Nursing vs Biotechnology
If you have studied biology in your 10+2 and want to pursue a career in the healthcare sector, you may be wondering whether you should study nursing or biotechnology. Both subjects have benefits and can help you build a secure professional future in distinct ways.
You can choose either of the two based on your preference for the industry, market demand, government policies, and so on.
A detailed discussion on the topic can help you choose wisely. This blog will highlight the differences between nursing and biotechnology courses. This nursing vs biotechnology blog will also shed light on the future scope learners will get after completing each course. Read on to find out.
What is BSc Nursing?
Considering factors like population growth, developing healthcare infrastructure, and rapid advancement in medical technology, the demand for skilled nurses in India is increasing. A nursing course allows you to help patients directly.
Students who want to make a career in the healthcare industry can study BSc Nursing. This 4-year UG course teaches students topics like microbiology, anatomy, psychology, and many other theoretical and practical aspects of patient care. Students who complete this course can practice as nurses in different healthcare settings.
Therefore, if you have completed your 12th standard with science subjects and have secured a minimum aggregate of 50%, appear for examinations like NEET and AIIMS nursing and take admission in the course.
What is a Biotechnology Course?
Biotechnology is an evolving branch that combines both science and the use of technology.
BSc in Biotechnology is a three-year program designed to give students a broad range of skills in various areas, including bioinformatics, research, analysis, and more. The course covers multiple subjects and includes extensive practical training and technical knowledge relevant to the medical field.
With rapid technological advancements, biotechnology offers many career opportunities. Graduates can find jobs in leading industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, industrial production, and pharmaceuticals.
How are the courses designed?
In our comparison between nursing and biotechnology, we will now see the course content in the UG-level courses for both fields.
Nursing
The BSc Nursing program includes a mix of healthcare and science subjects. It offers a thorough understanding of human health and the technologies used in effective patient care. The course imparts theoretical and practical knowledge so that students get hands-on experience.
The 4-year BSc Nursing course is divided into eight semesters. Here’s a look at the subjects that are taught in each of the four years:
1st Year
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Different Systems of the Body
- Psychology
- Nursing Foundation
- Composition and Function of Blood
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Nutrition
2nd Year
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Sociology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Health Education
- Occupational Nursing
3rd Year
- Maternal and Child Health
- Mental Health Nursing
- Child Health Nursing
- Communication and Educational Technology
- Nursing Registration and Legislation
- Sociology and Social Medicine
- Human Relations
- Family Welfare Programs
4th Year
- Nursing Research
- Embryology
- Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing
- Elementary Principles of Medicine
- Principles of Nursing Services
- Philosophy of Nursing Supervision
- Databases
- Computer Science
Biotechnology
A UG course in biotechnology covers more technical concepts than nursing. It includes subjects like chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and engineering to develop technologies that improve human life. Students also learn skills like database management to enhance their analytical abilities.
One of the most interesting features of this course is that the final semester includes a paper on “Management and Entrepreneurship.” It teaches students how to perform well in any managerial or administrative position.
The 3-year course is divided into six semesters. Have a look at what is taught during the three years:
1st Year
- Macromolecular Structure and Analysis
- Organic Mechanisms in Biology
- Biophysics & Instrumentation
- Principles of Transmission Genetics
- Cell Structure & Dynamics
- Principles of Microbiology
- Biomathematics – I
- Biomathematics – II
- Chemistry
- Introduction to C-programming & Digital Logic
2nd Year
- Microbial Genetics
- Molecular Genetics
- Principles of Immunology
- Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
- Plant and Animal Tissue Culture Techniques and Applications
- Biodiversity & Taxonomy
- Plant Biotechnology
- Animal Biotechnology
- Introduction to Data Structure & Computer Organization
- Introduction to DBMS, Computer Network & Numerical Analysis
3rd Year
- DNA Typing, Proteomics & Beyond
- Model Organisms in Human Genome Project
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Elements of Management Introduction and Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Biotechnology- Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues
Future scope: Career options for Nursing and Biotechnology students
After completing 12th, students prefer taking courses that offer them a rewarding career. Both nursing and biotechnology have advantages and can help students establish rewarding careers.
Let us compare nursing versus biotechnology careers and their salaries so that students can make an informed choice based on their interests.
Career Options after Pursuing Nursing
After completing a BSc in nursing, students can work in private and government establishments like hospitals, community health centers, corporate clinics, NGOs, etc. Here’s a list of some of the roles one can assume after completing BSc Nursing:
1) Registered Nurse:
Average Annual Salary- INR 3,13,284 (Source)
2) Staff Nurse:
Average Annual Salary- INR 2,99,011 (Source)
3) Nursing Supervisor:
Average Annual Salary- INR 4,97,033 (Source)
Career in Biotechnology
Due to the constant innovation in medical sciences, anyone who studies biotechnology can build a sustainable career. There is ample scope for improvement, and opportunities are endless in the private and public sectors. Some of the roles that students can assume after studying biotechnology are:
1) Lab Technologist:
Average Annual Salary- INR 2,80,943 (Source)
2) Research Associate:
Average Annual Salary- INR 4,52,127 (Source)
3) Pharmacist:
Average Annual Salary- INR 2,94,375 (Source)
4) Biostatistician:
Average Annual Salary- INR 4,50,000 (Source)
Conclusion
Pursuing a course in either nursing or biotechnology can lead to many rewarding opportunities. While comparing the two fields is helpful, the choice ultimately depends on the student's interests and career goals.
At ITM, you can choose from various programs in health sciences. Their BSc in Nursing and other top courses prepare students to offer the best services in medicine and healthcare. The ITM Institute of Health Sciences allows students to intern with top healthcare companies, allowing them to apply what they've learned in their courses.
FAQs
1) Is Biotech tougher than nursing?
Biotechnology and nursing have different challenges. Biotechnology is more technical and science-focused, while nursing involves hands-on patient care. The difficulty depends on your strengths and interests.
2) What can I do with a BSc in Biotechnology?
You can work in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and research industries with a BSc in Biotechnology. You can also pursue higher studies or jobs in bioinformatics and industrial production.
3) How long does a BSc in Biotechnology take in India?
Like most Bachelor's degree courses in India, a BSc in Biotechnology is a three-year course. An integrated course may last five years.
4) What are the job opportunities for nursing graduates?
Nursing graduates can find a wide range of opportunities in the healthcare field. From clinical roles to administrative functions, they perform activities that can improve the healthcare ecosystem.
