Considering studying Biomedicine or Nursing but aren’t sure which one to follow?
Both are concerned with science and with helping people, but that is where the similarities end.
Before we continue our discussion of Biomedical Science vs Nursing, let us first address the main question!
Biomedical Science vs Nursing, Which Is Better?
In short, neither Biomedical Science nor Nursing is better than the other. They are two professions with many employment opportunities. Biomedical Science has higher educational requirements and standards than Nursing, making entry more challenging. Biomedicine is more demanding than Nursing in terms of learning requirements.
Nursing has a higher rate of job stability than Biomedical Science.
The answer to this question lies in a person’s interests in any of the two fields.
Both fields can offer a rewarding career; however, that depends on how well you can adapt to the domain you choose.
Perhaps the best way to identify and find your interests is by knowing the differences between the two fields, giving you a deeper insight.
You can then make the right decisions by keeping job prospects, salaries, and, most importantly, your interests in mind.
So let’s discuss Nursing.
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs typically take 4 years to complete; associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree, and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.
Diploma programs are typically offered by hospitals or medical centers, and there are far fewer diploma programs than there are BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
Registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Students seeking to enter Nursing School should be comfortable and have a firm understanding of biology, anatomy, chemistry, math, and pharmacology.
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Most students studying Nursing find the workload of studying huge, sacrificing their social life and time normally spent with family.
You should consider studying Nursing if you enjoy helping patients, helping them get better and comfortable in their time of need.
Nursing is a profession that will always be a demand, especially as the population ages
Nurses work in clinics, nursing care facilities or hospitals, that require around the clock staffing, even on holidays and weekends.
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Hence Nurses typically perform shift work which can be physically draining.
The upside to working shifts is getting extra pay through “penalties”, which are extra pay on top wage.
Career options for Nursing are varied.
- Clinical Nurse
- Enrolled Nurse
- Practice Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Unit Manager
- Mental Health Nurse
- Aged Care Registered Nurse
- Nurse Midwife
- Pediatric Nurse
So let’s talk about Biomedical Science
To do a biomedical science degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, plus three A levels, preferably including biology and chemistry.
Certain level 3 qualifications may be acceptable such as the diploma in applied science
After students have completed their undergraduate studies, they typically enter PhD programs
So what is Biomedical science?
Biomedical science is about conducting research aimed at improving overall human health.
They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Biomedical science job is to develop new treatments and to try to prevent health problems.
For example, they may study the link between smoking and lung cancer or between diet and diabetes.
Biomedical science typically performs the following duties:
- Design and conduct studies that investigate both human diseases and methods to prevent and treat them
- Prepare and analyze medical samples and data to investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases
- Standardize drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds
- Create and test medical devices
- Develop programs that improve health outcomes, in partnership with health departments, industry personnel, and physicians
- Write research grant proposals and apply for funding from government agencies and private funding sources
- Follow procedures to avoid contamination and maintain the safety
That being said, Biomedical science being so varied offers many interesting and challenging career options.
Career options such as Medical Sales, Senior Clinical Research Associate, Biomedical Scientist just to name a few.
This is not an exhaustive list of career options. As you can see, not every job entails laboratory work.
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical sales
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Science writer
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Chiropractic
- Veterinary science
- Genetic counselling
- Patent law
- Laboratory medical scientist
- Healthcare technician
- Regulatory affairs
- Occupational health and safety
The Biomedical Science curriculum varies with many subject options, meaning as you progress your studies you can choose subjects that interest you.
Thereby tailoring your interest to a career path that you might be interested in pursuing.
If you are wondering who earns more, according to BLS.gov Biomedicine earns more at $91,510 compared to Registered Nurse of $77,460 per year.
However, these data must be viewed in context and used only as a guide. Wages vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including geographic region and private vs. governmental employment.
The wages above exclude specialities or other careers mentioned in the lists above.
Final Thoughts
Nursing and biomedical science are two professions that offer a wide range of work prospects.
Biomedical Science has more stringent educational requirements and standards than Nursing, making it more difficult to enter.
In terms of learning demands, biomedicine is more difficult than nursing.
In comparison to Biomedical Science, nursing has a better probability of employment security.
So put simply, Nursing is better since it is easier to study, offers greater job security. Biomedicine is better because it offers higher wages but so can Nursing. End of the day they are excellent careers that lead to interesting and in-demand careers that help others.
Deciding on what to study is an important one.
Best to try and understand job goal in mind before selecting courses with this end in mind.
If still unsure, select a course that you are interested in but provides a multitude of career options.
Speak with trusted friends and family, even consult with a career consultant for advice.
Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.
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References
- Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Medical Scientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
