2026 How to Become a Nurse with a Health Science Degree: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Can I become a nurse with a health science degree?

Yes, you can become a nurse with a health science degree, but the process usually requires enrolling in a nursing-specific program to qualify for licensure. A health science degree gives you a strong foundation in the sciences, which often means many of the prerequisite courses for nursing are already completed.

Many health science graduates find that their background in health systems, research, or public health gives them unique advantages in patient care and career advancement opportunities within nursing.

In fact, some of the top health science majors to get into nursing include those with strong foundations in biology, physiology, and public health. Here are some key pathways and requirements to know if you want to move from a health science degree into nursing:

• Accelerated BSN programs: Take 11–18 months and are the fastest path for health science graduates.
• Direct-entry MSN programs: Allow students to earn a master’s and RN licensure in about 2–3 years.
• Prerequisite advantage: Many science courses from a health science degree transfer directly, reducing extra coursework.
• NCLEX-RN requirement: Passing this exam is mandatory to practice as a registered nurse.
• Career flexibility: A health science background supports roles in bedside care, research, community health, and leadership.

How long does it take to become a nurse if I already have a health science degree?

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in health science (or a related non-nursing field), the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse is typically via an accelerated BSN/second-degree program, which usually runs 11 to 18 months of full-time study (including clinical rotations). Some universities offer 12-month “fast track” tracks that compress didactic, lab, and clinical work continuously.

However, the actual timeline can stretch longer because you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses (such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics) before being eligible to start the nursing curriculum.

In practice, many health science graduates spend 6 to 12 additional months finishing prerequisites before entering the accelerated nursing program, making the total time from degree holder to nurse somewhat 18 to 24+ months in many cases.

For those looking to continue advancing their careers beyond initial licensure, options like RN to BSN to MSN online programs offer a streamlined pathway from entry-level nursing to advanced practice and leadership roles.

What prerequisite classes do nursing programs require for health science graduates?

Most nursing programs require specific prerequisite courses, even for health science graduates, to ensure students are fully prepared for the nursing curriculum. These classes typically build on your science background and may overlap with courses you’ve already completed.

• Anatomy and Physiology: This sequence provides a detailed understanding of the human body’s systems and how they function together. Even if taken in health science, nursing programs often require both lecture and lab components.
• Microbiology: This course covers microorganisms and their role in health, disease, and infection control. It’s essential for understanding how pathogens spread and how nurses can prevent hospital-acquired infections.
• Chemistry (General and Organic/Biochemistry): Chemistry prerequisites help students grasp drug interactions and metabolic processes. Some programs may only require general chemistry, while others expect additional organic or biochemistry.
• Statistics: Nursing programs require statistics to prepare students for interpreting research and applying evidence-based practice. This course also supports critical thinking in patient care and clinical decision-making.
• Nutrition: A foundational course in nutrition explains how diet impacts health, disease management, and recovery. Nurses apply this knowledge in nearly every patient care setting, from hospitals to community health.
• Developmental or Lifespan Psychology: This course explores human growth and development across the lifespan. It helps nurses provide age-appropriate care, from pediatrics to geriatrics.

For those interested in advancing even further after becoming an RN, options like online FNP graduate certificate programs provide flexible pathways to specialize in family practice nursing.

Do I need to take the NCLEX to become an RN after a health science degree?

Yes, all aspiring registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), regardless of their educational background, including those with a health science degree.

This exam is the final step after completing an accredited nursing program and is required for state licensure.

• NCLEX Requirement: The NCLEX-RN is mandatory for anyone who wants to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S. Without passing it, you cannot obtain licensure, even if you have completed a health science and nursing degree program.
• Purpose of the Exam: The test evaluates whether you have the knowledge, judgment, and skills needed for safe entry-level nursing practice. It covers areas like patient care, pharmacology, safety, and infection control.
• Timing: You can only take the NCLEX after graduating from an approved nursing program. Health science graduates must first complete an accelerated BSN, direct-entry MSN, or equivalent pathway before they’re eligible.
• Format: The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test, meaning the questions adjust to your performance as you progress. It typically ranges from 85 to 150 questions and must be completed within five hours.
• Preparation: Most students spend several months preparing with review courses, practice exams, and study plans. A strong background in health science can help, but targeted NCLEX prep is still essential to succeed.

This process is a critical bridge for career changers — especially those pursuing nursing through biology degree to nursing pathways — as it ensures all candidates meet the same professional competency standards before entering clinical practice.

How much can I earn as an RN with a health science degree?

Registered nurses who enter the profession with a health science degree earn a median annual salary of $93,600. Earnings can vary depending on location, level of experience, and specialty, but this figure highlights the strong demand for RNs across hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

In comparison, here are other career paths you can pursue with a health science degree, each offering unique roles, responsibilities, and salary potential within the healthcare field:

• Athletic Trainers ($60,250): Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries. They often work with athletes, schools, and rehabilitation clinics to improve physical performance and recovery.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ($89,340): Sonographers use imaging technology to help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Their role is essential in prenatal care, cardiovascular health, and other diagnostic areas.
• Medical Assistants ($44,200): Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, such as taking vital signs and managing patient records. They play a vital support role in physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers.
• Dietitians and Nutritionists ($73,850): These professionals develop nutrition plans, provide dietary counseling, and support patients in managing chronic conditions through food choices. They often work in hospitals, schools, and public health programs.
• Physical Therapists ($89,678): Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and strength after injuries or surgeries. They also design rehabilitation programs to improve the quality of life and prevent further injury.

While nursing remains one of the most in-demand and versatile choices, these other paths demonstrate how flexible a health science background can be, especially when paired with specialized credentials like online graduate certificate programs in nurse midwifery.

The chart below shows a clear comparison of these careers, making it easier to evaluate which direction best aligns with your professional goals.

What core clinical skills should health science graduates to succeed in their nursing career?

Health science graduates already have a solid foundation in science and healthcare concepts, but to succeed as registered nurses, they need to master a range of core clinical skills. These skills ensure they can deliver safe, effective, and compassionate patient care in real-world clinical settings.

• Patient Assessment: Nurses must be able to perform thorough head-to-toe assessments, including vital signs, physical exams, and health histories. This skill helps identify patient needs, monitor changes, and guide treatment decisions.
• Medication Administration: Safe and accurate medication delivery is one of the most critical nursing responsibilities. This includes calculating dosages, understanding drug interactions, and monitoring patient responses.
• Infection Control: Nurses are responsible for preventing the spread of infection through proper hygiene, sterilization, and isolation techniques. Mastery of these practices is essential in hospitals and community care alike.
• Communication and Patient Education: Nurses must communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams. They also educate patients about diagnoses, medications, and self-care, making this skill vital for positive outcomes.
• Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment: Nursing requires quick decision-making in high-pressure situations, from emergencies to routine care. Health science graduates must learn to analyze information and apply evidence-based solutions.
• Technical and Procedural Skills: Nurses perform hands-on procedures like starting IVs, inserting catheters, and dressing wounds. Building confidence in these technical tasks ensures safe and competent patient care.

These clinical competencies are particularly emphasized in benefits of getting an ABSN degree programs, where coursework and clinical rotations are structured to transition students from theoretical health science knowledge to practical nursing proficiency.

Are there scholarships for second-degree nursing students who already hold a health science degree?

Yes, there are scholarships specifically available for second-degree nursing students, including those who hold a health science degree. These funding opportunities are designed to ease the financial burden of accelerated or direct-entry programs and support the transition into nursing careers.

• Second Degree Nursing Success Scholarship: This scholarship provides $5,000 to students enrolled in an accelerated BSN program during their first semester. It is created to help career changers who are pursuing nursing as a second degree.
• Helene Fuld Trust Scholarship: This award, offered through the Sigma Foundation, assists students in accelerated BSN and entry-level graduate programs. It is intended for students whose first degree is in a non-nursing field, such as health science.
• Mary Cafolla Wallace Nursing Scholarship Program: This program supports adult learners in Massachusetts who are pursuing a second career in nursing. It provides renewable funding of up to $20,000 per year for ADN or BSN students.
• HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship federal program covers tuition, fees, and provides a monthly stipend for nursing students. In return, recipients commit to working in underserved areas after graduation, making it a strong option for second-degree students.
• State and University-Specific Aid: Many states and universities offer scholarships for second-degree or accelerated BSN students. These programs often prioritize applicants with a health-related background, including health science.

Funding options are also expanding for advanced programs such as MSN programs without BSN, which provide streamlined routes for career changers or nontraditional students to enter nursing leadership or advanced practice roles.

What are the top-paying industries for registered nurses in the U.S.?

When it comes to salary potential, not all registered nursing jobs pay the same. This is because earnings often depend on the industry where nurses work. Below are the top-paying industries for RNs in the U.S., along with their average annual wages:

• Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals ($106,480): Nurses employed by federal agencies or specialized government healthcare services often earn the highest salaries. These roles typically involve research facilities, military healthcare, or correctional institutions.
• Hospitals; state, local, and private ($97,260): The majority of RNs work in hospitals, where salaries are strong due to the high demand for around-the-clock patient care. Nurses in hospital settings also benefit from diverse specialties and advancement opportunities.
• Ambulatory healthcare services ($83,780): Ambulatory care nurses work in outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and physician offices. These roles often provide more regular schedules and work-life balance compared to hospital shifts.
• Nursing and residential care facilities ($81,820): Nurses in long-term care, assisted living, and rehabilitation centers focus on elderly or chronically ill patients. While salaries are lower than in hospitals, demand in this sector is steadily increasing with an aging population.
• Educational services; state, local, and private ($74,360): RNs working in schools, colleges, or universities earn lower salaries but enjoy predictable schedules and academic environments. These positions are appealing for nurses who prefer teaching, training, or supporting student health services.

Understanding these differences can help aspiring nurses align their career paths with both their financial goals and preferred work environments, and for those interested in teaching, pursuing online nurse education graduate certificate programs can open doors to academic and training roles.

The chart below illustrates these salary variations across industries for a clearer comparison.

Which certifications improve job prospects for new nurses?

Yes, earning certifications can help new nurses stand out in the job market, expand their skill set, and demonstrate commitment to professional development. While many certifications are optional for entry-level nurses, obtaining them early can improve employability and open doors to specialized roles.

• Basic Life Support (BLS): This certification prepares nurses to respond to life-threatening emergencies with CPR and AED use. It is often required for employment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): This certification trains nurses in managing cardiac emergencies such as stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest. It is especially valuable for nurses working in emergency departments, ICUs, or critical care units.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): This certification equips nurses to provide emergency care for infants and children. It is a strong credential for those pursuing pediatric or family-focused nursing roles.
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): This certification validates expertise in emergency nursing practice. It is a strong career booster for nurses who want to work in trauma centers, ERs, and urgent care facilities.
• Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): This credential demonstrates advanced knowledge in caring for acutely and critically ill patients. It is highly respected in intensive care and step-down units and offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Many nurses pursuing these credentials also consider their long-term career trajectory — comparing options like difference between DNP and NP — to determine whether advanced education or specialization will best support their future goals in healthcare.

What is the job outlook for nurses who convert from a health science degree to an RN?

For health science graduates pursuing nursing, the job outlook is both strong and stable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses will grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, a rate that is faster than the average for all occupations.

This demand is largely fueled by the aging population, a rise in chronic health conditions, and the need for more complex care across hospitals, outpatient facilities, and home health settings.

Beyond overall growth, the nursing field continues to generate a steady flow of new opportunities for aspiring professionals. Each year, an average of 189,100 openings for registered nurses are projected, reflecting a combination of new job creation and replacement needs as experienced nurses retire or transition out of the field.

For those starting in entry-level roles, gaining experience through home health aide certificate jobs can also serve as a stepping stone toward a long-term nursing career.

Here’s what graduates have to say about their health science degrees:

Other things you should know about becoming a nurse with a health science degree