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Letter from the Assistant Dean for Medical Admissions
Choosing Nursing as a Major for Premedical Study
What major should one choose as a premedical undergraduate student? This question - a very important one - should be thought over very carefully as one embarks on college study. To some, it's a no-brainer. Why think it over at all? After all, medicine is largely the study of human biology and pathology. That given, a major in biology is a 'given' to many.
It is true that over half of the students in Creighton Medical School have majored in biology or closely related field. But that leaves all the others - the 40% who chose other majors many of which are non-science.
An area of study that is becoming of more interest to premedical students is nursing. Nursing, a profession integrally linked with the practice of medicine, has undergone profound changes in the last half of the twentieth century. Today, nurses who achieve the bachelor's degree take a well-rounded, challenging curriculum in the arts and sciences, as well as courses that prepare one for patient care. They emerge not only as professionals in one of the caring, healing arts, but also as practitioners of a profession that is increasingly science-based.
Is nursing the best major for a premed? Should it be your top selection? Only you are the one in the best position to decide. It is safe to say that if you are attracted to nursing for the right reasons, those reasons also are valid for the study of medicine.
Do nurses make good doctors? The answer is many times, yes, just as it is true that many biology, chemistry or even philosophy majors make good doctors. Becoming a physician requires the proper motivation, humanity, empathy, compassion, a solid work ethic, effective time management skills, a good intellect, all proved through four years of superb academic achievement.
One can apply those same requirements to the study of nursing. Thus, one can say "nurses make good doctors." I encourage you to look carefully at all the options open to you when you select your are of premedical studies, and don't overlook nursing.
Henry Nipper, PhD
Assistant Dean for Medical School
Traditional Nursing Course Descriptions