Can you become a nurse with a biology degree? It’s possible with Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program. To enroll in an accelerated nursing program for biology majors, you’ll complete the requirements and apply. Then, you can earn your BSN and pass the NCLEX.
After four years, you’ve finally finished all the coursework to earn your biology degree. You made it through chemistry labs and anatomy and physiology courses, but now you must settle on a career. What’s next?
Much of the information you learned in your undergraduate courses is transferable to a nursing career. If you are a people person who loves helping others, applying your biology degree toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree might be the right move for you.
Notre Dame of Maryland University’s (NDMU) Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program utilizes your prior education to earn a quality BSN in as few as 15 months. To get started, you’ll need to learn about the program requirements.
Why a Biology Degree Is a Great Starting Point for Nursing
For those wondering, “Can I become a nurse with a biology degree?” it can be reassuring to know that a biology degree provides an excellent foundation for a nursing career. With a biology degree, you’ve already fulfilled many prerequisite courses required to enroll in the Notre Dame ABSN program. With these out of the way, you’ll likely be able to hit the ground running on your new career and begin our ABSN program sooner. Your biology, chemistry, anatomy and pharmacology knowledge also sets you up for success in the nursing curriculum, so you’re already off to a good start.
How to Become a Nurse With a Biology Degree
Accelerated nursing programs for biology majors, such as the one at NDMU, facilitate a transition into the nursing field. Learn how to become a nurse with a biology degree by following these steps:
1. Complete Program Requirements
To be eligible for the Notre Dame Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program, you must first meet a series of requirements, including prerequisite courses. If you have a bachelor’s degree in biology, you likely have already completed many, if not all, of the science-based prerequisites.
If there are any prerequisites you haven’t completed, however, our admissions advisors will help you enroll and create an academic plan to guide you on the path to becoming a nurse. They’ll also help you gather everything you need to apply to the accelerated nursing program and create an enrollment plan based on your career goals and target start date.
Still wondering if earning a nursing degree is worth the time, money and commitment? Learn what you can gain with a BSN from Notre Dame of Maryland University.
2. Apply to the ABSN Program
The NDMU ABSN admissions process includes four steps. To apply, you’ll need an official college transcript(s) from all prior institutions, a current resume and a personal statement telling us why you want to be a nurse.
Your admissions advisor will help you arrange a start date and ensure all requirements are met beforehand. They will also be there for advice and guidance as you take on this accelerated nursing program.
Once the above steps are completed, you can submit your application and any required documentation online.
3. Start Nursing School
Once you’re accepted into an ABSN program, you can prepare to excel in nursing school.
In both the Hybrid Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN and campus-based ABSN programs, here’s what you can expect as an NDMU nursing student:
- 56 credit hours over four full-time semesters
- Completing your foundational nursing theory coursework via our e-learning platform or in a classroom-based setting
- Hands-on nursing skills practice at our simulation labs
- A wide variety of clinical experiences from hospitals and health care facilities across Maryland
While nursing takes a lot of hard work and determination, the skills you will gain through the BSN program are highly transferable and needed now more than ever. Not to mention, you won’t be completing the program alone; as an NDMU ABSN student, you’ll have support from nursing faculty and clinical instructors. You can also work with our success coaches who can assist you with study strategies and maintaining a healthy school-life balance.
4. Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Your RN License
To start your nursing career, you must pass the NCLEX. This exam tests nurse candidates on their critical thinking in a variety of practical nursing areas, including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Our ABSN curriculum is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam, but for a little extra help, use our NCLEX preparation guide.
Once you pass the NCLEX, you will be qualified to apply for a nursing license in your state. This process varies by state, so research the Board of Nursing website for your state.
5. Find a Job
Once you obtain your RN license, you can practice as a registered nurse. With a BSN, your possibilities are endless. The flexibility and job growth allow you to explore a variety of alternative nursing careers both inside and outside the hospital setting. You might decide to work as an oncology nurse, for example, or to specialize in critical care. After gaining clinical experience, you could also explore career advancement possibilities.
FAQs About Transitioning From a Biology Degree to Nursing
You already know that you can become a nurse with a biology degree. Other questions may arise, though, such as:
Is a Biology Degree or a Nursing Degree Harder?
Both degrees have certain curriculum areas that some may find more challenging than others. If you’ve already earned a biology degree, you have a great foundation for the nursing curriculum because you’ve already been taught about scientific processes and college-level mathematics. As such, biology majors may find the nursing curriculum more approachable than nursing students with non-science backgrounds.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse With a Biology Degree?
Each student’s journey is a little different. It’s possible to graduate from the ABSN program at NDMU in as few as 15 months. Before enrolling, you’ll need to satisfy the prerequisites. Students with a biology background will likely need to take fewer prerequisites than others, which can shorten the required time to complete the program. After graduating with a BSN, you must take the nursing exam. Your exam date might be at least a couple of months after your graduation date.
What Are the Salary Expectations and Job Growth Rate?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for registered nurses is 6% from 2023 through 2033, faster than average. At this rate of job growth, health care employers expect to hire about 197,200 new nurses during this period. The BLS states that the median annual salary for RNs as of May 2023 was $86,070.
Are You Ready to Transition into a Career in Nursing?
Now that you know what to expect from our program, are you ready to turn your biology degree into a nursing career? The Notre Dame of Maryland University doesn’t only focus on your nursing knowledge, we aim to empower our students to transform lives and ignite change in their communities through a values-based education.
It all starts when you reach out to one of our admissions advisors to determine if you’ll be a good fit for our ABSN program. Complete the contact form to get started today.