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Besides your course textbooks, there are several notable health science journals you may want to read while earning your undergraduate degree. Bachelor’s programs in health science give students a broad-based introduction to healthcare professions (please see: Top 20 Most Affordable Health Science Degree Programs). Coursework will vary wildly from public health and exercise science to health psychology and substance abuse. Health science is a growing, diverse field where you can find jobs in audiology, physical therapy, health informatics, health education, clinical research, athletic training, and more. Studying journals in the health sciences can help you determine which specialty area suits your interests for further study. Investigate the latest literature and research findings in health science by perusing the following academic journals.
American Journal of Public Health
Celebrating over 100 years, the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) is the nation’s oldest health science journal and is dedicated to advancing research and education on pressing global health challenges. The AJPH publishes monthly issues filled with editorials, research manuscripts, and health policy commentaries. Undergraduate students can subscribe for the online, e-Reader, or print version to review diverse viewpoints on major health science issues.
Harvard Health Journal
Harvard Health Journal draws on the health science expertise of over 11,000 physicians and researchers at Harvard Medical School’s 17 affiliated hospitals. Undergraduate students can read about the latest, cutting-edge findings in medical research at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. The 12-month subscription comes with print or online access to study various topics from nutrition and mental health to hypertension and pain management.
Journal of the American Medical Association
Noted as the world’s most widely circulated health science journal, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reaches over 20 million viewers. This international, peer-reviewed journal publishes 48 print/online volumes each year to promote the betterment of public health. Undergraduate students who subscribe can also access free articles via the JAMA Network Reader. There are also separate issues for certain specialties, including neurology, psychiatry, surgery, and dermatology.
Journal of Aging and Health
There’s a high demand in geriatrics as America’s large baby boomer population ages, so reading the Journal of Aging and Health (JAH) could begin a rewarding career. The JAH is published eight times annually to present peer-reviewed articles pertaining to the health of elderly adults. Research will cover all aspects of gerontology, such as nutrition, disease prevention, longevity, and mortality. Many university libraries include the JAH within their online journal database.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
Created in 2012, the Journal of Sport and Health Science (JSHS) is a peer-reviewed research journal bringing together scholars who advance knowledge in sport-related health science. An editorial board at Shanghai University publishes the JSHS to promote original research in sport medicine, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and more. Quarterly issues are available in print or online for undergraduate health science majors interested in sports.
Whether you’re assigned a literature review, planning a research paper, or simply looking to devour more empirical-based information in the health sciences, academic journals are great resources. Reading journals is quite different than reading a newspaper or magazine though. Pay close attention to the title, abstract, introduction, subheadings, and illustrated diagrams to avoid getting lost in medical jargon. Learning how to read health science journals during your undergraduate years will prove an invaluable skill when pursuing graduate training later.
