Careers in the health industry are booming. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that occupations within healthcare will grow 15 percent by the year 2029, much faster than the average for all other industries. Health science is a part of this ever-growing field, with environmental health, healthcare administration, and many other rewarding positions becoming available for health science majors.
But what exactly are these opportunities? Read on, as we explore the different health science career paths that you can pursue with a degree in hand. Whether you choose to study at the associate or bachelor’s level, there are career options for you.
First Thing’s First: What is Health Science?
You may be interested in the medical field because you have a passion for the sciences. Perhaps you studied nutrition or environmental science in high school and enjoyed it. Or, maybe your experience has sparked a passion for the health science field. You may have already worked in health for some time and now want to advance your career. Whatever the reason, you may be thinking about pursuing a health science degree.
Health science differs from basic sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics in that it is directly related to health. It’s in the title. While this type of science focuses on health concerns, it is also a broad area of study that incorporates both natural science and behavioral science.
Health science degree programs combine lab science work with classes that are necessary for understanding all aspects of the field: population health and healthcare administration, as well as the reasons people make unhealthy choices, and health factors – such as environment or genetics – that are outside of our control.
Obvious Career Choices in Healthcare and Health Science
A career-focused school like Goodwin University can offer a health science program that can launch or elevate your career. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide advancement opportunities to entry-level health practitioners as well as to individuals just starting out in the medical field. The career choices upon completion of a health science degree are vast. Some of the most common health science career paths include:
- Community health/public health worker
- Health educator
- Mental health counselor
- Environmental health scientist
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Registered dietician/nutritionist
Of course, these are just a few of the career paths that the health science major can advance you towards. Some of these occupations require clinical training and additional education beyond what a health science bachelor’s degree can offer. Many roles also require special certification. But the health science program is a solid foundation for anyone looking to get started on these exciting career paths.
Unique Opportunities for Health Science Careers
There are many more career choices for those who choose to study health science at the postsecondary level. In fact, there are too many to name. But here are a few unique health science career paths that you may want to consider:
- Behavior analyst
- Healthcare director or administrator
- Hearing aid specialist
- Patient care advocate
- Pharmacy sales representative
- Registered diagnostic medical sonographer
- Registered radiologic technologist
- Research assistant or associate
The Growing Need for Health Science Majors
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is the importance of healthcare and solid healthcare infrastructures. The healthcare industry is changing and growing faster than anyone could have ever predicted. That’s why the BLS expects 2.4 million more jobs to be filled over the next four years.
If you are considering a career in a health-related profession, you may already understand some of the demands that will be required. Prospective health science students should first ask themselves if they are ready for what’s ahead. There should be a desire to work in a service profession. If helping others is a dream of yours, you are off to a good start. Humanitarian motivation is an essential part of the work as a healthcare professional. You should also be the type of person who thrives on problem-solving, working in teams, researching, and analyzing data, since these skills are what employers are looking for in today’s health professionals.
The health science curriculum at Goodwin University offers students a diverse and challenging set of courses, preparing them for a life of service in the health profession. The bachelor’s degree and associate degree programs also offer flexibility for students. We understand that earning a degree while working can be challenging. Classes are offered days, nights, weekends, and online, too, so that you can get into a career you love.
If you are interested in a health science degree, reach out to Goodwin University today. Call us at 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.