RN.best way at 52 to re-enter the work force. Recently took a class on Billing and coding for hospitals & Dr.?
336695
Fortunately, there is a major shortage in Nurses, so I think whatever you decide to do, you will find something. Your age may be a bonus because you are most likely experienced and the older you are, the more dependable they consider you. Good luck to you.
1142885
Absolutely not. You do what you want to do. And 26 is not old. My cousin went back to med school at 28 and she just graduated and is doing her residency. So no worries on that.\n\nGod Bless STudent Loans....
214848
Nursing. It is one of the best careers. there is currently a 200K person job shortage in the US and it is growing. the baby boomers are needing more and more care and demand will continue to rise. Also it does not fluctuate with the economy such as the IT or computer fields. There will not be a health care bubble. A starting RN can expect to earn about 40-50K/yr depending on location. in california it will be closer to 80-90K. Also you will get a very good benifit package. there is competition for employees so it is a sellers market. In addition most nurses work 3 12hr. shifts, so you have 4 days a week off!\nIf you continue in education a CRNA (anesthatist) sp? can expect to make 150K+ and work a standard work week. \ngood luck\n\nI have a BS in Finance(graduate summa cume laude, lots of crap jobs, not many good ones), an am currently in law school. My wife is an RN and will soon be a nurse practitioner, she will likely make more than I will, and I will be working 60+hs a week.
991967
Your heart is in the right place and I think they have underestimated you. At 60, you can be relied upon to show responsibility, make it to work everyday, and respect your position. You would do well to apply at a nursing home or childrens hospital with your experience, they need people like you.
834356
From experience I can tell you that the healthcare field always has openings for qualified individuals even when the economy is at it’s worst. If you really want the big bucks though you need to become Nationally Certified in Coding through either AHIMA or the AAPC. When I wanted to move to another state I sent my resume out to several prospective employers and because of my certification and experience in the field I received response as far away as CA and they were even willing to pay for me to relocate. As long as you are certified (CPC, CCS, RHIT, RHIA, etc.) you also have the opportunity to advance into other specialized categories of healthcare management and if you are a real go getter you can also go into consulting or even start your own healthcare consulting business.\n\nGood luck to you in your endeavors.\n\nLori\nhttp://medicalbillingbook.tripod.com/\nhttp://medicalbillingbook.tripod.com/medical_billing_courses/\nhttp://medicalbillingbook.tripod.com/medical_transcription_courses/
1164370
Do part evening classes, and part online classes. The online classes will work well for you b/c you can schedule this around your work schedule. \n\nI admire you for going back to get your degree. It's very important. And it's priceless.\n\nGood luck with everything.
151819
I suggest you take the 3 year nursing program. The quick study courses do not adiquitely train you for the higher paying RN jobs. \nthey only prep you for the LPN or CENA jobs that can pay Min. wages.
436519
Be a registered nurse, its rewarding and nowadays highly specialized.  An ER, OR or an ICU nurse pays off well, overtime pay is notoriously high (be ready for holiday work though). Other specializations like geriatic or bariatic nursing care are also newer fields in patient care. I heard from a nursing school director that trauma nurses are kinda outflanked by paramedics and associate doctors. Technology based specializations in medicine is easily outpaced by progress and new inventions.  Good luck!
551844
There is a shortage of nurses, and a person who is 40 is in the prime of life and will probably make a great nurse!  Many middle aged people decide on a career change, and often go to school to pursue their goals.   Depending on what kind of nurse you want to become, there are 18 month programs for an LVN, 2 year RN and 4 year RN programs.  You might look into nearby colleges and check out the 2 year program. \n\nSome colleges have programs set up with the nearby hospitals so their students can be working in some sort of nursing job while they are enrolled as students in the nursing program.  \n\nGood luck.
1003444
depends on what you want to do.\ntry doing reception at a dr's office and then you can gain some experience into billing, etc.\nif you want to be a nurse or dental hygenist, then you have to go to school.\n\ngood luck!
834646
OMG! I want to be a nurse too and in peds too! I know in Cali there are community colleges that offer classes for becoming an RN and it takes about 4 years. You first have to do your pre-requisits and then sign up after those are done, into the nursing program. Then from there you take such classes as anatomy, biology, sociology, etc. But I have to warn you, if you don't think you can do it now then you might not be able to later. There is a 40% drop out rate, so you have to be very determined. I personally love blood and guts but for the life of me vomit kills me to deal with LOL :) If you decide to do it make sure that you volunteer at a local hospital in the department you want to work in. Then you will make friends and be more likely to get in that department after you are done with schooling and are ready to work. I hope this helps!Oh and the pay is great too, up to $5000 a month! Cant beat that!
1098627
I have seen ads in my local paper for hospitals willing to pay tuition.  Nursing is a critical shortage in almost every state.  Do some research and see if you have a local hospital that is willing to pay for your education in exchange for your loyalty when you graduate.
658815
You will have to recertify in Florida.  I have included the link for the Florida State information for NAs:\n\nhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/\n\nHope this helps!
582103
OMG!! You want to become an R.N. at your age? You are so old and, your life is almost over. You would only be able to use your training and skills, to save lives, for maybe 25 years. Why waste the time and money to become an R.N.?\n\nThis question has nothing to do with your age. It has everything to do with your insecurities. Your fear of failing is showing.\n\nIf it is your true desire to be an R.N., you will not fail to accomplish your goal. Do not fear competing with younger students. Your life experience and problem solving skills will give you the advantage.\n\nNOW, MAKE A DECISION! RIGHT OR WRONG MAKE A DECISION!!!\n\nP.S. My daughter, at age 34, had all the same insecurities about getting her B.S.. She will graduate this fall. I'm so proud of her.
1179618
I used to be a medical coder in a local hospital.  I would either check with them or a doctor's office.  I know in the hospital setting you have various positions--inpatient, outpatient, emergency room visits, etc so it may offer more of a variety and skill level.
1169546
my friends husband who was an artist went back as a mature aged student and obtained a degree in graphic design.  He found employment from it, but it was hard and very competive.  I am a nursing student and have gone back as a mature aged student.  I would look at the job prospects first.  I chose nursing because of the shortage and availability of the work, plus of my interest in it.
565531
There are lots of medical coding courses you can find online by googling or yahooing.  My recommendation would be to talk to people locally that do it and get their input about how to get started.