An undergraduate health sciences degree program is a versatile option for students interested in pursuing a number of careers in the medical and health fields. In addition to general education requirements, the concentrations offered in a health sciencse major are available to help in this preparation.
The Health Sciences Degree Overview
In addition to general education requirements, students also complete core courses in biology, sciences, social science, business and administration, and the humanities. The health sciences degree also includes courses for studying global health issues, community health issues, and health and wellness of the individual.
In their first two years, students can typically expect to take such courses as professional writing, biology, chemistry, statistics, health sciences introduction, introduction to critical theory, medical ethics, and global public health. After the first two years, the courses typically include epidemiology, health care systems management, genomics, qualitative and quantitative research, and topics in public health.
Additional Reading: Health Science Degree Courses
Concentrations and Specializations in Health Sciences
In addition to the general education requirements and major coursework, students in many health sciences programs are offered the option to specialize in a particular area of health sciences. These specializations often qualify graduates to work in positions at hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, physician offices and practices, pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, community and public organizations, and government agencies.
In some cases, the specializations within the degree are designed to prepare students for additional coursework and training in a specific medical field. For instance, there are many health science degree programs that offer specializations in pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, and pre-medical. After completing this type of specialization, a graduate degree might be pursued to deliver medical or rehabilitative care. Examples include occupational and physical therapy, athletic trainer, and exercise physiologist. Health sciences graduates might also pursue medical, dental, or veterinary school.
Other concentrations can help to best prepare students for the management and administrative side of the health sciences field. Examples of these types of common concentrations include gerontology, health services administration, recreation management, and community health education. Additional information on health sciences education can be found at the National Consortium for Health Sciences Education website.
Health Science Specializations in the Workplace
Health sciences graduates might choose to work in clinical settings, healthcare administration, public health systems, medical care, or wellness promotion. Examples of positions might include health and wellness counselor, occupational health administrator, human development paraprofessional, health unit coordinator, medical record administrator, and health care administrator.
Overall, the health sciences degree option is a helpful start for many individuals interested in entering into the medical and health fields after graduation. Whether preparing for a graduate or medical degree program or getting started in a health care administration or management job, there is a health sciences specialization that will prepare students to be successful.