Senior in High School wants more information about graduate programs in nursing

[jvega887]

Hello, I'm currently a senior in high school and I want to enroll into DePaul University and major in Biology. I was hoping to later go into medical school and become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. But hearing about the competitiveness and financial issues of previous students I want to have a back up plan once I graduate with my major and that's nursing. Can I still become a nurse with a major in Biology? I'm aware DePaul has programs for graduate students such as the MENP (Masters Entry To Nurses Practice) is that the same as a RN or more of a higher level? Instead of majoring in Biology can I still be a certified nurse in DePaul? This is all hitting me really hard and I can't seem to grasp what I can do with my major in Biology to work in the medical field

[BlueDawnRN, BSN]

It's great that you're thinking so far ahead. That's wonderful.

It's important to understand that a degree in biology, an RN and Ob/gyn are three different disciples and three different paths. If you know you want to be in the healthcare field, it may be better to either pursue an RN program or a pre-med program. If you major in biology but want to be a nurse, your general education and sciences would transfer but you'll still have to attend a school of nursing and essentially start from the bottom up since you will be earning an entirely new college degree. I don't know much about becoming an Ob/gyn but I know it's a different path than nursing and would probably involve completing a pre-med program and applying to medical school.

Regarding the program at your college, it would be best to talk to an academic advisor at the college.

There's a lot to consider choosing between nursing and Ob/gyn. How long are you able and willing to stay in school? How much debt and student loans can you afford to accumulate? The path to being a doctor is long and pricey but of course the pay is higher. I don't know much about a day in the life of an Ob/gyn but most nurses work with the geriatric population, handle many patients at once, and don't necessarily choose their specialty right out of school.

If there is someone in the department at your college you could speak with, that would be ideal. Best of luck with your future endeavors.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Pre-Nursing student forum

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

You need to pump the brakes a little. What is "hitting you hard"? You are putting the cart before the horse. You have not even been accepted into DePaul if I read your post correctly? Ok...long term goals are up in the air. You want a bachelors in bio? The apply to DePaul and get accepted. Then sign up for classes. You may hate it or you may love it. One step at a time... It will all fall into place. When you are at the school if you want stop by the nursing department and talk with them. Good luck.