Is 35 Too Old to Get a Nursing Degree?

A growing number of employers are interested in hiring registered nurses (RNs) with bachelor's degrees or are asking their current workforce to return to school to earn one. This means there's no better time to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.

But what if you're in your mid-30s? Is it too late to go back to school? No, it's not too late to get a nursing degree whether you're 35 or older.

Many programs are available to help current nurses and working adults earn their nursing degrees. Finding a nursing program that suits your academic needs and lifestyle is the key.

Reasons To Earn Your Nursing Degree at 35

A great reason to pursue your bachelor's degree at 35 is to become more knowledgeable about nursing. Some additional reasons are listed below.

Advance Your Nursing Career

If you currently work as a registered nurse and possess a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing, you might find more job opportunities after earning a bachelor's degree. Having a four-year degree can help you compete for new roles against recent graduates who have the same educational background but less experience.

Switch to a Nursing Career

Individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become nurses can enroll in an accelerated nursing program. Let's say you're working as an English teacher and want to become an RN. An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (ABSN) degree can help you earn your degree and start your nursing career in as few as 12 months.

Enjoy Better Earnings

According to Current Population Study data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with bachelor's degrees enjoy better earnings than individuals with associate degrees or less. In addition to opening the door to more nursing roles, you could see a jump in your income.

What Will I Learn In a Nursing Degree Program?

Depending on the type of nursing program you enroll in, your coursework and clinical experiences might differ slightly. Generally, it's common for bachelor's degree seekers to take courses covering:

• professional nursing
• public health
• health promotion across the lifespan
• health assessment
• community nursing

You might also be required to participate in clinical rotations to get hands-on experience with real-life patients. However, it's important to note that not all programs require the same clinical experiences. For instance, a four-year traditional nursing program for first-year degree-seeking students typically requires clinical rotations. ABSN programs also require students to participate in clinicals since they have no nursing experience.

However, RN to BSN students (individuals who work as RNs and want to earn their bachelor's degree) may not need to participate in clinicals since they're getting hands-on experience in the workplace.

What Can I Do With My Nursing Degree?

Students with BSNs can take advantage of job opportunities in:

• hospitals
• specialty clinics
• outpatient care centers
• hospice facilities
• doctor's offices

The following are just a few careers available to BSN graduates.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A registered nurse provides patient care by taking on the following tasks:

• assessing conditions
• recording symptoms and medical histories
• providing medications to patients
• operating medical equipment
• helping perform and analyze diagnostic tests
• setting up patient care plans

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse

A psychiatric and mental health registered nurse gives patients psychiatric care. They commonly take on the following tasks:

• participating in intake screening
• providing case management
• administering psychological treatments
• taking part in interventions and psychiatric rehabilitation
• providing crisis stabilization

Oncology Nurse

An oncology nurse cares for cancer patients by performing tasks like the following:

• providing medications
• helping to alleviate symptoms
• giving status updates to patients and their families
• administering chemotherapy
• gauging patients' mental and emotional needs
• developing goals for care

Critical Care Nurse

A critical care registered nurse is a nurse who works in an intensive care unit with patients who are facing life-threatening challenges. Many responsibilities of a critical care nurse are similar to the RN role. Critical care nurses help with the following among other tasks:

• assessing and treating patients
• managing medical equipment
• ordering diagnostic tests

Traveling Nurse

A traveling nurse is a registered nurse who steps in at understaffed medical facilities. This role is similar to that of a temporary worker. While working in a facility, you're expected to perform all of the duties of the in-house RNs. However, travel nurses may only stay with a facility for a few days, weeks, or months.

FAQs About Starting a Nursing Degree at 35

Do you have more questions about starting a nursing degree at 35? Review these frequently asked questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Nursing Degree at 35?

You can enjoy various benefits when you start your nursing degree at 35. A few perks of going back to school in your mid-30s include:

• a stronger focus on your studies as an adult learner
• the ability to secure more challenging nursing roles
• higher earnings with a bachelor's degree

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Nursing Degree?

Many nursing programs allow students to transfer credits from previous programs. Most RN-to-BSN programs require students to have at least a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing to enroll. These transfer credits help expedite a student's bachelor's degree completion. Students interested in earning a traditional BSN can transfer credits from another accredited institution. These credits might help them graduate in less than four years.

What If I Already Have a Degree in Another Field?

Many colleges and universities offer the ABSN program, which requires students to possess a bachelor's degree in another field before enrolling. The general education credits earned in the previous program let students focus solely on their nursing studies. This helps them complete their programs sooner.