how to become an rn

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Biology student in lab depicting 3 reasons to use your biology degree to become a nurse

After four long 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're at a crossroads. What's next?

One option is to spend a few more years in school becoming an MD or scientific researcher. But if you are a people person who loves helping others and want to begin your career in as few as 15 months, applying your biology degree toward an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program might be the right next move for you.

Here, we'll be discussing how to become an RN with a biology degree. Fortunately, with Notre Dame of Maryland University's Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN, you could be kicking off your new career sooner than you might think.

Read on for more ways your biology degree can be a huge asset when earning your BSN.

1. A Bachelor's in Biology Gives You a Head Start Toward Your BSN

Becoming an RN with a biology degree just makes sense.

With a biology degree, you've already fulfilled many of the 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 than your peers without a bachelor of science degree.

Your knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and pharmacology also sets you up for success in the nursing curriculum, so you're already off to a good start.

Of course, if there are any prerequisites you haven't already completed, our admissions counselors will be able to enroll you in those 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 Notre Dame Accelerated BSN program and create an enrollment plan based on your career goals and target start date.

Why Wait?

Our admissions process includes just four steps. To apply, you'll need official college transcript(s) from all prior institutions, a current resume, and a personal statement telling us why you want to be a nurse. However, before you even think about applying, you need to talk to an admissions counselor.

That support doesn't end when you finish the application process. In both the Hybrid Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN and campus-based ABSN programs, you'll have support from nursing faculty and clinical instructors. You can also work with our success coaches, who can help you develop study strategies and maintain a healthy school-life balance.

2. Nursing Is In Demand

Becoming an RN with a biology degree is a great move because it comes with many opportunities and relative job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of registered nurses is slated to grow 17% by 2029, much faster than the average for all jobs. Due to this demand, you will likely have no trouble finding a job upon completion of our ABSN program and passing the NCLEX.

Did You Know?

Our ABSN curriculum is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Our 2019 first-time NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates is the second highest in Maryland and the highest for private institutions, at 91.3%.

Simply put: Going into nursing is not a gamble. The nursing skills and knowledge you gain from our program will be put to good use in the field directly after graduation.

Unlike other jobs, you can count on the skills you obtain through the ABSN program paying off for the long haul.

Plus, in a world that is becoming more and more automated, the human experience and a caring touch are valued now more than ever. Because of the high level of personal interaction in nursing, you won't have to worry about being phased out by technology any time soon. According to a survey from Pew Research Center, nurses are the least likely be replaced by robots or computers over the span of their lifetimes, compared to workers in other industries.

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.

3. Nursing Will Keep You on Your Toes

Nursing can be a stable and solid career, and sometimes it keeps you guessing. One thing you'll never be is bored. That's because nursing isn't like a regular 9–5. As any nurse working in the field will tell you, you never know what your day could hold.

You'll get to connect with multiple patients a day, coordinate efforts with other members of a patient's care team, and you will always be on the move.

That ability to wear multiple hats and get the job done doesn't go unnoticed. Nursing has topped the annual Gallup poll of most trusted professions for 18 years, with the organization finding that 89% of Americans rate nurses as having high levels of honesty and ethics.

Our program is designed to keep you on your toes, too! Here's what you can expect as an NDMU nursing student:

56 credit hours over four full-time semesters during our 15-month ABSN program
A learning experience that fits your schedule, allowing you to complete 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

Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Worth It?

Still wondering if earning a nursing degree is worth the time, money, and commitment? Read more about what you can gain with a BSN from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

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? It all starts with a phone conversation with one of our admissions counselors, who can help you determine if you'll be a good fit for our ABSN program. Complete the form to get started today!