Industrial Engineering Advice needed

[Human]

Newly registered user here. i was hoping I could get some feedback from folks here.

I am 35 years old and i obtained my bachelors in Biological Science from a state university (GPA 3.5) about 4 years ago. After graduating from HS, i took courses here and there but did not become serious about obtaining a BS until very late, and when I did I finished the coursework in about 2 and a half years. Although I have a bachelors in Biological Science, i have taken several courses in Engineering science and math with excellent grades (Engineering Design, Engineering Material, Strength of Material, engineering tools, Computer Science, Calculus , II, III with linear Algebra, & Probability and Statistics) as well.

Since graduating, I have worked as a Production Chemist (Associate Scientist) for almost 3.5+ years at a Pharmaceutical company and have handled several projects (manufacturing and production of Pharmaceutical products including commercial and Potent in a cGMP setting). Duties include authoring of cGMP manufacturing batch records, validation paperwork preparation, co-ordinating with several departments (Analytical, Manufacturing, Safety, and engineering departments).

I would like to go back to graduate school and was looking at my options. I am not interested in further studies in science or lab research. I am interested in engineering, particularly industrial engineering.

I can receive good recommendation letters from academia as well as industry (Director of manufacturing and also Section Head of a major pharmaceutical company, both of whom i worked for)

1) Will my age and my long absence from academics (major resume gap) and late graduation hurt me significantly?

2) How weak is my background for a MS in Industrial Engineering?

3) What can I do to strengthen my application?

4) What schools would you recommend that I apply to?

5) I am looking to start in Fall of 2013. When is the latest i can take GRE

6) I am interested in reading some books (self study) to prepare myself or get a little headstart in IE. What books would you recommend?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.