Is bachelor of science a waste of time?

[Coolgalbornin03Lo]

I don’t think it is but my parents wouldn’t like me to pursue it. I would like to go into a health career afterwards- but the problem is I can’t decide which! That’s why I’d like to do bachelor of science first (as I’m also extremely interested in the sciences) so I can gain experience through perhaps shadowing doctors and dentists to see whether that’s truly what I want. Or go into something like master of audiology, nursing, speech pathology etc. I understand it’s a lot of debt I’m acquiring but I feel like an additional two years is a small price to pay to ensure I know what I’m getting myself into.

I really can’t pick right now which area of health I’d like to get into. What are your thoughts on the matter?

[Ionic Doc]

commenting to look baack on this thread

[tiredandstressed]

I don’t think it is but my parents wouldn’t like me to pursue it. I would like to go into a health career afterwards- but the problem is I can’t decide which! That’s why I’d like to do bachelor of science first (as I’m also extremely interested in the sciences) so I can gain experience through perhaps shadowing doctors and dentists to see whether that’s truly what I want. Or go into something like master of audiology, nursing, speech pathology etc. I understand it’s a lot of debt I’m acquiring but I feel like an additional two years is a small price to pay to ensure I know what I’m getting myself into.

I really can’t pick right now which area of health I’d like to get into. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Based of what you said Science is a great option for you
If you decide to take a specialised degree (e.g. Bachelor of Speech Pathology) and then end up hating it, you'll essentially be 'wasting a year' so I think science is your best bet.
However, your degree alone will probably not help guide the field you want to work in, this is because first-year science is very general so it is important that you also do your own research and try to find opportunities to learn about the work fields you are interested in.
Nonetheless, science is "not a waste of time" as there are many post-grad opportunities available for you upon the completion of your degree

[waterangel82]

Hi Elle,

I 100% agree with your thoughts too. The bachelor of science is a fantastic option if you don't really know what particular field in health science you want to go into, because there are so many possibilities you can explore! As you said, if being a doctor/dentist isn't what you truly want, but you may be interested in audiology for instance, you could adjust your plans pick subjects in the bachelor of science that are more related to audiology (i.e. auditory neuroscience, anatomy) - there's a LOT of flexibility in the bachelor of science degree to do that (compared to a more specific degree like bachelor of dental science, for example). If you're extremely interested in the sciences, the bachelor of science would also allow you to do research projects/study specific areas in depth too.

So I'd say go with your heart, don't listen to just what your parents say. At the end of the day, it's your choice, so go with one that you're happy with (this is very important)!