who work in the emergency room of hospitals. They need to be able to handle chaotic environments and may be required to administer medication, take samples for testing, and treat injuries and illnesses.

Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses are registered nurses who work specifically with elderly patients. They may provide general patient care as well as care for illnesses like cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Geriatric nurses may work at hospitals, doctor's offices, or nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwives are nurses who care for pregnant patients. They typically work in hospitals and doctors' offices and may be responsible for assisting patients in labor and delivery, assisting patients during prenatal appointments, and assisting patients during postnatal appointments.

Oncology Nurse

Registered nurses who work specifically with cancer patients are called oncology nurses. These nurses may work in hospitals, doctor's offices, or cancer treatment centers, and often assist patients with treatment, answer questions, and monitor patient progress.

Pediatric Nurse

A pediatric nurse is a type of registered nurse who works with children from birth up to age 18. They may perform physical exams, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments. They typically work in doctor's offices and hospitals.

Surgical Nurse

Surgical nurses, also called perioperative nurses or OR nurses, assist with patient care before and after a patient's surgery, as well as when the patient is in surgery. These nurses may work in hospitals or outpatient surgical centers.

FAQs About Starting a Nursing Degree at 30

Here are answers to commonly asked questions regarding starting a nursing degree at 30.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Nursing Degree at 30?

While earning a degree later in life can be difficult, there are benefits to starting a nursing degree at 30. One key benefit is that 30-year-olds are often more established in life and have a better idea of what they want to do.

This means that a 30-year-old is less likely to change majors or drop out of the program because they lose interest. Older students may also qualify for financial aid opportunities geared specifically toward adult learners.

What If I Already Have a Degree in Another Field?

There are a few options available to nursing students with a degree in another field. The most common are second bachelor's degrees or master's degrees.

Second bachelor's degree programs allow students with a bachelor's degree in another field to earn a second degree in nursing. However, students will not have to take general education courses again and can focus solely on nursing courses.

Some colleges and universities also offer direct entry master's programs for non-nurses. These degrees are specifically designed for those who have degrees in other fields but want to move into a career in nursing.

Can I Complete My Nursing Degree Online?

While many schools have online nursing degree options, you will not be able to complete your nursing degree completely online. This is because nursing is a hands-on career that requires hands-on learning.

You'll likely be able to take at least a portion of your courses online, especially those that are primarily lecture-based. However, you can expect to still need to do lab courses and clinical experiences in person.