Do you want to work in healthcare, but aren't sure which field to pursue? Maybe you want to keep your options open while in school so you can explore the different possibilities.
If this sounds like you, a bachelor's degree in health science may be the educational path you want to pursue.
In this article, we'll take a look at the different career options you can pursue with a health science degree and answer some related questions you may have.
What Skills Do You Learn with a Health Science Degree?
Health science degree programs teach a broad spectrum of skills that will help you in many different health-related fields. These skills may include:
- understanding of anatomy and physiology
- conducting patient assessments
- administering a variety of treatments
- understanding various approaches to health
- managing patient information
Health science degrees apply scientific principles to healthcare. Students learn to think critically, solve problems, and act as leaders within their chosen field.
All of these skills can be applied to a diverse array of healthcare professions. This enables workers holding a health science degree to move easily from one profession to another as their career interests change.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Health Science Degree?
Health science majors can work in many different fields. We've listed some of the possible job opportunities below.
Paramedic
Paramedics sometimes work in hospitals, but they usually work on ambulances and in fire stations.
They are emergency medical professionals who provide care to acutely sick or injured people using Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists, developing and administering treatment plans to help people with daily activities.
They typically work with handicapped or disabled individuals.
Anesthesia Technician
An anesthesia technician assists and supports an anesthesiologist.
Their job functions include monitoring patients under anesthesia, keeping equipment clean and organized, and helping with patient sedation.
Nutritionist
There are many kinds of nutritionists, such as dietitians, sports nutritionists, and clinical nutritionists.
These professionals have a solid understanding of healthy eating and help their patients learn how to improve their lives and performances with nutrition.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists work closely with dentists, assisting them in providing oral care.
Their job duties include cleaning teeth, identifying the signs of oral disease, and helping patients learn to take better care of their teeth.
Where Do People With Health Science Degrees Work?
Those holding a health science degree can work in many different settings. Many work in hospitals, but others may work in:
- outpatient clinics and doctor's offices
- insurance companies
- medical laboratories
- government organizations
- pharmaceutical companies
Anyone who has a health science degree may also pursue advanced or specialized training to move up in their career.
They could become nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors, and more with the right training, and a health science degree serves as an excellent starting point for these careers.
Can You Enter Medical School with a Health Science Degree?
Yes, as long as you have obtained the necessary prerequisites as part of your degree program.
Every medical school has slightly different requirements, so it's a good idea to find out early on what classes you will need to take while pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Students enter medical school with a wide variety of degrees, though most pursue science or health-related degrees to prepare them for the advanced studies they will be doing in medical school.
Some common degree choices include biology, pre-med, and health science.
All of these degrees will serve you well once you enter medical school, but a health science degree in particular is an excellent choice because it gives you a broad foundation of practical healthcare skills and knowledge.
This foundation will come in handy later as you pursue your medical degree.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Health Science Degree?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of obtaining a health science degree is that it gives you a wonderful variety of career options.
If you are just starting college and hoping to enter a healthcare profession, a health science degree will enable you to pursue many different fields.
You won't be limited to one specific profession since a health science degree qualifies you for many different jobs.
If you are already a healthcare worker, obtaining a health science degree will allow you to move up in your career.
For example, if you are a CNA or an EMT, getting your degree in health science will open up a whole new world of career possibilities to you.
Finally, if your long-term goal is to become a physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, or other top medical professional, a degree in health science will prepare you to excel in medical school.
Explore the Many Options of a Health Science Degree
If you're interested in entering the healthcare field, or moving up in your current career, consider obtaining a bachelor's degree in health science.
Regardless of your specific interests within healthcare, a health science degree will give you a great foundation as you explore the many career possibilities available to you.
