Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging of the baby boomer population, and the rise of chronic illnesses, it’s no surprise that the healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing and most significant industries in today’s world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow thirteen percent by 2031, resulting in an average of about 1.9 million openings annually.
With this growth comes the opportunity for individuals passionate about health science and helping others lead happier, healthier, and longer lives to pursue various career options.
Let’s explore five lesser-known examples of health science careers you can pursue after earning a Health Science degree.
What is a Health Science Degree?
Health Science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific research on health-related topics like medicine, nutrition, and environmental health to clinical practice. In doing so, health science professionals work to improve health care for individuals and larger patient populations.
Furthermore, a degree in Health Science guides new and entry-level health professionals in their career journey by offering core science, medical terminology, health and wellness, law and ethics, research methods, and other public health courses.
Many colleges and universities offer both Associate’s and Bachelor’s Health Science degrees, generally consisting of sixty-one credits and one hundred and twenty-two credits, respectively.
Oftentimes, concentrations in specific areas are offered in Health Science degree programs providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen profession. These academic tracks vary, and at Goodwin University, we offer the following academic concentrations:
- Associate degree tracks include:
- Healthcare career exploration
- Associate degree completion
- Transfer and Bachelor’s degree completion
- Bachelor degree tracks include:
- Healthcare Administration
- Epidemiology
Ready to make an impact in the growing world of healthcare? Learn more about Goodwin University’s Health Science degree programs today!
What Careers Can I Pursue With a Degree in Health Science?
Candidates find a wide range of positions in the health science field, from working with patients in clinical settings to fulfilling administrative roles in private practice. It’s an expansive field filled with unique and lesser-known opportunities that can meet an individual’s career interests and goals.
1. Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts help patients with behavioral or developmental challenges like addiction, eating disorders, and other mental health or developmental illnesses like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
They do so by evaluating, designing, and implementing individualized protocols to improve their patients’ skills and applying techniques like positive reinforcement to assist clients in developing new behaviors, modifying existing behaviors, and showing behaviors under specific conditions.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report on behavior analysts specifically, they report that mental health counselors make a median annual wage of $48,520 per year, with the highest ten percent earning more than $77,980.
2. Hearing Aid Specialists
Hearing aid specialists are health science professionals with the training, knowledge, and experience to address the amplification needs of individuals experiencing hearing loss. These individuals:
- Evaluate, administer, and interpret tests of hearing.
- Assess hearing instrument efficacy.
- Take ear impressions.
- Prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
- Select and fit hearing aids for customers.
Hearing aid specialists earn a median annual wage of $59,020 and find work in various settings, including health and personal care retailers, offices of health practitioners, and even general merchandise retailers.
3. Patient Care Advocate
Patient care advocates help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system. They ask questions, write down information, and speak up for their patients to get them the proper care and resources they need.
Through a degree in Health Science, candidates will gain the problem-solving, interpersonal, and organizational skills necessary for this career and develop a strong foundation of empathy and compassion. These are crucial for a successful and fulfilling career as a patient care advocate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health education specialists and community health workers, including patient care advocates, make a median annual salary of $46,590.
4. Registered Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures and examinations on patients by operating magnetic resonance imaging (MRS) scanners which create diagnostic images.
After earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Health Science, many candidates will earn additional licenses or certifications to become radiologic technologists. Candidates should research to learn the requirements of the state they wish to practice in.
Registered radiologic technologists find full-time employment in healthcare facilities and earn a median annual salary of $77,360.
5. Environmental Health Scientist
The last health science career students may not know about is environmental health science. Environmental health scientists research and analyze environmental data to identify how it may impact human health and safety. These scientists detect ecological threats, like water pollution and chemical usage, and develop solutions to protect anyone at risk.
Most environmental scientists need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science or a science-related field, and employment rates are predicted to grow five percent by 2031. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage of an environmental scientist is $76,530.
There are numerous exciting career paths for individuals pursuing a career in health science. And individuals are not strictly bound to paths as health educators, mental health counselors, or occupational therapy assistants. However, those are all worthwhile and possible careers too.
All start by enrolling in a diverse and challenging Health Science program designed to prepare students for a life of service in the health profession. Goodwin University offers day, night, weekend, and online classes to ensure we cater to students’ needs and schedules.
Contact us today to learn more about flexible and affordable degree options and start your journey to a fulfilling career in health science.
We’re ready when you are!