10 Popular Careers for Health Sciences Graduates

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) from the University of Cincinnati Online has become an asset for those seeking diverse and rewarding health sciences careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,

“Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations”.

UC Online’s BSHS program equips students with a strong foundation in health sciences, setting them on a path to making a positive impact on the healthcare industry. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce immediately after completing your degree or aspire to pursue advanced studies, the BSHS program offers a wide range of possibilities for your career.

Key Takeaways

• • Diverse Career Paths: Health science offers a wide range of career options, from clinical roles like physical therapy to administrative positions like healthcare management.
  • High Demand and Growth: Many health science careers are experiencing rapid growth due to an aging population and increased focus on health and wellness, leading to job stability and attractive salaries.
  • Education and Skill Requirements: Careers in health science often require specific degrees or certifications, with pathways availably for various educational backgrounds, allowing individuals to enter the field at multiple levels.

Health Science Settings

Professionals in the field of health sciences are integral to every aspect of community well-being, leveraging their expertise and specialties to ensure individuals receive timely and optimal care. As a result, these experts discover fulfilling career opportunities in an array of contexts, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics and Outpatient Facilities
• Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
• Public Health Departments
• Research Institutions
• Health Insurance Companies
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Community Health Organizations
• Mental Health Facilities
• Educational Institutions
• Healthcare IT Companies
• Corporate Wellness Programs
• Pharmacy Settings
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Government Agencies

10 Popular Career Opportunities with a BSHS Degree

Healthcare Administration and Management

Average Salary: Healthcare administrators, clinical managers, and health information managers can earn salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on experience and location.

Duties: Graduates in this field oversee healthcare facilities, ensuring they run efficiently. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, and implement policies and procedures to maintain high-quality patient care. Healthcare administrators may also be responsible for strategic planning and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Average Salary: Clinical research coordinators typically earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

Duties: As a clinical research coordinator, you will be involved in the planning and execution of medical research studies. This includes ensuring compliance with research protocols, recruiting and screening participants, managing data collection and analysis, and maintaining accurate records. Your work will contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of new treatments.

Public Health Specialist

Average Salary: Public health specialists can earn salaries ranging from $45,000 to $90,000 or more, depending on their role and experience.

Duties: Public health specialists focus on improving community and population health. They work in areas such as epidemiology, health education, and community health. Duties may include designing and implementing public health initiatives, creating health education programs, analyzing health trends, and using data to inform policy decisions that enhance public health.

Healthcare Sales and Marketing

Average Salary: Salaries in healthcare sales and marketing vary widely based on the specific role and commission structures. Professionals can earn from $60,000 to well over $100,000 annually.

Duties: Healthcare sales and marketing professionals promote healthcare products and services. This includes pharmaceutical sales, medical device marketing, and health insurance sales. They must have a deep understanding of healthcare, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain client relationships. Their efforts help bring important healthcare solutions to the market.

Healthcare Informatics

Average Salary: Salaries for healthcare informatics professionals range from $60,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on the role and location.

Duties: Healthcare informatics specialists manage and analyze healthcare data to ensure the secure and efficient use of electronic health records and data systems. They may work as healthcare data analysts, clinical informatics specialists, or health information technicians. Their responsibilities include data management, system optimization, and ensuring compliance with data security regulations in healthcare settings.

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)

Average Salary: The median annual wage for occupational therapist assistants was around $62,940 as of 2020.

Duties: OTAs work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients regain and improve their daily living skills. They assist in planning and implementing therapy programs, providing exercises, and tracking progress. OTAs often work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools.

Health Educator

Average Salary: Health educators earned a median annual wage of approximately $56,500 as of 2020.

Duties: Health educators focus on promoting wellness and healthy behaviors within communities. They design and implement educational programs and materials, conduct workshops, and work with diverse populations to address specific health concerns. Health educators play a vital role in preventing diseases and improving overall community health.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Average Salary: The median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians was about $54,180 as of 2020.

Duties: MLTs perform various laboratory tests to assist in diagnosing diseases and medical conditions. They collect samples, run tests, and analyze results. MLTs work in clinical laboratories in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, contributing to patient care by providing accurate and timely lab data.

Patient Navigator

Average Salary: Salaries for patient navigators can vary widely, but they often earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year.

Duties: Patient navigators help patients navigate the complex healthcare system. They assist individuals in understanding their medical options, scheduling appointments, and accessing necessary resources. Patient navigators play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Average Salary: Rehabilitation counselors earned a median annual wage of approximately $35,950 as of 2020.

Duties: Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve independence and improve their quality of life. They assess clients’ needs, develop rehabilitation plans, provide counseling and support, and connect clients with relevant services and resources. Rehabilitation counselors can work in settings such as rehabilitation centers, schools, and government agencies.

Continuing Your Education

While a BSHS degree offers a wealth of career opportunities, many graduates choose to further their education by pursuing advanced degrees. Here are some options for those looking to enhance their skills and expand their career horizons:

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): For those interested in healthcare leadership and management, an MHA provides advanced knowledge in healthcare systems, finance, and strategic planning. This degree can lead to executive roles in healthcare organizations.

Master of Science in Health Informatics: Health informatics programs focus on healthcare data management, electronic health records, and healthcare IT. Graduates can pursue careers in health information management and healthcare data analysis.

Master of Science in Clinical Research: This program is ideal for those who want to delve deeper into clinical research. Graduates can become clinical research scientists, principal investigators, or research directors, contributing to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

Master of Public Health (MPH): An MPH degree opens doors to leadership positions in public health agencies, policy development, and global health initiatives. Graduates can work on solving public health challenges on a larger scale.

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DO): If you aspire to become a physical therapist, a BSHS degree is a valuable stepping stone. It provides a strong foundation for medical school, allowing you to pursue a medical career.

Certificate Programs

BSHS graduates can also consider certificate programs in specialized areas such as medical coding, clinical research coordination, healthcare management, or healthcare quality improvement.

These are just some of the career paths and continuing education opportunities that could be available to you. The University of Cincinnati Online’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program not only prepares students for a variety of rewarding healthcare careers but also serves as a launching pad for further educational pursuits.

Whether you choose to enter the workforce after earning your BSHS degree or continue your education, the knowledge and skills gained will enable you to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare industry. The BSHS program opens doors to countless opportunities, allowing you to follow your passion and contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Ready to learn more? Explore our online program to discover how you can achieve your goals with a health science degree from the University of Cincinnati Online; or take the leap in advancing your career and start your application today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular job in health science?

One of the most popular jobs in health science is a healthcare administrator. These professionals oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring they run efficiently and provide high-quality patient care, making it a sought-after role for graduates looking to make an impact in the healthcare sector.

What is the highest-paying job in health science?

The highest-paying jobs in health science typically include roles such as healthcare executives or medical and health services managers, where salaries can exceed $120,000 annually. These positions require strong leadership skills and strategic planning expertise, placing them at the forefront of healthcare management.

What does a health science degree lead to?

A health science degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors, including clinical roles, healthcare management, public health, and research. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in rewarding positions that contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.