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A bachelor’s degree in health science can lead to various careers in the health field – all careers that have very good job outlook, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A bachelor’s degree in health science can also act as a stepping stone for those interested in advancing their education and pursuing graduate healthcare programs. Learn more about what one can expect from a bachelor’s degree in health science and the future job outlook.
Overview of a Bachelor of Science in Health Science
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Science program is a 4-year program that prepares students for a wide range of healthcare positions. To enroll in a BS in Health Science program, the applicant must have a high school diploma and, in some cases, an associate’s degree in a specific area of study.
Some BS in Health Science programs may allow the student to choose a specific track such as pre-physical therapy, pre-dental hygienist or environmental health, to name just a few. Students may also be required to complete some general education courses.
Courses in the health science program may include patient care, chemistry, physics, community health, healthcare policy and medical terminology. Depending on the program, the student may also be required to complete fieldwork or a supervised internship. There are many online health science programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
For more information about online health science degree programs, see: The Top 10 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs.
What You Can Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science?
Graduates with a BS in Health Science have many opportunities from which to choose. Health science covers a wide range of career options, and graduates of this program may find work in clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, medical laboratories and pharmaceutical facilities. Some jobs graduates may find include:
• Community health educator
• Health services manager
• Pharmaceutical sales rep
• Physical therapist
• Diagnostic medical sonographer
• Registered nurse
• Medical and clinical laboratory technologist
Although many students join the work force after earning their bachelor’s degree, many choose to advance their training and earn a master’s degree. The health science baccalaureate degree provides the necessary training and coursework to make a smooth transition into a graduate program. Many bachelor degree graduates enroll in online graduate programs.
Job Outlook for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries today. Regardless of the chosen career, the healthcare professional experiences a promising job outlook and students with a bachelor’s degree in health science are prepared for jobs that offer excellent wages.
Listed below are the 2013 average annual salaries for some healthcare professions that can be found with a bachelor’s degree in health science as well as the employment growth expected from 2012-2022, as reported by the BLS.
• Health services manager – $90,940 – Twenty-three percent
• Physical therapist – $81,030 – Thirty-six percent
• Medical and clinical laboratory technologist – $58,430 – Fourteen percent
• Diagnostic medical sonographers – $66,410 – Forty-six percent
• Registered nurse – $66,220 – Nineteen percent
• Community health educator – $49,210 – Twenty-one percent
Being a graduate of a health science program offers a variety of career options that provide not only good wages but also the opportunity to do rewarding and challenging work. Combine that with the fact that you’re also helping others and it’s easy to see why so many students are pursuing health science programs.
