[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the U.S. healthcare system with many unforeseen challenges. Qualified medical professionals are in high demand as hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices struggle to meet patients’ needs, leading to unprecedented job growth rates in the healthcare field. If you’re considering earning a health science degree, now is an ideal time to get started.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What can you do with a health science degree? Read on to learn more about career opportunities for graduates and find out what kind of program can help you land your dream job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Health Science?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focusing primarily on health problems and outcomes, this multidisciplinary field also encompasses the natural and behavioral sciences. Health science professionals strive to promote individual and public health by improving the healthcare industry and increasing the quality of care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the demand for both public health workers and innovation in the healthcare industry.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://shs.touro.edu/news/stories/how-the-coronavirus-pandemic-will-impact-health-science-education.php” target=”_blank”]Dr. Laura Hagan[/hen-ui-link], associate director of Touro College’s doctoral program in physical therapy, the pandemic has highlighted the fact that healthcare professionals must be lifelong learners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”There are situations you’re going to face that you would have never dreamed of, and you’re going to have to learn how to manage those cases and those patients and the evolving environment of healthcare,” Hagan says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health science programs let prospective medical professionals explore current practices and transform the healthcare system in preparation for the unknown.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Different Types of Health Science Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]—Associate in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in health science usually takes two years to complete and prepares students for entry-level roles in the field. Programs often feature specializations like pre-nursing, pre-medical lab technician, pre-pharmacy, pre-paramedic, or pre-radiography.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While graduates can find work as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and health information technologists, many go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health science.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”#adn-bsn-careers”]what you can do with an associate degree in health science[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]—Bachelor’s in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in health science prepares students for nonclinical roles in the healthcare industry. Most programs last four years and typically include courses on the U.S. healthcare system, human anatomy, and healthcare management. While some programs feature a generalized curriculum, others let candidates specialize in an area like global health, biomedical sciences, or health education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in a health science degree can pursue a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. The latter takes a technical and scientific approach to the discipline, making it ideal for candidates who want to pursue clinical positions, while the former explores general human service systems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”#adn-bsn-careers”]what you can do with a bachelor’s degree in health science[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]—Master’s in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master of health science can help clinicians, medical administrators, and other healthcare professionals enhance their knowledge and professional prospects. Master’s programs often include courses on epidemiological methods, ethical issues in healthcare, and management principles in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates pursuing a master’s degree in health science can specialize in areas like:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”#grad-degree-careers”]what you can do with a master’s degree in health science[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]—Doctorate in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral-level health science programs teach candidates to implement applied and theoretical principles in real-world healthcare settings. Students examine theories and practices in an effort to drive technological advancements, increase health equity, and improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with a doctorate in health science work as:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What is the difference between a D.H.Sc. and a Ph.D. in health science?[/hen-ui-heading]Students pursuing a Ph.D. in health science complete a dissertation and conduct original research, while D.H.Sc. candidates do not. Ph.D. programs are intended for learners interested in research-based careers, while D.H.Sc. programs prepare students for leadership positions in the healthcare industry.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”#grad-degree-careers”]what you can do with a doctorate in health science[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Health Science Degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”float-right” style=”padding:0 0 20px 0″]—“A degree in health sciences allows individuals numerous lucrative career routes while also making a positive impact on society.” — Summer McGee, Ph.D., [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/health-science/is-a-health-science-degree-worth-it/”]Is a Health Science Degree Worth It?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each type of health science degree presents graduates with slightly different opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree provides the necessary background for entry-level healthcare employees like medical assistants and pharmacy technicians, while a bachelor’s degree may lead to leadership opportunities and higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s-level programs also let students choose a specialization, allowing them to focus their studies on an area like education or global health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with a doctoral degree in the field typically find roles in academia or research, or hold advanced leadership positions in the healthcare industry.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”adn-bsn-careers”]Careers With an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with an associate or bachelor’s degree in health science enjoy a multitude of entry-level opportunities in hospitals, health organizations, nonprofits, and communities, where they take on roles like the following.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical Assistant” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants perform administrative tasks in healthcare facilities such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, and nursing homes. They record and update patients’ files, measure vital signs, prepare medical samples, and schedule appointments. Medical assistants must be adept at using specialized, industry standard software.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Associate degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: While medical assistants are not required to be certified, many employers prefer to hire those with certification. Certification is offered through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.credentialingexcellence.org/” target=”_blank”]Institute for Credentialing Excellence[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$35,850[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Health Information Technician” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health information technicians are responsible for organizing, managing, and coding data. They use systems that arrange patient information for insurance purposes and track treatment history. Most work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other facilities that retain and process medical records.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Associate degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: Certified Professional Coder; Certified Coding Associate; Registered Health Information Technician[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$44,090[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Health Educator and Community Health Worker” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health educators and community health workers provide the public with strategies to improve their health and well-being. While health educators develop, evaluate, and train healthcare workers to implement programs, community health workers interact directly with community members, collecting data and reporting information back to health educators. Health educators and community health workers find work at healthcare facilities, public health departments, and nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: Employers may require certification from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nchec.org/” target=”_blank”]National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cbdce.org/” target=”_blank”]Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $48,140[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technician” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians inspect workplaces to ensure that they adhere to health, safety, and welfare regulations. These technicians create processes and procedures to keep employees healthy and safe. They may develop programs, execute safety protocols, and analyze workplace policies and procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: Although certification is not required, many employers encourage their workers to become certified through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bcsp.org/” target=”_blank”]Board of Certified Safety Professionals[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.abih.org/” target=”_blank”]American Board of Industrial Hygiene[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$72,530[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical and Health Services Manager” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also known as healthcare administrators, medical and health services managers prepare, organize, and implement medical services in hospitals, nursing homes, and group practices. They are responsible for training and recruiting staff members, maintaining financial records, creating and coordinating work schedules, and managing daily activities, either in a department or an entire facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$104,280[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”grad-degree-careers”]Careers With a Graduate Degree in Health Science[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A graduate-level health science degree can lead to a variety of fulfilling careers and increased earning potential. Graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Dietitian and Nutritionist”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate their clients and determine how they can promote good health or manage disease by consuming certain foods and avoiding others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While dietitians and nutritionists perform similar tasks, some pursue the following specialties:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree increases hiring and salary potential[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: State licensure or certification depending on the state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$63,090[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Epidemiologist”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Epidemiologists research infectious diseases and develop strategies to reduce events that negatively impact health. They determine diseases’ origins, collect and analyze information, and manage programs that promote healthy practices. Epidemiologists typically work for universities, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$74,560[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Occupational Therapist”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Occupational therapists help patients physically recover after injury, illness, or surgery. They identify the therapeutic activities needed to help a patient improve or regain bodily functions and create treatment plans. Occupational therapists also help patients with limited or lost functions adapt to their new circumstances.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Master’s degree; a doctoral degree increases hiring and salary potential[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: Occupational therapists must pass the national certification exam administered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcot.org/” target=”_blank”]National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$86,280[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Clinical Research Scientist”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical research scientists conduct research and clinical trials to advance healthcare practices. They design studies that investigate disease causes and prevention, develop standards for the widespread use of medications, create and assess medical devices, and design programs to improve personal and social health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Doctoral degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification: Clinical research scientists who administer drugs must be licensed physicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:$91,510[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Health Science Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is health science a good degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ultimately, this depends on the student’s personal and professional goals. A health science degree can lead to many different roles, making it a good choice for prospective healthcare professionals who want to examine their career options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow by 15% from 2019-29. Thanks to an increased demand for medical services, health science majors can look forward to a positive job market. Annual average salaries in the field range from $30,000 to more than $100,000, depending on position and education level.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read more: [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/health-science/is-a-health-science-degree-worth-it/”]Is a Health Science Degree Worth It?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is health science a difficult major?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That depends on the student. Ambitious learners with solid analytical skills and natural leadership abilities tend to excel in health science programs. Successful candidates are motivated to improve access to quality healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the difference between a health science degree and a public health degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The main difference between a degree in health science and a [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/public-health/”]degree in public health[/hen-ui-link] revolves around the focal point. Health science programs emphasize patient care, administrative skills, and scientific research on health-related topics. Students pursuing a public health degree explore how factors like environment, social factors, and human behavior impact health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What health science jobs are in demand?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a result of an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for healthcare professionals has grown exponentially. Some health science jobs in high demand include occupational therapy assistants, home health aides, and physical therapists.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more, see our guide to the most in-demand jobs in health science.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Jenneh Rishe, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/e_grayscale/v1597686006/experts/Jenneh_Rishe.jpg” img-alt=”Jenneh Rishe, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Jenneh Rishe has been a [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] for 12 years, working in many different specialty areas such as internal medicine, trauma, kidney transplant, oncology, and leukemia/bone marrow transplant. She is the founder of The Endometriosis Coalition, a non-profit organization focused on spreading awareness and promoting reliable education for endometriosis. Jenneh received her BSN from La Salle University, and is currently enrolled in Drexel University’s master of science in nursing education program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]