Is Becoming a Nurse After 40 a Good Idea?

Changing careers or advancing your education later in life can feel daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—especially in a field like nursing. If you’re over 40 and considering going back to school for nursing, you’re not alone. Many people, especially those with healthcare experience, choose to advance their careers in nursing later in life, often through programs like a CNA to RN Bridge, Medical Assistant to RN Bridge, Paramedic to RN Bridge, EMT to RN Bridge and other other nursing bridge programs — which can save both time and money.

Even if you’re already working in another healthcare role such as CNA, paramedic, surgical technician, or respiratory therapist, becoming a registered nurse offers strong job security, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for growth. But is it really a good idea to make the leap after 40? Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and strategies for success.

Why Nursing Is a Strong Career Choice at Any Age

Registered Nurses have one of the most in-demand professions in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for RNs over the next decade, driven by an aging population and ongoing healthcare needs. In fact, it predicts a 6% job growth rate which is much higher than average. This job growth is expected to add 197,200 new registered nurse jobs nationwide in the next 8 years. 

The profession also offers flexibility—nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, corporate wellness programs, research, and more. For those who are currently working in healthcare, a nursing bridge program offers a faster route to becoming a registered nurse, which comes with increased responsibilities, higher earning potential, and a wider range of job opportunities in specialized areas.

How Many People Begin Nursing School After 40?  

While returning to school as a non-traditional nursing student may seem daunting, it is possible — and it’s not all that uncommon. According to a 2023 NLN Annual Survey, 11.8% of the nursing students in ADN programs are over the age of 40 (an additional 24.8% of ADN students aged 31-40 and 25% are aged 26-30). 

This data shows that 61.6% of all enrolled ADN students would be considered non-traditional students — meaning they did not transition directly from high school into an ADN program and likely gained some work experience as an LPN, CNA, medical assistant, EMT, or other career first.  

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse After 40

There are many benefits to becoming a nurse later in life — after gaining some experience in the workforce. If you’ve been working in healthcare whether as a CNA, paramedic or other role — you have valuable work and life experiences that can help you better succeed in nursing school. You also likely have better time management skills and more financial stability than someone just out of high school. 

Life Experience Brings an Advantage

Older nursing students often have stronger communication skills, higher emotional intelligence, and more empathy. These are all qualities that are highly valued in the nursing profession.

Financial Stability and Career Security

Becoming an RN can lead to higher pay, better benefits, and more stable employment. Not only are RNs in high demand. Moving from CNA to RN, for example, will mean a pay raise of more than $54,000 per year on average, according to the BLS. A CNA to RN Bridge program can help you reach that goal in less time.

Flexible Learning Options

Many nursing bridge programs, like those at Achieve Test Prep, offer online daytime, evening, and weekend courses that allow you to balance school with current work and family responsibilities.

Challenges You May Face as a Nursing Student Over 40 (and How to Overcome Them)

• Time Management - Balancing school, work, and family can be tough. Setting a consistent study schedule and communicating with loved ones about your needs can help.
  
• Financial Investment - Tuition costs can be intimidating, but scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and programs that allow you to pay in lower monthly installments like some CNA to RN Bridge programs or Medical Assistant to RN Bridge programs can make nursing education more affordable.
  
• Academic Readiness - If it’s been a while since you’ve been in a classroom, don’t worry. You can brush up on study skills or take prerequisite credit by exam prep courses to boost your confidence and earn the credits you need in less time. Also, with the credit by exam method, your GPA won’t be negatively impacted if it takes you a bit longer to acclimate back into study mode and a new learning environment.
  

How an LPN to RN Bridge Program Helps

If you’re already working in healthcare, a nursing bridge program is a streamlined pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Achieve Test Prep offers CNA to RN Bridge programs as well as nursing bridge programs for paramedics, EMTs, surgical technicians, medical assistants and others working on becoming a nurse after 40. These programs allow you to complete online courses supported by live instructors when it’s convenient while you prepare to earn credit by exam for nursing prerequisites and general education courses you will need to complete your ADN or BSN degree. 

What Exactly is Credit by Exam for Nursing? 

In short, earning credit by exam for nursing prerequisites and general education courses means that you take one end of course exam (the equivalent of one “final exam”) to show that you’ve mastered the content in a course. Achieve Test Prep works to prepare you for these exams in a structured and supportive learning environment, but in a way that fits your schedule as a busy, working healthcare professional. 

After completing each prep course with Achieve, you’ll sit for an official CLEP or DSST exam and if you pass, you’ll earn college-level credits that will transfer to the accredited nursing school of your choice in as little as five weeks. This method is much faster than sitting in class for a full semester, and it works better with healthcare schedules.  

Tips for Succeeding as a Nursing Student Over 40

• Use your life experience to connect with patients and work effectively in healthcare teams.
• Seek support by joining online study groups, connecting with classmates, and reaching out to instructors and mentors.
• Prioritize self-care with good sleep, nutrition, and stress management to perform at your best.
• Take advantage of tutoring, academic advising, and nursing-specific study tools.
  

Should I Work on Becoming a Nurse After 40?

Going back to school and becoming a nurse after 40 can be the start of an exciting, stable, and fulfilling nursing career. Whether you’re just beginning your healthcare journey or working to move into a more advanced healthcare career, programs like the CNA to RN Bridge, Medical Assistant to RN Bridge, Paramedic to RN Bridge and others can help you achieve your career goals on your terms.

Remember: Your age is not a limitation—it’s an asset. With determination, support, and the right educational path, you can succeed in becoming a registered nurse well beyond your 40s.