u/Possible_Rabbit_2725

Hi everyone,
I'm a 36 year old male currently working in AHS (administrative side). Lately, I've been seriously considering a major career pivot into Nursing (RN).

I already hold a non-health related bachelor’s degree, so my main goal was to take the required prerequisites and apply for the U of A After-Degree Nursing (BScN) program. However, as many of you know, admission is insanely competitive (high GPAs, Casper, prerequisites, etc.). 

Because U of A AD is so cutthroat, I'm thinking about applying to MacEwan’s 4-year BScN program as a backup plan. But to be completely honest, the thought of spending 4 full years back in university at this age gives me serious pause. By the time I finish school and orient on a unit, I’ll be in my early 40s starting a brand-new clinical career.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar boat, especially mature students or second-career nurses:

1. Age Factor: Did starting your nursing career in your 40s feel "too late"? How was the transition physically, mentally, and financially?

2. U of A After-Degree vs. MacEwan: Anyone who had to make the call between waiting/grinding for an After-Degree spot versus taking the 4-year route at MacEwan (or another institution)? Is the 4-year path worth the extra time investment if AD doesn't pan out?

3. Male Student / Mature Student Experience: How were clinical placements and unit dynamics during school as a mature male student?

4. Is it worth it? Coming from a stable non-clinical position into bedside nursing, do you feel the switch was worth the strain on time and energy?

Any honest feedback, harsh reality checks, or personal experiences would mean a lot to me right now as I weigh my options.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone here has been accepted into the UofA After Degree Nursing program with a similar background as mine.
I completed my previous degree at a university in South Korea, and I have taken courses that I believe may match some of the prerequisite requirements, including Human Physiology, English, and Statistics.

I was wondering if anyone knows whether courses taken at an international university can be evaluated and accepted as prerequisite courses for the program. In particular, I’m curious whether an English course taken at a Korean university can count toward the prerequisite requirement (I understand that I would still need to meet the English language requirement separately, such as IELTS).

Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!