Health science is a large field that is a major part of many careers. Online health science degree programs provide students with a solid foundation of the health sciences and prepares students for a wide variety careers in the health care industry. Students develop and build upon essential critical thinking, analysis, decision-making, experimentation, problem solving, research, and logical reasoning skills to lead an interesting and successful career. Read more about online health science degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 2,707 bachelor degrees, 176 master degrees, and 7 doctorate degrees conferred in general health services/allied health/health sciences (1). In 2006, environmental science and protection and health technicians held 37,000 jobs and medical and health services managers held 262,000 jobs (2). According to Payscale.com, individuals with Bachelor of Science degrees in health sciences earned average annual salaries from about $31,000 to $88,000 depending on field and position (3).

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook for health science jobs varies greatly on degree, field and position. Employment of environmental science and protection and health technicians is project to grow much faster than average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing 28% and adding 10,000 new jobs. Medical and health services managers are projected to experience faster than average job growth, increasing 16% and adding 43,000 new jobs (2).

Specialties

Health science is a large field that encompasses many different areas. Students can choose from a variety of different specialties to focus on and lead an interesting career. Health science specialties include environmental health science, allied health, community health, healthcare administration, cardiopulmonary sciences, clinical laboratory sciences, nutrition, physical therapy/movement science, alternative medicine, sonography, healthcare policy and organization, infectious diseases, international public health, health education, emergency and disaster management, health and society, occupational health, practical nursing, health and wellness, respiratory therapy, and health psychology. The specializations are endless and students should choose institutions that offer their desired topic of interest.

What to Expect

Health science degree programs provide students with instruction on the general health concepts and practices. All undergraduate health science degree programs require general education courses in English, composition, mathematics, science, history, and electives. Core coursework varies by program and specialization, but most require courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, ethics, epidemiology, healthcare research, health policy, leadership, occupational health, health administration, and health promotion. Many specializations also require laboratory and clinical experience. Graduate degrees focus on more in-depth study and prepare students for advanced positions such as research and teaching.

The End Result

Health science degrees open the door to a variety of career options in many different fields. Graduate degrees prepare students to transition into higher level positions in many different health science areas. Many health sciences graduates work in public health agencies, hospitals, physicians’ offices, government-funded clinics, insurance companies, medical laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. Careers for health science degree graduates include:

A career in health sciences will be rewarding for individuals who have a strong interest in the health field and enjoy discovering new things. Health science professionals use their educational background and expertise to make a difference in a variety of different fields from community health to hospital administration.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey for Degree: Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences