A bachelor’s degree in Health Science is one of the most versatile and transferable degrees you can earn in the healthcare field. Rather than focusing on one specialization, like nursing or occupational therapy, this degree builds a strong foundation in the sciences, public health, healthcare delivery, and more. It enables you to explore a variety of careers and work environments in health and medicine.

So whether you’re interested in hands-on clinical care, medical research, patient advocacy, or leadership roles, rest assured: There is a lot you can do with a bachelor’s in Health Science.

Let’s explore your options below.

8 job opportunities with a bachelor’s in Health Science

1. Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist studies the patterns of disease to help prevent their spread. As such, they play an important role in public health and keeping communities safe.

Epidemiologists spend their days collecting and analyzing data related to disease or other health outbreaks. They research risk factors, analyze patterns, and help to guide decisions and responses related to public health. For example, epidemiologists can influence decisions like social isolation and distancing. Often, these professionals work in government agencies, hospitals, research facilities, and universities. They help communities prepare for and respond to infectious diseases, illness trends, and other threats to public health.

Epidemiologists can expect to make a very comfortable salary, with the median pay in the United States falling around $83,980 annually.

2. Healthcare administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients receive safe, efficient, and high-quality care.

On a daily basis, healthcare administrators can be found setting organizational goals, managing budgets, creating work schedules, creating policies, ensuring compliance, as well as hiring and supervising staff. Simply put, they coordinate the day-to-day operations and play a key role in keeping a healthcare facility afloat. Their primary goal is to ensure patients receive top-tier care, the facility meets regulatory requirements, and healthcare teams are supported. This, all combined, ensures their organization runs smoothly and effectively.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for healthcare administrators is high at $117,960 annually, as of May 2024.

3. Health Informatics Specialist

Health informatics specialists use data, technology, and information systems to improve the way that healthcare is delivered. Their job leans more on the technical, behind-the-scenes side of healthcare, but remains critical for patient care.

In health informatics, specialists will spend most of their time analyzing patient data and developing digital solutions that support clinical decisions. For example, they may design and maintain electronic health records (EHRs), as well as educate staff on how to implement and use them accurately.

Health informatics specialists work at the intersection of healthcare and IT. They help organizations improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes through their digital solutions and data management. As such, they tend to have a high salary potential, between $67,000 and over $100,000 annually.

4. Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply mathematical and statistical methods to health and medical research. Their goal is to use their findings to help answer important and complex questions in health and medicine.

Biostatistician careers are also very technical. These professionals design studies, analyze large data sets, and interpret results into meaningful insights. These, in turn, can be used to improve patient care, guide public health decisions, and advance scientific research as a whole. For example, the work of biostatisticians can be applied to clinical trials, genetic research, environmental health studies, and more.

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a specific category for biostatisticians, it reports that the median annual wage for statisticians is currently around $103,300 (as of May 2024).

5. Community health specialist

A community health specialist plays a key role in public health, working directly with people to promote health and wellness and increase their access to health resources. Their work combines community education, outreach, and program development to help increase the quality of life within certain populations.

Community health specialists’ primary role is to evaluate needs within specific communities. They can then create health programs and plans to meet these needs, whether it’s increased education around preventative health, nutrition, and more. Community health specialists also facilitate access to health resources within communities, whether that’s for substance abuse, maternal health, vaccinations, or another specific and hard-to-reach need.

The BLS reports that community health specialists earn around $51,000 annually, with potential for higher pay in certain work environments, like hospitals and dental settings.

6. Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologists are a type of clinical laboratory technologist who specifically study cells. These professionals can be found behind the microscope, analyzing cells for abnormalities that may indicate infection or disease.

Cytotechnologists are extremely important to healthcare as a whole, as they play a crucial role in the diagnosis of conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders. Their day-to-day job involves preparing and examining cell samples, working closely with pathologists, and helping physicians make timely and accurate decisions regarding patients’ treatment.

Cytotechnologists may work in labs, research centers, diagnostic clinics, hospitals, and more. They can expect to earn around $61,890 per year or more, depending on where they work.

7. Patient care advocate

The healthcare system can be confusing for many people, which is where patient care advocates come into play. Patient care advocates help individuals navigate the healthcare system so that they can access the services, information, and support they need.

Patient care advocates enjoy a patient-facing role, often working in hospitals, private practices, or non-profit organizations and meeting with patients regularly. These professionals ensure patients feel validated, supported, and empowered throughout their healthcare stay. They do this by advocating for their patients’ needs and preferences, as well as answering questions around complex topics like insurance, medical records, and treatment options. Patient care advocates also assist with scheduling and communication with providers, acting as a liaison when needed.

The BLS does not provide specific salary data for patient care advocates, though sources suggest compensation falls between $45,000 and $65,000 annually.

8. Health science writer

A final and unique career path with a bachelor’s in Health Science: a medical writer, technical writer, or health science writer (title depends on where you work).

Health science writers translate complex medical information into clear, digestible content for public or professional audiences. They may write articles about medical breakthroughs, pamphlets or other educational materials for patients, as well as marketing content for healthcare organizations. Their primary goal is to help people at various levels understand health topics, treatments, and scientific developments through careful, accurate, and easy-to-digest content.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers earn a median wage of $91,670 annually, though this will largely depend on where you work. Technical writers in scientific research settings (as implied here) earn upwards of $107,000 annually.

Learn how to start building a health science career you’ll be proud of.

Pathways for advanced degrees

While there are incredible career opportunities you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, you are not limited to direct job entry. Many people choose to go on to pursue an advanced graduate degree to expand their career options further. For example, at Goodwin University, many Health Science graduates go on to pursue their Master’s in Public Health (MPH) to qualify for higher-impact leadership roles. Other graduate degree options might include specialized healthcare fields, like dentistry or occupational therapy.

Pursue your bachelor’s in Health Science at Goodwin

What can you do with a bachelor’s in Health Science? Simply put, you can land a variety of in-demand and high-impact careers in health and medicine.

So, why wait to get started?

Goodwin University offers a comprehensive Health Science bachelor’s degree program, specifically designed to allow students to explore a world of careers within the healthcare field. The bachelor’s degree program offers three separate tracks, giving students the chance to pursue a degree that aligns with their interests and goals. These include:

• Epidemiology
• Healthcare Administration
• Health Informatics

No matter the path, students graduate with the ability to make a real difference in the lives of patients and the health of populations as a whole.

Additionally, they can complete the program in a flexible format and pace. The Bachelor’s in Health Science is offered fully online, in a standard 15-week format or an accelerated, 7-week pace.

Interested in learning more? Contact Goodwin University online today to learn about our various Health Science programs!