Nursing Pre-reqs at 27👩🏾‍💻📚🎧

It's incredible to look back and remember the moment I decided to start taking my nursing pre-reqs at 27 years old with the clear goal of becoming a CRNA. For so long, I thought my chance had passed, but a deep desire to make a significant impact on healthcare kept nudging me. If you're reading this and contemplating a career change or an entirely new path in nursing later in life, let me tell you, you are absolutely not alone! One of the first hurdles for me was understanding the academic foundations for potential nursing applicants. What exactly were 'pre-reqs'? I quickly learned these are the foundational courses you need to complete before applying to a nursing program. Typically, they include subjects like Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Statistics, and sometimes developmental psychology or English composition. It can feel overwhelming at first, but taking it one class at a time makes it manageable. My advice? Research the specific requirements for nursing programs you're interested in, as they can vary. Community colleges are often a fantastic, affordable option for completing these courses, and many offer flexible schedules perfect for adult learners. Don't be afraid to reach out to academic advisors – they are a goldmine of information! Becoming a CRNA is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey, and it starts right here with these foundational courses. After completing your pre-reqs, the typical path involves earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), gaining critical care experience as an RN (usually 1-2 years in an ICU), and then applying to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing in Nurse Anesthesia. It's a long road, but every step, especially these initial pre-reqs, builds the necessary knowledge and resilience. For those of us considering becoming a nurse later in life, flexibility is key. I spent a lot of time researching different program types. While I didn't enroll in a specific online program like WGU, I know many non-traditional students find programs with online components or accelerated options incredibly beneficial. It's worth exploring traditional university programs, accelerated BSN programs (if you already have a bachelor's in another field), and online-hybrid options to find what best fits your life and learning style. Remember, adapting your education to your life circumstances doesn't diminish the quality of your learning or your future career. My personal experience so far has been a mix of excitement, challenge, and immense satisfaction. There are days when balancing studies with life feels like a juggling act, but the vision of achieving my CRNA goal keeps me motivated. If I can start this journey at 27, then anyone with determination and a passion for healthcare can, too. It’s about taking that first step, believing in yourself, and understanding that your unique life experiences only add to the richness you'll bring to the nursing profession. Keep pushing, because your future patients are waiting!