01/02/2025
Health Sciences Careers and Work Settings
The health science degree encompasses a variety of fields that reach out into almost all aspects of understanding human health and searching out new methods of improving wellness. From the study of diseases to understanding how social behaviors result in consequences for health, the person with an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree in health science connects the science to real-life applications (U.S. News & World Report).
For health science professionals interested in management roles, healthcare administration offers opportunities to oversee operations, manage facilities, and implement policies as a health services manager. Graduates can explore marketing, education, or work with medical practitioners in government and nonprofits to tackle public health issues such as healthcare access, or they may pursue advanced degrees, including medical school, to expand career options in health-related topics (U.S. News & World Report).
Essentially, the health science professional degree can open a path to those who want to pursue further study into higher-level occupations such as medicine or specialized clinical positions such as physical or occupational therapy (U.S. News & World Report). APUS offers an online health sciences degree that may help students prepare for careers in the medical industry or other technical occupations.
Specializations in Health Science
The health science degree at APUS allows students to concentrate their studies in specialized areas, so the program can be customized to meet career goals. Although the course of study for the health sciences bachelor's degree is comprehensive, students have flexibility to follow their interests through elective courses.
Some of the concentrations within the wellness field, and their respective health sciences degree programs, cater to a range of specialized interests and career goals. Each of these concentrations allows students to tailor their health sciences education to their interests, preparing them for impactful careers in their chosen area of expertise.
This tailored approach deepens their expertise and gives them a competitive edge in addressing complex health concerns. Health science graduates are well-prepared to contribute in diverse healthcare facilities, pursue leadership roles, engage in community health, or implement innovative strategies.
Career Paths in Health Sciences
There are several different career paths for the health sciences major—whether the student pursues an associate's degree, a health sciences bachelor's degree, pre-med studies, advanced degrees (such as a master's degree), or postgraduate certifications. These include clinical and non-clinical career options.
Clinical career paths allow individuals with the bachelor's health sciences degree in health sciences to work directly with healthcare clientele, applying their skills to improve wellness outcomes and provide quality care, and can also possibly serve as a steppingstone for those considering medical school.
On the other hand, non-clinical roles focus on the administrative, analytical, or educational aspects of health care, which are essential for managing health care facilities, analyzing data for informed decision-making, and educating communities.
Additionally, career options center on wellness, emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion, and healthier communities. With a foundation in scientific knowledge, health science graduates can tailor their paths to their interests and strengths, contributing meaningfully to patient care and the broader healthcare system.
Here’s a list of possible career options in the medical and health services field (Mayo Clinic):
Clinical Careers
- Physician Assistant: Physician assistants help doctors and nurses with patient care, including taking medical histories and administering basic procedures.
- Physical Therapist: Helps patients recover from injuries and improve mobility through specialized exercises and treatment plans.
- Occupational Therapist: Assists individuals in developing or regaining the skills needed for daily activities.
- Radiology Technician: Uses imaging technology to assist in diagnosing and treating patients.
- Clinical Laboratory Technician: Conducts tests and analyze samples to help diagnose medical conditions.
- Physical Therapist: Helps patients recover and improve mobility through physical therapy, therapeutic exercises, and treatment plans. Physical therapists work closely with individuals to help them improve the quality of their physical movement.
- Occupational Therapist: Assists patients in developing or recovering the skills needed for daily living and working through occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work closely with individuals to create personalized treatment plans that enhance independence and improve quality of life.
- Radiology Technician: Performs diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, and assist radiologists in analyzing images.
- Respiratory Therapist: Treats patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders and provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks or trauma.
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist: Conducts lab tests to diagnose diseases and monitor patient health.
- Medical Technologist: Analyzes blood, tissues, and other body fluids to help diagnose medical conditions.
- Cardiovascular Technologist: Assists with diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions using specialized imaging equipment.
Administrative and Management Careers
- Health Services Managers: Oversees the daily operations of medical practices, managing administrative tasks and ensuring efficient medical services and patient care (CareerExplorer).
- Healthcare Administrator: Manages health care facilities, overseeing operations, and ensuring efficient delivery of care services.
- Public Health Specialist: Designs and implementing programs to improve the wellness of communities and advocating for health policy changes.
- Health Educator: Teaches people about wellness and preventive practices, often working in schools, community centers, or non-profits as community health workers.
- Health Informatics Specialist: Manages healthcare data and information systems to improve patient care and medical service efficiency.
- Medical Sales Representative: Sells medical equipment or pharmaceuticals to health care providers and facilities (CareerExplorer).
Community and Public Health Careers
- Community Health Worker: Advocates for and educate communities about health issues, connecting people to health care resources.
- Epidemiologist: Studies disease patterns to understand community health concerns and develop strategies to reduce disease and improve wellness outcomes.
- Health Program Coordinator: Develops and manages wellness programs within organizations or communities.
Health Education and Promotion Careers
- Health Educator: Teaches individuals and communities how to live healthier lifestyles through workshops, classes, and public campaigns.
- Wellness Coach: Health sciences graduates work with clients to develop personalized wellness plans that promote physical and mental health, often collaborating with professionals like a mental health counselor to ensure comprehensive care.
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Creates and oversees programs for employees, promoting wellness in the workplace.
Specialized Health Professions
- Genetic Counselor: Provides information and support to families who may be at risk for genetic disorders.
- Orthotist/Prosthetist: Designs and fits medical support devices, such as prosthetics and orthopedic braces.
- Medical Illustrator: Creates visual representations of medical or biological subjects for textbooks, research publications, and educational materials.
Health Informatics and Technology Careers
- Health Informatics Specialist: Manages and analyzes healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care.
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician: Maintains and organizes patient records, ensuring accuracy and security.
- Clinical Data Analyst: Analyzes data from clinical trials to improve research outcomes and healthcare processes.
Research and Laboratory Careers
- Biomedical Researcher: Conducts research to understand diseases and develop new treatments or medical advancements.
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promotes and sells medications to healthcare practitioners, educating them on product benefits.
- Research Scientist: Studies biological processes and develop new medical technologies or treatments.
Alternative Health and Wellness Careers
- Massage Therapist: Uses hands-on techniques to improve clients' physical health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
- Chiropractor: Diagnoses and treats patients with musculoskeletal issues, focusing on spinal alignment and holistic care.
- Acupuncturist: Uses traditional Chinese medicine techniques to relieve pain and promote overall wellness (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
The career opportunities for those with an associate's or bachelor's degree in health sciences are robust, offering a wide range of options. From clinical roles such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiology technicians, and medical technologists to non-clinical paths in healthcare administration, public health, health services managers, and informatics, the field provides pathways tailored to individual interests and skills.
Health sciences graduates with a health sciences bachelor's degree can work in hospitals, research facilities, community organizations, corporate wellness programs, or even pursue roles in policy development and education.
This versatility ensures that professionals with a health science degree can find fulfilling career paths that align with their passion for improving individual and community well-being, all while contributing to the growing and evolving healthcare industry.
Health Sciences Job Outlook
Careers in health sciences make up a significant and rapidly growing industry in the United States economy. Given the array of job options for those with an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or graduate degrees, students may find that the health studies field offers a strong job outlook and positions them well for future opportunities.
According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), the healthcare sector, including medical health services, is projected to add approximately 2.6 million new jobs by 2030, accounting for nearly 16% of all U.S. employment. This growth is largely driven by an aging population, increased access to healthcare services, new technology, and the need to address specific populations (CareerOneStop).
In summary, the future job outlook for majors with a bachelor's in health science is robust and may offer numerous opportunities across diverse healthcare fields, supported by strong industry growth projections.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, a health sciences bachelor's degree—whether acquired in-person or through an online health sciences degree program like that offered at APUS—can prepare students for advanced degrees and open diverse career opportunities in healthcare, research, and management.
The program aims to provide students with foundational healthcare knowledge and skills that may help them pursue entry-level positions in medical and health services.
The career outlook for health science degree holders in the health care field looks well positioned with strong projected growth in healthcare occupations and possibly numerous pathways for career advancement. Note that career growth projections may vary by location, specialization, and economic factors.
Curious to learn more about the different types of careers surrounding health and well-being? Learn about the differences between Health Science Vs. Public Health.
Sources
- American Public University System. "School of Health Sciences."
- CareerExplorer. "What does a healthcare administrator do?"
- CareerOneStop. "Health science career cluster."
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). "Types of complementary and alternative medicine."
- Mayo Clinic. "Explore health care careers: A-Z."
- U.S. News & World Report. "What you can do with a health sciences degree"
