Anne
What should I major in to work in healthcare/nursing?
My lifelong goal is to work in the healthcare profession. I do want to be a nurse, but the university that I attend does not offer nursing or medicine as a major. However, I would also aspire to be a OBGYN, and in order to do so, I would have to major in Biology. Everyone that I know that entered college as a Bio major have all changed their major and advised me that they would not recommend that major. Please help! Thank you in advance. #college #nursing #college-major #nurse #healthcare
2 answers
Catherine Castillo
Catherine’s Answer
Hi there! You can major in any subject that you are interested in, as long as you are able to complete all of the requirements for applying to nursing school. Work with a school counselor to make sure you are scheduling all of your requirements over your four years of undergraduate. For more information, check out this answer to a very similar question: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/20972/is-it-necessary-to-be-in-a-pre-medicine-program-during-undergraduate-school-in-order-to-attend-medical-school?page=1#20994
Luke Trimberger
Luke’s Answer
Nursing:
Check for Alternate Programs: Some universities offer nursing programs through their School of Continuing Education or a partnership with another institution. Look into these options at your school.
Consider Associate's Degree: You could earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) at a community college and then transfer to a four-year program to complete your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a popular route for many aspiring nurses.
Other Healthcare Fields:
Biology as a Stepping Stone: While biology itself might not lead directly to nursing, it can be a strong foundation for many healthcare careers. Here are some options:
Pre-Health Tracks: Many biology programs offer pre-health tracks specifically designed to prepare students for medical, dental, or other professional healthcare schools.
Public Health: This major focuses on population health and healthcare systems. It's a great option if you're interested in healthcare promotion and disease prevention.
Health Sciences: This broad major provides a strong foundation in various healthcare disciplines.
Other Healthcare Majors: Depending on your university's offerings, you might consider majors like:
Radiology Technology
Respiratory Therapy
Medical Assisting
Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Pathology
Here are some additional tips:
Talk to Your Advisor: Your academic advisor can help you explore all the options available at your university and create a personalized plan to reach your goals.
Consider Your Interests: While nursing is a great option, there are many other fulfilling careers in healthcare. Research different fields to find one that aligns with your interests.
Volunteer or Shadow: Volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals can give you valuable firsthand experience and help you solidify your career path.
Remember, a biology degree is not a dead end for a healthcare career. There are many ways to leverage it as a stepping stone. The most important thing is to choose a major that interests you and sets you up for success in healthcare!