What if I want to be a...
Dentist (D.D.S.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree (not necessarily in biology)
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- DDS programs are 4 years long
- After dental school, you'll can do a residency program to specialize, or you can start to practice right away
Nurse (BSN, RN, MSN)
- RN - Registered Nurse
- BSN - Bachelors of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Masters of Science in Nursing
Optometrist (O.D.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree (not necessarily in biology)
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- OD programs are 4 years long
- After optometry school, you'll can do a residency program to specialize, or you can start to practice right away
Pharmacist (Pharm.D.)
- Generally you'll need at least 3 years of college study
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- PharmD programs are 4 years long
- After pharmacy school, you'll can do a residency program to specialize, or you can start to practice right away
Physical Therapist (P.T.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree (not necessarily in biology)
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- Most PT programs are 3 years long (Doctor of PT) but some programs are 2 years (Masters of PT)
- After PT school you can start to practice right away
Physician (M.D. or D.O.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree (not necessarily in biology)
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- MD and DO programs are 4 years long
- After medical school, you'll need to do a residency program before you can practice medicine
Research Scientist (Masters or Ph.D.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree in biology or a related field
- MS/ MA programs are ~2 years long
- PhD programs are ~5-6 years long
- After earning a Masters degree, you can carry out lab work in an established research lab and/or teach
- After earning a PhD, you can carry out independent research, run your own lab and/or teach
- Biology is very diverse - you can do research in everything from marine biology to biochemistry - check EverythingBio and What do biologists do? for more info
Respiratory Therapist
Vet (D.V.M.)
- Generally you'll need a Bachelors degree (not necessarily in biology)
- You'll need to take several specific science courses (biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- DVM programs are 4 years long
- After vet school, you'll can do a residency program to specialize, or you can start to practice right away