I am 36 y.o. I want to be a dental hygienist or R.N. Which is better & am I too old too start school?

Question

I am equally interested in both careers. But I wonder, do nurses have to clean up when people get sick? (vomit or diarrhea?)

Answer 1

You're definitely not too old to go back to school! I think either profession would be great, to be honest. I'm going back to school in January and I'll be studying to become a dental hygienist, but only because I have a very weak stomach and being an RN wouldn't work for me. :) I would choose the path that you feel most comfortable with. I feel they're both essential jobs so either one would be good for you.

Edit: The average hourly wage for a hygienist in 02 was $26/hour so it may have gone up since then. Of course the pay will depend on your location as well, but I've often heard that DH make really good money. My cousin is married to a dentist and he pays his hygienest GOOD money.

Answer 2

Dental Hygienist takes less training. You can do it in 2 yrs. RN takes 4 yrs. Not all nurses have to clean up vomit and change patient's diapers. You can be a nurse in a number of places like a school, correctional facility, corporations, etc. If you are squeamish, you might rethink the dental hygienist. Some dental procedures are bloody. I started college at 33 y.o. and there were students in my class 40 and 50 and finished with better grades than some of the younger ones. I would start reading about how to study. In fact, go on line and type in "how to study." Develop a good relationship with your instructors and ask for help when you need it. Look at the age issue this way--If you live 4 more yrs, you will be 40. Do you want to be 40 w/o a degree or 40 with a degree.I did it and worked full-time. I was exhausted when I finished but happy I did. If your mind can conceive it, you can achieve it. God Bless

Answer 3

RNs get paid more they have more work options such as flex shifts and even travelling nurses but they have to go to school longer than a hygienist however they don't make nearly as much as an RN, you can become an RN in about 2-2 1/2 years if you go full time and also there alot of options to advance as a nurse, you can get a bachelors in nursing and command more money or even get a masters and earn in the 6 figure range starting pay, those are not options for hygienists. As far as being 36 that's nothing in the long run. I went to a college that had a nursing program and alot of the nursing students were your age and alot older.

Answer 4

No, it is never too late to go to school. I recommend that you make an appointment with a career counselor at your university. They have a few tests that will help you select a career for which you are well suited. There are medical careers that do not involve bodily fluids. Have you considered becoming an orthodonist. They make good money, require about the same amount of education as the nursing field (preferred degree is now MSN), and you'd be in charge. It's an idea that occurred to me just now...don't know why.

Other things to consider are the length of time you are willing/able to commit to your education, financial considerations (yes! financial aid and grants/scholarships are available) and it is possible! Dreams can come true, and you are on the right path.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 5

I am eight years older than you, its not too late.

RN's make considerably more than dental hygienists, they are on two different levels.
My wife is an RN, the level below is an LPN, the level below that is a CNA. The RN dispenses meds, communicates with the doctor and performs other very important tasks. My wife saved two lives last week, by staying on top of her patients and alerting the doctors on time. The CNA does all the dirty work.
My wife always wanted to be an RN. She has a 4 year college degree from a major Asian university. The schooling is very difficult, and unless you are totally commited, do something else. Dental Hygienists, what do they make $10-15 bucks an hour, maybe more in some places, I am guessing. My wife makes $36.50 an hour not counting overtime. You have to figure it out and then be dedicated to your decision. It sounds like you have a lot of thinking to do, Good Luck!

Answer 6

An RN makes a minimum of $25 hourly. You can get an Associate Degree from a community college, however, with the prerequisites and the waiting list, you may get your degree in about five to six years. Most people start off as CNAs and figure out from there if it's a good move to become a RN.
A dental hygienist makes about $10 an hour and in my town you can get an Associate Degree.
What interests you most? Many people studying to be a RN have changed careers and are in their 30s.
good luck!

Answer 7

it only takes 2 yrs (if u pass to be a registered nurse) how do I know -my mom is one and i will be too unless i will continue to be a doctor anyways...........you dont have to clean up the vomit or diarrhea if its on the floor but you do usually have to clean up your patient if they can't do it themselves especially if you are going to work at a nursing home. By the way your not too old to start school again. I think R.N's are better because it has many opportunities,pays well, and you will never worry that they will let your job go because your not needed anyways there is a shortage of nurses right now.

Answer 8

You are never too old to go back to school. I would go for the R.N., but I think that a dental hygienist takes less schooling and a friend of mine just finished got a really good job and loves it. Good luck in your ventures.

Answer 9

Just surfin the question/answer on yahoo and stumbled on your question of being too old to be an RN or DH..
Guess what, I'm in the same predicament, 36 years old and really considering to become an RN. My 2 sis in-laws and a friend in NY and a ex-Girlfriend in Cali are all RN's.
A friend in Brooklyn NY makes over 100G for the last 4 years after taxes. Manhattan even makes more! Sis in law in Philly makes over $65/hr, Girlfriend in Cali just move into a 4 bedroom gated comm. condo with an ocean view a month after she graduate!
I am a Nursing assistant with 5 years exp. So, gotta say nursing is the way to go!
Guess what? e-mail me.. I know of a place where you can take nursing course for as low as $400 a year.
No bull! matter of fact me and my new girlfriend who is planning to take a PT courses herself are going there to go to school hopefully this year.

Good Luck!

John D.

[e-mail]

Answer 10

I dont know about being a dental hygienist, but I am a nurse who went to school when she was 33yo. So nooooo you are not too old. There was even a 52yo woman in my nursing class.
So I guess you are never too old :-)
I would suggest a 2 year Associate degree vs. a 4 year Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
I do wish you much luck.