Med Tech to Nursing A Wise Change? Advice Please

I am new to your forum, but thought this might be a good place to get some solid advice.. Background is I am a 45 year old Medical Technologist who has been working in this field for 20 years. I am getting somewhat tired of the work and the nonadvancing career ( not much room for change in this job). I am considering nursing and have taken my CNA class and will be able to apply to nursing this winter with all of the prerequisites. Also, considering going on for CRNA. Also, to complicate matters I have 3 children -- ages 3 ,8, & 10. Question is do you think this is a good option for me? Do you think the pay scale will be worth switching as I am at the upper end of the MT payscale ($25/hour for my area)? Is CRNA too out of reach for me at my age? Is that schooling really hard? I have many questions and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks Kristino
45 is not too old. If you want to make the change, then do it. Depends on your area whether or not you will be able to advance a lot, income wise. There are areas of the country where $25/hr is about as high as a staff RN will make, or at least start out at. I would do some research on job availability, pay, and benefits in your neck of the woods before committing myself to the expense, in time and money, of pursuing nursing school. Good luck.
The pay scale varies by state. I can tell you that in the northeast, new grads get paid more than that to start, at least $65K/yr. But don't just do it for the money. Nursing is not easy, and requires hard work, both physically and mentally. I'm sure you know that. But if you really want to do it, I think you can still do it. I went to school with people around your age. But it was a full time program, so they were done in a couple yrs. If you have 3 kids, I think that may be challenging, because nursing courses require alot of studying, projects, etc. Most schools don't allow any grade lower than C+ or higher for tests, so if you get lower it's considered failing. It can be very stressful. I give credit to those who do it with kids. Maybe part time would be easier, less stressful. Do you have a college degree? If you do, there are accelerated programs, but usually full time. You still need to have the science prerequisites that are within 5 yrs, for most programs anyway.
I thank you for your advice. I do not think you understand how much education I already have becoming a Med Tech. All I need are a few classes and then the core nursing classes. I already have a B.S. and have all the courses it took to apply to vet school. I would also like some advice on the CRNA process.
Quote from KristinoI thank you for your advice. I do not think you understand how much education I already have becoming a Med Tech. All I need are a few classes and then the core nursing classes. I already have a B.S. and have all the courses it took to apply to vet school. I would also like some advice on the CRNA process.