What Do You Need To Be A Nurse Practitioner If You Majored In Biology
To begin, ensure that your bachelors degree is earned from a recognized institution. After that, double-check that you have all of the required prerequisites, including Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology , Microbiology, and Nutrition. Some programs need the completion of a psychology or statistics course.
Take some time to be organized in order to prepare for the application procedure. Make a budget for admissions fees. You will have to pay nonrefundable fees to each institution to which you apply. Transcripts from all of your previous institutions are required by the schools, which typically comes at an additional fee.
Many candidates overlook the importance of writing a goal or personal statement essay. It should be well-organized, enthusiastic, and encouraging of your community and your desire to become a nurse. This does not seem to be a lengthy essay rather, it should be a single page that outlines why you are a good match for the program and career.
Two to three professional references are also required. If you have any healthcare expertise, now is the time to call on those contacts for letters of recommendation. Youll need a physical check and up-to-date vaccines if you work in close proximity to at-risk people. Hepatitis B, rubella, and varicella are all tested for in nursing schools.
Family Nurse Practitioner Overview
The Family Nurse Practitioner program educates advanced practice nurses to practice primary care.
This includes: health promotion, health maintenance, disease prevention and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, in a variety of settings throughout the patients lifecycle.
The program is designed for professional nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a M.S. in Nursing
Popular Nurse Practitioner Courses
Courses vary among the best NP schools, but most programs require core and elective classes, along with clinical/practicum hours. Degree level and specialization will influence coursework.
An NP curriculum usually covers advanced health evaluation, nursing ethics, advanced pharmacology, and issues in healthcare policy. Below, we describe five common courses for nurse practitioner students.
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A Biology Degree Meets Many Of The Nursing Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Some areas of study inherently better prepare you to make the transition to nursing than others. One of the great things about a biology degree is that, chances are, you will already have taken many of the math- and science-based courses required as nursing school prerequisites. However, even if you do not meet all of the prerequisite course requirements, rest assured that you can take them.
At Mercer University, our second-degree Accelerated BSN program enrollment counselors guide students through every step of the process, from their initial inquiry to application and enrollment. He or she will review your college transcripts carefully and advise you on any courses you will need to take.
It is not just in fulfilling ABSN prerequisites, though, that a biology degree gives future nurses an advantage.
In Syracuse Youll Experience:

A variety of parks.
There are dozens of county and state parks close by which include hiking trails, waterfalls, beach areas, and more!
Many great cities.
Syracuse is less than five hours from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto.
All four seasons.
If you ever lose track of what month it is, just look out the window. From the sizzling summer days to the frigid winter evenings youll experience each season in its full potential.
Before enrolling, I came to Syracuse to check out the area, says Nicole, a recent ABSN graduate. Its beautiful. Regardless of the season, there is always something to do.
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Most Common Colleges For Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Here are the most common colleges for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, and University of South Alabama .
University of Pennsylvania
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Common College | Percentages |
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Plus No More Waiting To Start Your Life
Its no joke waitlists of any kind are frustrating especially when the future of your career is depending on it. And with the demand for nurses increasing at a rapid pace across the country, the demand for nursing education has followed suit.
At Utica College, you dont have to wait to get started on the nursing career you always wanted. Because we offer three start dates each year , we have the bandwidth to accept more students from all over the country.
The structure of the program looked perfect, and the fact that there were three start dates made it accessible for wherever I was in my life, says Megan, a recent ABSN graduate.
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What Exactly Is An Online Bridge Program
As discussed briefly above, an online bridge program is a unique higher education degree program created to help students advance their current education to the next level by providing the necessary information needed to connect the students knowledge from where they are to where they need to be academically. Many programs offered can be done in an accelerated amount of time and cost less than going back to a traditional college to earn the same degree.
I Need To Get Cegep Or University Level Courses Such As Functions Calculus General Biology Chemistry And Physics Where Can I Take These And How Do I Know They Are What Mcgill University Wants
Mature students need to take a minimum of three science courses including one in functions , and at least two semesters of general biology, chemistry or physics all taken within the last 5 7 years. Students with previous university studies need a minimum of four science courses: two of calculus plus two of biology, chemistry and/or physics. These courses, which are equivalent to U0 science courses at McGill or the CEGEP health sciences courses , can be taken at CEGEP or at universities that offer ‘freshman’ science courses. Note that the minimum number of courses must be completed to apply however, all the science courses listed below must be completed with the exception for those who already have a degree in that one or more of the courses may be exempted if credit and exemption is awarded for courses which are part of the 103-credit B.Sc. program. This exception applies particularly to the Physiology and Pharmacology courses.
The complete list of CEGEP science courses includes:Biology – NYA, General Biology II Chemistry – NYA, NYB, Organic Chemistry I Mathematics – NYA, NYB Physics – NYA, NYB, NYC
The complete list of U0 sciences includes:Biology – BIOL 111 and 112Chemistry – CHEM 110, 120 Organic Chemistry 212Calculus – Math 139 or 140, 141Physics – PHYS 101 and 102
University course equivalencies are found in alphabetical order at
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Nurses Spend More Time With Patients
For many students, its the time nurses are able to spend with their patients that appeals to them the most. Nurses truly are on the front lines of care. While a doctor in a hospital may only see a patient for a few minutes a day, nurses spend considerable time with them and their families. This often means nurses are the first to identify when a patients condition has changed. This extra time with patients also allows nurses to learn more about their patients their emotional states, concerns, etc. and to serve as their advocates.
Pharmaceutical / Medical Product Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical or medical product sales representatives sell medical supplies, IT products, medicines, and more to hospitals, clinics, and other medical practices.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives must have a strong knowledge of chemistry, anatomy, and physiology so that they can explain to doctors how a new drug will affect their patients.
These workers need to have the technological knowledge to explain how a product works. They also need the scientific knowledge to be able to explain how this product will benefit both doctor and patient.
Pharmaceutical or medical product sales representatives need strong communication and interpersonal skills. A bachelors degree is often enough education to get started in this occupation.
Salary and Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that sales representatives of technical and scientific products earned a median annual salary of $81,020 in May 2019. The top 10% earned $158,580 or more and the bottom 10% earned $41,080 or less. The BLS projected that employment in this field will grow by 2% between 2019 and 2029, slower than average for all occupations.
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A Degree In Biology Prepares You For Nursing School And The Nursing Profession
Nursing and biology may differ considerably, but some of the knowledge a biology degree provides can be quite helpful in nursing school and as a nurse. That is because biology majors learn all about living organisms and how they function and are impacted by their environment, disease processes, and even how immune systems function. This knowledge will help you to better understand the concepts you are learning in nursing school, as well as the work you do as a nurse and the treatments patients are prescribed.
Examination Licensure And Certification

Certification in a specific specialty area can be completed concurrently within the MSN/DNP program or obtained via an independent study from the ANCC or other learning institute. Not all specialties offer formal certifications. In this case, the NP student can choose areas of specialization to work on during the program to obtain clinical competency. Eligibility for certifications obtained outside of an MSN/DNP program can differ and students are encouraged to research requirements when choosing a specialty.
Once a specialty program is completed, the nurse may take an examination for certification. For example, a nurse can take the Family Nurse Practitioner Exam to earn an FNP-C title.
Licensure and certification are differentcertification means the NP is competent to perform care in their chosen specialty licensure means they are legally permitted to practice in their state of residence. For example, a nurse living in California can obtain certification in acute care but needs to apply for licensure to practice in the state of California. State nursing boards list the requirements for testing and can vary from state to state. The certified nurse practitioner can, after meeting the specified requirements, apply with the state board for licensure.
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How Long Will Earning A Nurse Practitioner Degree Take
The length of time it takes to become a nurse practitioner depends mostly on the degree you hold when you start and the degree you are hoping to eventually earn, but between two and four years is the average.
Youll need to hold an RN license before you can start an NP program. This means youll need to earn at least an associate degree or, more commonly, a bachelors degree. An ADN generally takes around two years, while a BSN will take around four.
It generally takes two to four years to become a nurse practitioner.
You can go straight to an MSN program as an RN with an associate degree, but this bridge program will take longer than it would to earn your MSN if you already had a BSN. Generally, you can complete an MSN in around two years, but a bridge program could take as many as three. Plus, BSN-educated nurses can take their own bridge, going straight from a BSN to a DNP with BSN-DNP programs.
If youre looking to earn your doctorate, it can take anywhere from three to six years. The length of time will depend on your program, program structure, specialty, and more. Some DNP programs will also require extensive clinical hours, which can add to the length.
Becoming A Nurse Practitioner
In order to become a nurse practitioner, youll need to obtain at least a BSN and MSN, pass certification exams, perform clinical research, and apply for licensure within the states you wish you to practice. But, depending on your career goals and the specific states in which you wish to practice, you may need to earn your DNP to become a nurse practitioner or advance your career to take on leadership roles.
No matter your decision, being a nurse practitioner is a challenging and rewarding career. Youll be charged with providing top-of-the-line healthcare for your patients while also shaping the future of the healthcare industry for the betterultimately saving and making a huge difference in peoples lives.
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Study Toward Your Msn Degree
If you have been accepted into a nursing program, now is when the real work toward applying your biology degree to nursing begins. With class starts in January, May and August, Marquettes Direct Entry MSN program in Wisconsin condenses your nursing education into an accelerated 19- to 21- month timeframe by leveraging your previous biology degree.
The program is challenging and fast-paced. Students who excel in the Direct Entry MSN program are devoted, self-motivated and hungry to learn. They know how to handle their stress and arent afraid to ask questions and work collaboratively with fellow classmates. The program, centered around our program site locations, will be administered with a three-pronged approach combining coursework, labs and clinical rotations.
See what you have to gain by earning your masters in nursing from Marquette.
Seize The Chance To Start Now
The healthcare career youve always dreamed of is waiting for you. Take advantage of Concordia Universitys ABSN so you can become an in-demand, BSN-educated nurse in 16 months.
You have successfully graduated college with a biology degree, but now what? Its common to second-guess your professional career path, especially if your initial plan was to attend medical school. So if you are searching for an alternate, faster way to become a distinguished health care professional, there is a perfect option for you become a nurse with a biology degree through Marquette Universitys Direct Entry Masters of Science in Nursing program located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
This innovative, accelerated program combines online learning, onsite labs and in-hospital clinical rotations so you can turn your biology degree into a masters in nursing in less than two years. Still on the fence? Here are the top five reasons biology majors are choosing accelerated options, like Marquettes Direct Entry MSN program, to leverage their degrees and enter the healthcare field as a registered nurse.
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How To Become A Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed a Master’s of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice program .
To advance to a master’s degree or doctoral in nursing, a student must complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing . Upon graduating with a nursing degree, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is needed for licensure. The length of time it takes to obtain an MSN depends on the nurse’s starting point:
- Nursing students enrolled in a BSN program complete in about four years
- RN to BSN takes about two years
- BSN to MSN takes about two years
- BSN to DNP takes three to four years
- MSN to DNP takes one to two years
Additionally, both online programs and classroom programs are available to accommodate students. Both types have pros and cons depending on students’ needs, therefore researching individual schools is encouraged.
Research nurse practitioner programs.
Apply For The Absn Track
Youve talked with an admissions counselor and made a timeline for your start date, and all your prerequisites are done or nearly done, so whats next? The application for nursing school is the final piece of the admissions process. At most schools, including UIW, the application process consists of an online application that youll submit.
Schools have certain document requirements, too, such as transcripts or pre-licensure forms, and these differ for each school. Therefore, ensure you submit all the required pieces of the application, as schools wont consider those with an incomplete application.
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Preparing To Become A Biologist: Schools And Programs
Most jobs in biology require at least a bachelor’s degree in biology. By researching the top schools and programs for biologists, prospective biologists can find the right program to meet their professional goals. Students considering a biology degree can narrow their options by researching the total cost of the degree, admissions policies, program length, and financial aid opportunities.
Most colleges and universities offer biology degrees. Some schools even offer online biology degrees, where students complete coursework in an online learning environment and meet any laboratory requirements virtually. For example, the University of Florida and Arizona State University both offer online biology degrees.
When comparing biology programs, prospective students should also consider factors such as a program’s enrollment options, the number of start dates per year, and internship requirements. By evaluating these factors, future biologists can take the first step toward a career in biology.
Can A Biology Major Become A Nurse Practitioner

Readers interested in learning about the educational requirements for nurse practitioners can review this guide for an in-depth look at the field. On this page, we explore some career pathways for NPs, including different patient population focus areas, such as neonatology, womens health, and pediatric primary or acute care.
This page focuses on the degree pathways to becoming an NP, including associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral nursing programs. Students can also explore options for individuals with non-nursing bachelors degrees. Since the process of becoming an NP includes more than just earning a degree, this guide also examines some additional specialization and recertification requirements.
Candidates should consider two key components when choosing their path to becoming a NP: their educational background and their current status as a nurse. Candidates interested in learning more about becoming an NP can check out this page for some answers to frequently asked questions.
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