Double Majoring in Biology/Nursing?

tbell2 · Dec 15, 2009

Hmmmm.... Nursing school is pretty all encompassing.... I think it would be next to impossible to have two areas of study with it

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 15, 2009

I say go for it. Many schools allow double majors, so yes, I'd definitely call and discuss this with your academic adviser. At the very least you can choose to minor in biology.

My Bachelor's is in biology. During my undergrad, we had many students from the nursing program taking the general bio and chemistry courses with us (bio I/II, a&P, chem I/II, micro, organic chem etc), so I think it would be pretty easy actually to double major in biology and nursing...half is not more, of your nursing courses should count towards the bio major, and vice versa.

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2009

Interesting thought, sounds like a lot of work, lol! Any particular reason for this? I love biology and have toyed with the idea of taken some more advanced classes, but couldn't justify it for myself since I couldn't see how it would help me unless they were grad level courses.

gentle · Dec 15, 2009

go for it. i am considering going back to pick up a second degree. trying to decide between biology or Sign Language interpretation.

Just remember that the biology will improve your nursing skills; however, the two programs are both difficult.

My mom double majored in biology and math.

I wish you well and am proud of you. Even if you decide to finish the biology major later it is okay. Don't worry about it. Best wishes. ***hugs***

Ang_RN · Dec 15, 2009

I can't possibly see how a nursing student could squeeze it in. I took a photography class with my nursing classes this semester and I am probably gonna do horribly in photography.

iwillact · Dec 16, 2009

I am a few classes fr0m my bachel0rs in M0lecular Bi0 and started nursing this semester. I can use m0st 0f the general educati0n classes f0r b0th maj0rs. When I get my ass0ciates RN Ill als0 have my bach in bi0 and then ill 0nly have 7 classes left f0r my BSN. Its g0nna w0rk f0r me. Y0u may n0t be able t0 finish b0th degrees at the same time and there may be schedule c0nflicts between the nursing classes and the c0re classes f0r y0ur bi0 degree but it is d0able. D0nt set y0ur self up f0r failure by trying t0 d0 it all at 0nce and all in 4 years. Thats just my 2 cents fr0m my experience. I have a bi0 advis0r and a nursing advis0r and I have talked with the registra ab0ut the classes Ill be able t0 use f0r b0th degrees. Summer is an awes0me time t0 pick up classes. My bi0 degree was first and then I added the nursing degree and I l0ve it. Im h0ping that the bi0 degree will help me get int0 a masters pr0gram BUT that is n0t why I did it. Its just the way it has w0rked 0ut and Im glad f0r it. My advance Bi0 classes have matured me as a student and I am grateful f0r it all. S0rry ab0ut my typing Im missing keys 0n my keyb0ard. G00d luck!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 16, 2009

iwillact..is your "o" button broken? :doh:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2009

I think it would kill you. Nursing school is half education, half hazing. I swear it's designed like boot camp, to break you down and then mold you. I know I could't do it. What you could do is finish nursing school and then take the courses you would need to have been a biology major. bUT BETWEEN LAB TIME A=ND CLINICAL i DON'T SE EHOW IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE AT THE SAME TIME.

gentle · Dec 16, 2009

It does appear I should clarify. No I wouldn't do both at the same time. However, I would use the electives to fill in some of the bio classes. You have plenty of time and there isn't a rush to get everything done.

You have an entire life-time to achieve your goals. You just have to plan carefully and stay focussed. Give yourself extra time to master nursing after your graduate and while you are working as a nurse. If you're not able to obtain employment immediately following nursing school, then finish your bio degree and teach for a while. You have options. ***hugs***

CuriousMe · Dec 16, 2009

I agree with others, concurrently could be a logistical problem. I'm working on a minor in chemistry and it's the logistics that kill me (ie 2nd term of O chem requires lecture everyday from 1300 - 1400, but nursing program has me at the hospital 2 days/week.)

If you can work it out....go for it! But be aware that many nursing programs do not leave room for extra academics.

Hazel11 · Dec 18, 2009

There are people at my school who are double majoring. They take their nursing courses during the year and fit in the Biology stuff during the summer. Doing both is a LOT of work...or at least it sounds like it.