Are You Too Old For Nursing School? Here’s Why You’re Not!

Hey there, future nurse!

Before we dive in, let me tell you something important — I recently got a puppy. Yep, a little Golden Retriever. And while he’s adorable, he’s a little terror. He chews everything. EVERYTHING. (But if you want to see him being ridiculously cute, check out my Instagram — @NursingSchoolWeekByWeek. You won’t regret it. 😂)

Now, back to nursing school. I get it. You’re wondering: Am I too old for this? Is it too late to start nursing school? Trust me, I’ve been there. When I was thinking about nursing school, I had kids, a bank teller job (making just $16 an hour), and a life that was already pretty packed. I kept asking myself, Is this selfish? Is it too late for me? Spoiler alert: It was not too late.

Let’s dive into the reasons why you’re definitely NOT too old for nursing school. Ready? Let’s go.

1. Age Is Just a Number, My Friend

First off, think about this: in two years, you’re going to be two years older no matter what. So why not be two years older and a Registered Nurse? If you're 42 right now, in two years, would you rather be 44 and a nurse with more job security, flexibility, and a bigger paycheck, or 44 and stuck in the same job you're in now?

I’m pretty sure the 44-year-old version of you would thank you for choosing the RN path.

2. You’ve Got Life Experience on Your Side

Here’s a little secret that I’m about to let you in on: Older students actually have an advantage.

When you're older, you have life experience — and that’s a big deal in nursing. You’ve been through stuff, you’ve dealt with challenges, and you can relate to patients and their families on a deeper level. Maybe you’ve had kids? (That’s an automatic advantage in pediatric or neonatal nursing, by the way!) You’ve got the upper hand when it comes to relating to others, especially in high-stress situations.

You may not be the 20-something who’s living on coffee and dreams, but that’s okay. You’re in a different phase of life, and your perspective is worth gold. You’ve got focus. And that leads me to my next point…

3. Study Skills: Nontraditional Students, You Got This!

If you think your age is going to hinder your ability to study, let me reassure you. You’ve got this.

Older students tend to be better at focusing and managing their time. Why? Because we remember a time when there was no internet (what?!). We’ve learned to study for long stretches without distractions. And we’ve mastered the art of silencing our phones and ignoring Facebook when we need to focus.

You’re probably a lot more disciplined than those younger students who still have FOMO (fear of missing out) on a Friday night. You don’t care as much about what others think, and that’s a HUGE advantage in the classroom.

4. You’re More Likely to Speak Up in Class

Another perk of being a little older? You’re not as shy as the younger students. Older students are more likely to speak up in class and actively participate. And guess what? Participation in class actually helps you learn more.

You’ve got life experience and confidence that younger students are still working on. So go ahead — speak up, ask questions, engage in discussions. Your classmates and professors will notice, and it will help you stay focused and connected to the material.

5. Don’t Let the “It’s Too Expensive” Mindset Hold You Back

Money. It’s the big scary beast that everyone worries about. But here’s the truth: nursing school can be way more affordable than you think.

You can find an associate degree in nursing for as low as $12,000–$15,000 at a community college. And most hospitals will actually pay for you to finish your bachelor’s degree once you start working. Talk about a win-win!

If you’re still worried about paying for nursing school, check into loan repayment programs through hospitals or government initiatives. It’s not as out-of-reach as you might think.

6. It’s Actually Healthy for Your Kids to See You Going for Your Dream

If you have kids, this one’s for you. One of the best things you can do for them is show them what it looks like to go after something you really want. By going to nursing school, you’re modeling determination, sacrifice, and resilience. You’re teaching them that it’s okay to prioritize your own dreams too — and that’s an invaluable lesson.

Your kids are going to be so proud of you when you walk across that stage and receive your nursing degree. And guess what? When you graduate, you’ll also be able to bring in more money for the family while having the flexibility to be there for them.

7. Look at Other People Who Started Later in Life

Don’t believe me? Take a look at some other successful people who started later in life. I mean, the President of the United States is usually about 55 years old. The average age for a president? 55. That means half of all presidents were older than that when they started. And do you think they sat around worrying about being “too old”? Nope. They went for it, and so can you.

Final Thoughts: You’re NOT Too Old for Nursing School!

So, are you too old for nursing school? Absolutely not! Age is just a number, and you’ve got the life experience, focus, and motivation to succeed. If you’ve been thinking about nursing school for years, then it’s time to stop holding yourself back. In two years, you could be celebrating your graduation as a registered nurse — and I know that future you would be thrilled you made the decision to go for it.

And hey, if you need more inspiration and a bit of humor along the way, check out Nursing School Week by Week for more tips, stories, and advice. I’ve got your back!

Now go out there and show the world that you’re NEVER too old to follow your dreams.