A Bachelor's in Biology is a versatile degree that opens up a variety of career paths in the health care field. With a Bachelor's in Biology, you can pursue a career in a number of different areas, from becoming a doctor to a laboratory technician. Here, we explore the different health care careers that require a Bachelor's in Biology and how to get started in each of them.
Physicians
One of the most common and sought-after health care careers is that of a physician. Physicians, also known as doctors, are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. To become a physician, you must first complete a four-year Bachelor's in Biology, followed by four years of medical school. After medical school, you will need to pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice medicine.
Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants (PAs) provide medical care under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs are educated in the medical model, meaning they are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as order and interpret lab tests and imaging studies. To become a PA, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a two-year PA program, and then pass a national certification exam.
Laboratory Technicians
Laboratory technicians are responsible for carrying out lab tests and experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting the results. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and other medical settings. To become a laboratory technician, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a one-year laboratory technician program.
Medical Scientists
Medical scientists conduct research to improve healthcare and medical treatments. They typically work in research laboratories, universities, and other medical settings. To become a medical scientist, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a two-year Master's program in a field such as biochemistry or molecular biology.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, advising patients on their use, and monitoring the effects of medications. To become a pharmacist, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program. After graduating from the Pharmacy program, you must pass a national licensure exam before you can practice pharmacy.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries in animals. To become a veterinarian, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. After graduating from the Veterinary Medicine program, you must pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice veterinary medicine.
Nurses
Nurses provide medical care and support to patients. To become a nurse, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year nursing program. After graduating from the nursing program, you must pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of degree do I need to become a physician?
To become a physician, you must first complete a four-year Bachelor's in Biology, followed by four years of medical school. After medical school, you will need to pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice medicine.
What type of degree do I need to become a physician assistant?
To become a physician assistant (PA), you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a two-year PA program, and then pass a national certification exam.
What type of degree do I need to become a laboratory technician?
To become a laboratory technician, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a one-year laboratory technician program.
What type of degree do I need to become a medical scientist?
To become a medical scientist, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a two-year Master's program in a field such as biochemistry or molecular biology.
What type of degree do I need to become a pharmacist?
To become a pharmacist, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program. After graduating from the Pharmacy program, you must pass a national licensure exam before you can practice pharmacy.
What type of degree do I need to become a veterinarian?
To become a veterinarian, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. After graduating from the Veterinary Medicine program, you must pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice veterinary medicine.
What type of degree do I need to become a nurse?
To become a nurse, you must first complete a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a four-year nursing program. After graduating from the nursing program, you must pass a state-issued licensing exam before you can practice nursing.
What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The primary difference between a physician and a physician assistant is the level of training and responsibility. Physicians are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, while PAs are educated in the medical model and are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as order and interpret lab tests and imaging studies. Physicians must complete four years of medical school, while PAs must complete a two-year PA program.
What type of job can I get with a Bachelor's in Biology?
A Bachelor's in Biology is a versatile degree that opens up a variety of career paths in the health care field. With a Bachelor's in Biology, you can pursue a career as a physician, physician assistant, laboratory technician, medical scientist, pharmacist, veterinarian, or nurse.
What is the average salary for someone with a Bachelor's in Biology?
The average salary for someone with a Bachelor's in Biology depends on the type of job they pursue. For example, the average salary for a physician is $208,000 per year, while the average salary for a laboratory technician is $40,000 per year.
What are the benefits of having a Bachelor's in Biology?
Having a Bachelor's in Biology opens up a variety of career paths in the health care field. Additionally, many of these jobs come with competitive salaries and benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans. A Bachelor's in Biology also gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives.
What skills do I need to have to be successful in a health care career?
To be successful in a health care career, you need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You also need to be organized and detail-oriented, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks at once. Finally, you need to have a strong knowledge of the medical field and a passion for helping others.