Is 45 Too Old to Get a Nursing Degree?

Are you thinking of becoming a registered nurse (RN)? Do you already work as a nurse but want to improve your career prospects with a bachelor's or a more advanced degree? Are you afraid you may be too old to get started?

If you're 45, you're not too old to pursue a nursing degree. There's no such thing as too old for college, and getting a degree in nursing can provide many benefits such as advancement opportunities, new career options, and improved professional skills.

Keep reading as we dive into this topic.

Reasons To Earn Your Nursing Degree at 45

If you're thinking about going back to college, you probably have good reasons for wanting to take this big step. Let's take a look at some pros of getting the nursing degree that you may be considering:

To Pursue a Nursing Career

Have you always dreamed of becoming a nurse? Are you considering this career path for the first time? Regardless of what has brought you to this point, making a change to the nursing field can be a great career move no matter your age. Getting an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) will give you the credentials and education you need to make a start in this rewarding career.

To Advance in Your Nursing Career

If you're already a nurse, perhaps you'd like to take your career to the next level. Maybe you want to become a travel nurse, a midwife, a nurse educator, or even a nurse practitioner.

A nurse with an ASN degree can advance to exciting new positions in their field by obtaining a bachelor's master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Not only will these more advanced degrees provide you with many new opportunities, but they can also make you a more desirable job candidate even if you're an older adult.

To Improve Your Patient Care Skills

Perhaps you're content in your career as a nurse or licensed nursing assistant, but you want to be the best you can possibly be. Getting a bachelor's or more advanced degree can help you greatly improve your patient care skills.

In fact, many employers prefer to hire nurses holding at least a bachelor's degree because studies have shown a correlation between advanced training for nurses and better patient outcomes. Getting your nursing degree will not only help you care for patients better but may make it easier for you to find a job.

What Will I Learn In a Nursing Degree Program?

You can pursue nursing degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Each type of nursing degree will consist of different coursework depending on the level and the school providing the program.

Generally speaking, nursing students take a variety of challenging courses in natural sciences and healthcare topics. Common courses include:

• anatomy and physiology
• biology and chemistry
• global health
• pharmaceuticals and nutrition
• legal and ethical issues

Some degree programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as surgery, pediatrics, and gerontology. These programs will contain advanced courses in these specific specializations.

Advanced degrees may also contain courses on business and management principles in nursing, theories of nursing practice, and research topics.

Regardless of the specific degree level, students complete many hours of clinical rotations and lab experiences to put into practice the knowledge they learn in the classroom.

What Can I Do With My Nursing Degree?

Different nursing degree levels lead to different types of jobs. For the purpose of this article, let's look at some of the many jobs you can get with a BSN degree:

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses move from one facility to another throughout the U.S. and the world, completing assignments of varying lengths at each one. They must be able to adapt quickly to new situations and settings.

Medical Writer

Medical writers apply their healthcare training to producing high-quality books and articles in their specialization. Nurses who become medical writers can apply their knowledge to writing about the nursing field.

Insurance Specialist

Insurance specialists work with clients to help them find the best insurance plans for their specific needs and situations. Nurses who become insurance specialists can apply their knowledge of medical conditions and patient interaction to provide high-quality customer service to clients.

Nurse Consultant

Nurse consultants work long-term with patients in home health settings and hospitals. They evaluate patients' conditions and determine the best forms of care for those patients. They commonly fulfill a management role, overseeing other members of the nursing staff and maintaining the facilities where they work.

Director of Nursing

The director of nursing oversees all nursing departments and staff within a hospital. They perform a variety of administrative duties, including planning visits with attending physicians, conducting patient assessments, creating reports, maintaining records, and managing budgets.

FAQs About Starting a Nursing Degree at 45

Do you still have questions about getting your nursing degree at 45? Read on for some answers.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Nursing Degree at 45?

Yes. Waiting until you're older to get your degree allows you to gain valuable life experience which can help you clarify your career goals. If you have a clear idea of the career you want to pursue, this can help you stay focused and motivated as you work through the challenging courses of your degree.

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits To Earn My X Degree?

Some schools may allow you to apply life experience to your degree program, helping you gain extra credit or preventing you from having to take certain courses. Check with any school you're considering to find out about their life experience credit policy.

What If I Already Have a Degree in Another Field?

Regardless of your education history, you can pursue a career in nursing. If you already have a bachelor's degree in any field, you can become a nurse by pursuing a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or by completing an accelerated bachelor's degree (ABSN).