Are you wondering about the value of an associate degree in Health Science? This degree is a short and direct path into the healthcare industry. It will prepare you for a variety of different roles, offering exposure to many sectors of the evolving healthcare industry. Throughout this program, you’ll be exposed to courses in psychology, medical technology, holistic health, communications, and even patient care.

An associate degree in Health Science is designed to give you a broad foundation. It’s quick, typically completed in under two years, and offers the flexibility to start work while you’re figuring out exactly where you want to land in your healthcare career.

Interested in seeing what you can do with an associate degree in Health Science? Read on to find out!

Increased demand for healthcare professionals

The healthcare industry is in a phase of rapid growth. Job opportunities in new areas of healthcare continue to emerge, and the need for trained healthcare professionals is stronger than ever. The aging population creates the need for a consistent flow of people passionate about working in the healthcare industry.

A healthcare career is considered one of the most stable career choices. Health science associate degree jobs are plentiful. This degree provides flexibility to succeed in many entry-level positions.

Jobs you could have with an associate degree in Health Science

An associate degree in Health Science can lead to a variety of opportunities for you. Throughout the program, you’ll get to explore different areas of the healthcare industry before settling. Or you might be one of the people who find the perfect fit on the first go.

Jobs for associate degree Health Science graduates include:

1. Clinical assistant

The role of a clinical assistant is often diverse and can vary depending on the environment. You could be doing anything from patient intake to measuring vital signs to prepping exam rooms to handling medical records, or even assisting with basic procedures. This career is popular among people who enjoy hands-on patient care in a busy clinical environment.

Clinical assistants typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on location and experience. You could use this role as a stepping stone to nursing or other clinical careers.

2. Health educator

The position of a health educator can be incredibly fulfilling for many. You’ll get the opportunity to promote wellness in communities. You would act as a guide, an informational resource to help people make informed health decisions. You could work in education for a variety of topics, including but not limited to nutrition, healthy lifestyle, disease prevention, and chronic condition management, among others. Health educations work in clinical, community, or nonprofit settings.

Health educators earn an average salary between $45,000 and $63,000 per year. You’ll want to hone your communication skills. This role often emphasizes preventive care and community wellness.

3. Healthcare administrative staff

The Healthcare administrative staff encompasses a number of positions. Many clinics and hospitals have different people with different responsibilities within their admin staff, including medical records specialists, medical billing and coding professionals, patient insurance specialists, and more. You’ll be responsible for managing paperwork and maintaining compliance on the clinical side and patient sides. This role is typically satisfying for those who enjoy organization.

These positions offer salaries ranging from $40,000 to $55,000 annually. There’s a consistent need for admin staff in the healthcare industry. Jobs are constantly emerging.

4. Patient advocate

As a patient advocate, you’ll work directly with patients. It’ll be your responsibility to support them in navigating the healthcare system by helping them communicate with healthcare providers, understand their treatment options, and connecting patients with additional resources when necessary. This role requires people skills as well as an understanding of the organization that you’re working in.

Patient advocates generally earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on experience and employer.

5. Research technician

The role of a research technician is broad. You’ll be assisting medical professionals with scientific and medical research. This can include data collection, working with laboratory equipment, and supporting researchers in ongoing studies. You’ll work in a hospital, lab, or academic setting. People in this role often contribute to advancements in healthcare and medicine.

Research technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually. This role is also a great place for opportunities to advance through further education or specialized training.

Learn how to start your associate degree in Health Science through Goodwin University

What you learn in an associate Health Science program

Health Science associate degree jobs are plentiful. There are a number of great career options that you’ll be prepared for after earning your degree. You’ll get coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, psychology, ethics, communication, and healthcare systems. The curriculum in this degree gives you a vast foundation of healthcare industry knowledge.

With so many transferable skills, this degree becomes the perfect starting point for your entry into a healthcare career. You’ll gain skills in critical thinking, effective collaboration, and patient communication.

The curriculum in a Health Science associate program often fulfills many of the prerequisite course requirements for advanced healthcare bachelor’s degrees. You could easily enter a nursing degree from this associate’s program. It has the benefit of allowing you to enter the workforce in half the time of a bachelor’s degree while also positioning you well to continue your education when you’re ready.

The academic flexibility and near-immediate employment opportunities make this a popular degree. It’s a great strategic choice if you want to enter the healthcare field, but you’re not exactly sure what part of it you’d like to work in yet.

Certification opportunities and job security

A Health Science associate degree can position you well for further healthcare-specific certifications. You’ll be able to pursue credentials in phlebotomy, medical assisting, surgical technology, and patient care. Additional certifications can increase your job options and earning potential.

The rapidly growing healthcare industry creates a continuous demand for educated healthcare professionals. The more flexibility you have to get certifications and get started, the better your long-term career outlook.

Start your career with an Associate of Health Science at Goodwin University

Apply today to take the first step toward your future in healthcare. An associate degree in Health Science at Goodwin University is designed for students who want a supportive path into the healthcare field.

See how the program at Goodwin University can help you jumpstart your career now. Goodwin University equips you with the skills and confidence needed to move forward in your career. See how our Health Science program can open doors to your future.

Learn more about an Associate Degree in Health Science program at Goodwin University to see if health science is a good career choice for you.