Careers in Biology

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)

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

Careers in Biology and Health Care