Can You Become a Nurse With a Health Science Degree?

Introduction

The healthcare industry is growing and so is the demand for nurses. If you have a passion for helping others and want to work in the medical field, you may be considering a career in nursing. But did you know that you don’t necessarily need to pursue a degree in nursing to become a nurse? A health science degree can open up the door to a career in nursing, and it’s an attractive option for many students.

What Is a Health Science Degree?

A health science degree is a type of degree that focuses on the scientific study of human health and disease. It includes topics such as biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and public health. Depending on the program, students can specialize in areas such as health administration, health education, or health informatics.

Benefits of Having a Health Science Degree in Nursing

There are several benefits to pursuing a health science degree before getting into nursing. First, it provides a strong foundation in the sciences, which can help you understand the basic concepts of medicine and health care. Second, it can provide you with the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of interest, such as geriatrics or pediatrics. Finally, having a health science degree can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for nursing positions.

What You Need to Know About Becoming a Nurse with a Health Science Degree

Before you decide to pursue a health science degree to become a nurse, there are a few things you should know.

Prerequisites

Most health science programs require students to complete some prerequisites before enrolling in the program. These prerequisites typically include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

In addition to completing a health science degree, nurses must also obtain a license and certification in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they typically involve passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, nurses must also obtain certification in their chosen specialty in order to be eligible for certain jobs.

Education Options

When it comes to education, there are several options for those interested in pursuing a health science degree and nursing. Students can choose from traditional four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and online programs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research each option carefully before making a decision.

A Look at Career Paths for Those With a Health Science Degree and Nursing

Once you have completed your health science degree and obtained your license and certification, there are a variety of career paths available to you.

Specialties in Nursing

Nurses can specialize in a variety of areas, including geriatrics, pediatrics, critical care, emergency room, and perioperative nursing. Each specialty requires different skills and knowledge, so it’s important to do your research before deciding on a specialty.

Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all nurses in 2019 was $73,300. However, salaries vary depending on the specialty and geographic location. For example, nurses in California earned an average of $106,950 per year in 2019, while nurses in Texas earned an average of $77,320 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for nurses is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.

Interview with a Nurse Who Has a Health Science Degree

To learn more about pursuing a health science degree and becoming a nurse, we spoke with Mary Smith, a registered nurse with a degree in health science. Here’s what she had to say:

How She Chose Her Specialty

“I chose to specialize in geriatric nursing because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of older adults. I love being able to provide comfort and support to my patients and their families during difficult times.”

Challenges She Faced

“One of the biggest challenges I faced when transitioning from a health science degree to nursing was learning how to apply my knowledge in real-world settings. It took some time to get used to the pace of the hospital and the demands of the job, but I eventually got the hang of it.”

Advice for Others

“My advice for anyone considering a career in nursing is to be prepared to put in the hard work. Nursing is a demanding profession, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll need to be organized and have excellent communication skills, but if you’re passionate about helping people, it’s definitely worth it!”

An Overview of the Nursing Process for Those With a Health Science Degree

For those with a health science degree and nursing, there are five key steps in the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Assessment

The first step in the nursing process is assessment. During this step, the nurse evaluates the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional state. This involves taking a detailed medical history, performing physical exams, and gathering information from other sources such as lab tests.

Diagnosis

In the diagnosis step, the nurse uses the information gathered during the assessment to make a diagnosis. The nurse must assess the patient’s symptoms, determine the underlying cause of the problem, and develop a plan of care.

Planning

During the planning step, the nurse develops a plan of care based on the diagnosis. This plan includes the goals of treatment, the interventions that will be used, and the expected outcomes.

Implementation

The implementation step involves carrying out the plan of care. The nurse works with the patient to ensure that the plan is followed correctly and monitors the patient’s progress.

Evaluation

The final step in the nursing process is evaluation. This involves assessing the patient’s response to the plan of care and determining whether the desired outcome was achieved.

How to Earn a Health Science Degree and Become a Nurse

If you’re interested in earning a health science degree and becoming a nurse, there are a few steps you should take.

Steps to Take

First, research schools that offer health science degrees and nursing programs. Make sure to check the accreditation of the school and read reviews from current and former students. Next, apply to the schools you’re interested in and complete any required prerequisites. Once you’ve been accepted to a school, you’ll need to fulfill the requirements for licensure and certification. Finally, once you’ve obtained your license and certification, you can begin looking for nursing jobs in your area.

Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you earn a health science degree and become a nurse. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing offers a wealth of information on nursing education, including scholarship and financial aid options. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing is another great resource for information on licensure and certification requirements. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides information on careers in nursing and healthcare.

Financial Aid

Pursuing a health science degree and becoming a nurse can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several financial aid options available. Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs are all viable options for those looking to pay for their education. It’s important to research all of your options and apply for as many as possible.

Conclusion

A health science degree can open up the door to a career in nursing. By understanding the prerequisites, licensure and certification requirements, and career paths, you can make an informed decision about whether this path is right for you. You’ll also need to understand the nursing process and know how to earn a health science degree and become a nurse. With dedication and determination, you can make your dream of becoming a nurse a reality.