December 30, 2022 / By Bob Williams
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the health care industry is projected to grow at a rate of 19 percent through 2024. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. As baby boomers continue to age, the need for more medical services will continue to grow.
A Health Sciences degree can provide students with a broad range of career options. They may pursue non-clinical positions, which require knowledge of the healthcare industry and skills in leadership and management. Depending on their goals, they can also advance to more advanced positions, such as administration and research.
Some health sciences degrees offer a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their program to their long-term career goals. For example, a student who is interested in research may want to explore a research track, which provides an opportunity to study biomedical science and epidemiology. Students with an interest in public health may choose a program that covers global public health. Other types of programs include preventative health coursework, which complements material on the treatment of disease.
Students who choose to complete a Health Sciences degree are well-prepared to enter the job market. Whether students plan to work in a laboratory, administrative, or clinical setting, they can learn about the history of diseases, how to develop educational strategies for healthcare professionals, and how to lead in a clinical environment.
In addition to providing an excellent foundation for entry-level jobs, a health sciences degree can help prepare students for further study in a graduate school program. Some courses in the health science degree Health Sciences curriculum will meet prerequisites for many master’s degree programs, such as biostatistics, psychology, and sociology. Also, a strong performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will be required for most health-related master’s degree programs.
In addition to offering an array of career options, a Health Sciences degree can help students gain access to a variety of scholarships. These programs are offered at public and private universities. There are also options for online study.
Many health-related professional certifications and licenses are required to practice in the field. Licenses are typically issued by the state. Professional certifications include Registered Health Coach, Chronic Care Professional, and Registered Occupational Therapist. If a student plans to work in a clinical setting, a physician’s license is required.
In addition to working in a hospital or other health-related organization, health science majors can also seek careers in public policy, education, counseling, and administration. Whether they want to make a positive impact on health care, improve access to care, or reduce the cost of health care, a health sciences degree can help them achieve their goal.
Students with an interest in the study of human behavior and wellness can find a health science degree to be a natural fit. Students with analytical and leadership skills are ideal candidates. By gaining knowledge about the underlying causes of disease and preventing disorders, health science majors are prepared to make an impact on the world.
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