Becoming a nurse at 30, 40 or 50

THE NUMBERS

1. You wouldn't be the oldest

• The median RN is 50From the 2024 national nursing workforce survey
• About 180,800 RN openings a yearProjected through 2035
• RN jobs growing 6%From 2025 to 2035

Sources: NCSBN 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

YOUR PATHS

2. Ways in, whatever your age

• Already have a bachelor's?An accelerated BSN takes 12 to 18 months
• 340 accelerated BSN programsAvailable nationwide in 2025
• No degree yet?An associate degree (ADN) or a traditional BSN

Source: AACN accelerated programs fact sheet.

WHAT YOU BRING

3. Your past career counts

• TeachingPatient education every single shift
• Customer serviceCalming down a scared family
• Military or first responderStaying steady when things go wrong
• ParentingMultitasking, patience and zero sleep

YOUR RIGHTS

4. Age discrimination is illegal

• Age 40 or older?The ADEA protects you from age discrimination
• It covers hiring, pay and promotionsPlus job assignments, training and benefits
• Employers with 20 or more employeesThat includes most hospitals

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

BE REAL

5. Plan for the hard parts

• Accelerated programs are intenseFull time, and students are encouraged not to work
• MoneyFinancial aid for accelerated programs is limited
• Your body12-hour shifts on your feet. Good shoes matter
• Had a license before?Reactivation rules vary by state board

Source: AACN. Check your state board of nursing for license rules.

FIRST STEPS

6. Start this month

• Check one program's prerequisites
• Take a prerequisite class at a community college
• Shadow a nurse or work as a CNA to test it
• Talk to nurses who started later in life