Too Old to Become a Nurse?
Unlike the old days, the job you get right out of college is highly unlikely to be the job you have when you retire. With so many education options these days many people are taking a shot at a second career – and they’re not alone! Check out these recognizable names who changed careers and finally pursued their passions.
You're Never Too Old.
If you think you're too old to pursue your dream, — think again!
26
Gordon Sumner, aka Sting, leaves teaching to pursue music full time.
26
While working as a teacher, Stephen King publishes
his first novel.
27
Steve Buscemi served on FDNY’s Engine Co. 55 before leaving to become an actor.
27
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. quits his job at General Electric and decides to become a full-time writer.
29
Chuck Norris takes his martial arts skills to Hollywood and makes his acting debut.
30
Fusajiro Yamauchi starts Nintendo.
30
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon
in his garage.
31
Harrison Ford stops working as a carpenter after his big acting break in American Graffiti.
32
J.K. Rowling publishes her first novel in the Harry Potter series.
34
After a career as a lawyer, Andrea Bocelli decides to pursue
singing full time.
35
In her basement, Martha Stewart launches her catering business.
36
Marie Curie becomes the first women to win
a Nobel Prize.
38
Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the moon.
39
Stan Lee releases
his first hit comic,
"The Fantastic Four."
40
Vera Wang quits her job and starts a bridal line.
44
Sam Walton opens the
very first Wal-Mart.
49
Julia Child publishes her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
50
Gordan Bowker founded Starbucks.
50
Charles Darwin publishes
On the Origins of Species.
52
Ray Kroc started McDonald's.
55
Ronald Reagan decides to
give politics a try.
62
Colonel Harland Sanders founded KFC.
62
J.R.R. Tolkien publishes his first
Lord of the Rings book.
Sources:
businessinsider.com onlinecollege.orghuffingtonpost.com huffingtonpost.com saturdayeveningpost.com slice.ca businessinsider.com
What do all of these people have in common? These notable people took a serious risk, and taking risks requires immense courage and proves that you can be successful at any age!
Going Back to Nursing School
Many people – just like you – are considering going back to school and becoming a nurse. And many people have a lot of questions about going back to school: Will it be hard? Will I fit in? And the most popular question: Am I too old?
The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you’re never too old to become a nurse!
Will It be Hard?
Nursing school is going to be hard no matter where you go. Nothing is easy, but with hard work, you’ll get through it and achieve your goal. The great thing about becoming a nurse with Utica College’s accelerated nursing program is that– while rigorous – the program graduates great nurses. Our first-time NCLEX pass rate of 94% in 2015 proves it. Our ABSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months, but our dedicated faculty go above and beyond in preparing you to be the best nurse you can be.

Will I fit in?
Concerned that you’ll be in class with students ten years younger than you? Worried you won’t have anything in common with anyone? Think again. ABSN students liken their cohort to a family.
“The students in my cohort are the only ones who know what I’m going through right now. They are my second family,” says Dawn, ABSN student.
Our largest group of students falls in the 25-40 age range. You may not have a ton in common with your classmates, but you’ll have one big thing in common – you’re all trying to get through nursing school.
Am I too old?
The question we hear all the time is that people think they’re too old to go back to school. Students have strengths and weaknesses at every age, but older adult students have a big advantage on their peers – they’ve already mastered two important factors for success: discipline and focus.
“The first time around, I didn’t want to be serious,” says ABSN student, Erin. “I was very immature until I figured out what I wanted to do. I’m a 34-year-old with a goal finally.”
We have students from all walks of life – teachers, marketers, social workers, event planners, veterans, and more. The knowledge and experience you gained in your first career will only make you a better nurse.
So the answer to, “Am I too old to become a nurse?” is a resounding NO. At Utica College, we know that age is nothing but a number. Contact an admissions representative today and take the first step in pursuing nursing.