Biology switching to nursing!

CDEWannaBe · Jan 30, 2014

I don't know a lot about your situation, so it's hard to give advice. Seems like it would be tough to complete 4 classes between end of spring term and beggining of fall. The reality is, if you ever need the bio degree in the future you can complete it then.

Also, if you're using financial aid to take classes, you might not want to take the additional 4 classes just to finish the bio degree, unless they are needed for the RN program. You don't want to eat up your financial aid and have more debt to pay at the end of your schooling if you've taken out loans.

Don't get the cart before the horse on your Nurse Practioner plans. Start your RN program and do your clinicals. Life often leads people in unexpected directions. You are not going to get a NP job with no hands on nursing experience, so get that first, then figure out your next step in pursuing the NP.

Good luck in your RN program this fall. Hope you do great.

summer715 · Jan 31, 2014

Hey! I am also a Biology major who decided to take the nursing route. Although, I completed my degree so I do have a Bachelor's in Biology. I graduated August 2013, finished prerequisites Fall 2013, and I'm applying now to start in May.

Now, as far what you should do, of course this is ultimately your decision, but I feel that if you worked that long and hard for your Bio degree and you only have 4 classes left (1 semester), you should complete it.

You may want to look into accelerated programs. You can ONLY do this if you already have a bachelor's degree. An accelerated program typically takes 12 months (1 year) to complete vs. 2 years, which is the length of most generic program. So if you complete your Biology degree you may be able to get into an accelerated program.

Of course there are many factors that go in to your decision to continue, so my response is just based off of the information given.

In order to become a nurse practitioner you have to earn a Master's degree. So this is the pathway:

RN: get your Associates in nursing (ASN) or Bachelors in Nursing (BSN)

NP: get your Master's in nursing (MSN) in any specialty.

Okay, so now I am going to go more in depth. I hope I don't confuse.

The first step to becoming an RN is to get an ASN or BSN. There isn't much of a difference between the two. You still end up being an RN, and there is barely, if any, difference in pay. Some say hospitals prefer BSNs but that's not everywhere. BUT there is this difference: if you plan an continuing your education, like to become a NP, you should get your BSN.

- To break it down even further. You must hold at least a Bachelor's degree in ANY FIELD.to attend a Master's nursing program.

*Some programs require that you hold a bachelor's in nursing.

*Some simply require that you hold a bachelors in any field and an RN license.(For example, if you have a Bachelors in Bio, & and an ASN in nursing with an issued RN license.

*Some require that you have a bachelors degree in any field, and they will actually provide you with an accelerated program that goes directly into their master's programs. (often called direct-entry)

All in all, the safest way to go is to have a BSN. You can get into any master's program with than. Basically the less credentials you have, the smaller you chances are of getting in. Though there are MANY routes, MANY options and MANY schools.

Now, if you want to specialize. You should get an idea of what you want to specialize in, then look up schools, their requirements etc. I am not sure what the specialization would be for ER/Surgery. But there are many specializations, Adult/Geriatric NP, Pediatric NP, Certified Nurse Midwife, Women's Health NP, Family NP, it goes on.

Just so you can get an idea of what I'm doing.

I have a Bachelor' in Bio.

I am enrolling into a College that offers an ASN (cheap route lol)

once completed, I am going to apply to a Master's program in Nurse Midiwfery, that accepts students that have a bachelors in any field & holds an RN license.

Completing your degree won't hinder you from becoming a nurse. As you can see you have several options! So look it up and see what you are interested in! I hope this helped! :)

RunBabyRN · Jan 31, 2014

One thing to consider is that if you get your bachelor's, you will no longer qualify for some grants and loans, if you need them. You may be better off not continuing your biology degree and just focus on nursing.

Don't stress about the NP stuff for awhile- you have a ways to go, and nursing school will answer a lot of your questions. Also, you'll have different rotations, and you may find you like something else more than you thought. Be open to new ideas! :)

cocoahunny · Feb 1, 2014

First off CCCCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNGGRRAAATTTS! I just submitted my app today! Also, I am battling the same dilemma. I have so many hours to take before graduating to. I've asked the same question "would be beneficial". Here's what I got:

-Yes, because that would be a waste of money and years in school for your initial goal, biology B.S.

-It's only 4 hours left!!!

-You'll get more pay, because you have a B.S. already and also one in Biology in case you want to venture out to other aspects of science or nursing.

-LASTLY, you might want to prolong FINISHING your degree (STRETCHING OUT HOURS) b/c when you graduate and then come back for another degree, you are then considered "Post-Bac". You want receive as much financial aid, scholarships or loans. So take those remaining hours sparingly (i.e. matching them up against the semesters you have left to graduate nursing).

AGAIN CONGRATZ and Best Wishez!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 1, 2014

Personally, I would not finish the Bachelors in order to qualify for financial aid, but that is just me.

Is there a reason why you decided not to transfer into your college's nursing program? I'm just curious.

Here a few points to consider:

A) You have a few "options" that you set up for yourself; depending on what happens in nursing school-you MAY change your mind re: OR, NP-IF you decide to be in a surgical setting you can grown in the OR and expand as a RNFA; however, you may change your mind.

B) IF your option is to become an NP, then it would be best for you to aim for the BSN.

The BSN is the ONLY bachelors that qualifies in this business; just FYI; having a bachelors in Bio, doesn't give one an "edge". You should REALLY research your are in terms of your market; if there are a lot of universities, then, a BSN is your best get; also look at the area hospitals and facilities in therms of who they hire.

Try to shadow a nurse and an NP so you have a feel of the roles; both roles are a part of the nursing model with different set of responsibilities and scope of practice.

Also, BREATHE...don't put the cart in front of the course; and remain objective.

Sending positive vibes on your nursing journey!! :up: :up: :up: