I’ve been looking into majoring in Biology (specifically micro or molecular), but it’s pretty discouraging. Everywhere I look people are saying not to go into Bio because the job market is poor.
Is it really just working in a small lab with a smaller paycheck than you paid for your education? If you studied Bio, what were some of your previous positions?
I’m most interested in genetics, cells, and biochem. (although, I wasn’t a fan of Chemistry)
Teacher
Both of my brothers and I rec’d BAs in Bio field (2 Bio, One Molecular Bio/BioChem). One of my brothers went on to complete a Masters in Virology and then went to Law School. Another worked in a lab for a year and then went on to Law School. I went into Naval Nuclear Power.
This was back in the 90s, though.
The brother who worked in a lab? Actually made more money bartending 4 nights a week in the city he lived in than the full time lab job.
ahh @Catmatmc, that’s what I’m afraid of. I’m pretty sure I want to become a PA, but to be honest, I’m not really impressed by any colleges that offer the accelerated PA tracks. However, the schools that I do like all off molecular or micro bio, so I was wondering how much more expensive it would be to go that route, get a job in a lab or something for a while, and then go to PA school.
OP, Marist is opening a PA program next year. Look into it.
Yes, it pays to be knowledgeable about exactly what one is getting into!
I see that you have interests both in the subject matter of biology and in employment security. I suggest getting a Clinical Laboratory Science bachelor’s degree, thereby enabling yourself to both study biology extensively and to work as a Clinical Lab Technologist. The Dept. of Labor projects a 22% growth in the employment of Clinical Lab Technologists/Technicians between 2012 and 2022 (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm). I see many job openings for them and many people trying to get into it after doing a vague degree such as biology. A bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science will give you courses in biology AND put you in a solid position for immediate related employment. An example is the program at University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, http://www.uwlax.edu/uploadedFiles/Academics/Clinical%20Laboratory%20Science.pdf , which I found at mymajors.com. (I did not find the collegeconfidential.com college search to give accurate information.) Many states require an examination and license to be a Clinical Lab Tech., but the bachelor’s degree will prepare you well for it.