Top Career Paths in Health Sciences
If science has always fascinated you, but you have often craved a practical way to apply your knowledge, you may be well-suited to a career in health science. This dynamic field exists as a subset of the health care industry and weaves the transformative study of science with the revolutionary power of technology and communication, allowing graduates with a health sciences degree to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities.
Understanding the Field of Health Science
Defined by Indeed as a multidisciplinary approach within the scope of the health care industry, health science is a field that focuses on promoting the well-being of both people and animals through the study of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and communication. While other areas in health care can limit people to careers in a clinical setting, a health science career can allow you to explore careers in public administration, clinical care, research and advocacy.
Reasons to Consider a Career in Health Science
The field of health science is not defined by any career path, which makes it appealing to those interested in exploring their options or creating a way forward that incorporates their interests. Graduates with a health sciences degree may find employment in a variety of areas, such as:
- Government Agencies
- Medical Laboratories
- Non-profit Organizations
- Consultant Firms
- Hospitals and Clinical Settings
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Insurance Companies
In addition, many students who earn a degree in this field pursue an entrepreneurial path, often starting their own small business that advocates for better health or provides a specific population with health-related services.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the demand for health care professionals is expected to continue to rise between 2022 and 2032. In fact, the BLS states that more than 1.8 million job openings in health care are anticipated each year. The need for skilled professionals combined with the dynamic approach of the health sciences field makes this a particularly enticing career option.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Health Sciences Career
As you contemplate a career in health science, you will want to weigh the following factors:
- Your interest in a niche aspect of health sciences.
- Your ability to gain professional experience in that area.
- Your comfort level with academic and lab-based coursework.
- Your desire to work as part of the health care industry.
Is a Career in Health Sciences Right for You?
Before you begin your health sciences degree program, it's important to determine if this field is right for you. The health science sector operates as a subset of the health care industry, so most careers are related to promoting health and well-being while providing essential health services to people or animals. However, there are endless opportunities within health science, allowing graduates to find a place within the field that best aligns with their professional goals and personal interests.
Diversity of Careers in Health Sciences
The diverse range of career opportunities is one of the most appealing aspects of the health sciences sector. With multiple career pathways available, graduates can seek employment opportunities that build upon their foundation of knowledge and allow them to develop the critical competencies required for their chosen profession.
Diagnostic Services Careers
Diagnostic services are health care services performed by trained professionals in a niche industry. Diagnostic service providers work to detect and diagnose disease, injury or illness and often cooperate with the care team to enact a treatment plan.
Some examples of diagnostic services careers include:
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Dental Laboratory Technician
- Sonographer
- Phlebotomist
- MRI Technologist
- Radiology Technician
This health science career pathway is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and prefer to work directly with patients in a clinical setting. It allows one to specialize in a niche area and develop specific, in-demand skills in a professional environment.
Therapeutic Services Careers
Considered to be one of the most common pathways for graduates with a health sciences degree, therapeutic services focus on providing patients with personalized care and effective counseling.
Some examples of therapeutic services careers include:
- Allergist
- Audiologist
- Home Health Aid
- Genetic Counselor
- Optometrist
- Medical Assistant
While all these professions require students to acquire advanced knowledge and relevant skills, refined communication skills are necessary for any therapeutic services pathways, making the health sciences degree particularly beneficial for those interested in these job opportunities.
Health Informatics Careers
Health informatics is a health care sector that deals with patient data, medical coding, medical billing and information technology. Individuals who want to pursue a career in health informatics must acquire foundational knowledge of how the health care system works while also becoming proficient in the most recent medical technology.
Career pathways within health information include:
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Health Care Administrator
Individuals passionate about advocating for patients and playing a pivotal role in their health care outcomes will find this a rewarding career pathway.
H3: Biotechnology Research and Development Careers
Biotechnology is rooted in the study of biology and incorporates the latest technological advancements into the field to develop cutting-edge methods of improving public health. Biotechnology research and development is an exciting career prospect for those passionate about science and research.
Common careers within the biotechnology research and development field include:
- Bioengineer
- Epidemiologist
- Toxicologist
- Forensic Science Technician
The health sciences degree program is rooted in science, so it is often the ideal building block for those interested in working in one of these specialized careers.
Nutritional Science Careers
According to Indeed, nutritional science is the study of how food impacts the health and development of humans and animals. Individuals working in this field rely on their science-based foundation to provide clients with actionable advice that improves their overall well-being.
Common careers in nutritional science include:
- Dietary Technician
- Nutritionist
- Health Coach
- Physical Trainer
The health sciences degree program curriculum can be customized to suit the needs of individuals looking to pursue a career in nutritional science, allowing students to develop a broad foundation in science and specialized skills.
Clinical Dietitian Careers
A clinical dietitian is a skilled professional who works in a clinical setting to develop a food and nutrition program for patients. Clinical dietitians, for instance, often seek employment at hospitals, where they can create healthy food programs for both patients and their families. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment levels for clinical dietitians are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2022 and 2032.
Health Care Social Work Careers
Health care social workers serve as patient advocates in a variety of clinical settings. These professionals often work in cooperation with the medical care team to ensure that patients, as well as their family members, are connected to the services they need to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. According to Indeed, health care social workers often work directly with patients to provide emotional support. They also will work to help patients access financial assistance, counseling services and information that will assist them during their treatment or recovery.
Community Health Worker Careers
Community health workers are frontline professionals who work directly with community members to build trust, provide public health care services and promote public health initiatives. Community health professionals also may serve as liaisons between the public and the medical professionals in the community. The broad scope of the health sciences degree program, combined with its emphasis on communication and advocacy, makes this one of the best degree options for individuals interested in pursuing a career in community health.
Pursuing a Degree in Health Sciences
A degree in health sciences will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to launch a dynamic career in this field. Throughout your program, you can customize the curriculum to better align with your personal career goals, but in most cases, you will find that you will need to complete coursework both in the classroom and in the lab.
According to Coursera, the coursework for this degree program will consist primarily of science and mathematics courses but also can include courses such as health care policy, epidemiology, neuroscience, health care management, medical ethics and health equity.
Most degree programs in health sciences also require students to complete an internship program before graduation, allowing them to develop the skills needed to apply their knowledge in a professional setting. The internship you pursue will depend largely on your specialization in the field and should provide you with the experience needed to launch your career after graduation. Common internship opportunities for health sciences students include clinical positions at hospitals, administrative positions at public health organizations or international health work sites.
Overview of Associate, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate Degrees in Health Sciences
Students interested in health sciences will find they can pursue a degree at any level.
- An associate degree in health sciences is typically a two-year program designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to secure entry-level positions in the field, such as medical technology or dental hygiene.
- A bachelor's degree in health sciences is a four-year degree program that allows graduates to specialize in a specific area of health sciences or pursue a pre-professional path. Graduates may find work in health education, corporate wellness or fitness, or they may go on to pursue advanced degrees in dentistry, physical therapy or pharmaceuticals.
- A master's degree in health sciences is a graduate degree program that provides graduates with advanced knowledge and a well-developed skill set that allows them to pursue higher-level positions in the field. Within the master's degree program, students often choose a concentration to focus on, such as health information or sports medicine.
- A doctorate degree in health sciences consists of advanced coursework and independent research, often preparing students for upper-level professional positions or a career in academia.
Earn Your Health Science Degree from The University of Memphis Global
At UofM Global, we offer health science degree programs that allow you to develop the knowledge and skills required to design health initiatives, evaluate existing public health protocols and promote healthy behaviors among a target population. This versatile field of study allows you to customize the curriculum to align with your career goals.
Request more information about how our degree programs can help you launch a career in health science.
Sources
https://healthsciences.nova.edu/academics/masters/health-science/index.html
https://sph.umich.edu/admissions/programs-degrees/doctoral/degrees-and-requirements.html
https://www.bestcolleges.com/healthcare/associate/health-science
https://www.healthcarepathway.com/health-care-careers/diagnostic-services/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/biotechnology
https://www.publichealthonline.org/health-sciences/
https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/health-science-career-pathways
https://www.asvabprogram.com/career-cluster-pathway-12
https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/allied-health-professions/community-health-worker/