You can select from a variety of intriguing clinical and nonclinical occupations as well as employment settings if you have a degree in the health sciences. You can choose the ideal career path by doing some study on health science and the jobs that are associated with it.
In this post, we explain health science and give a list of 24 health science careers in the field, along with information on their average yearly salaries and duties.
What exactly is health science?
The field of health science, which is a division of the healthcare industry, includes several different subjects. It contributes to the health and well-being of people and animals by utilizing disciplines like technology, engineering, science, and communication. Jobs in the health sciences can be found in the public, administrative, and clinical sectors due to their diversity.
Jobs in the health sciences typically call for degrees that also contain training in social science disciplines linked to health, like sociology, epidemiology, and psychology. Students can also enroll in courses on healthcare policy or business.
Where can you find health science professionals?
Professionals in the health sciences might work in a variety of settings. The most typical ones are:
- Clinical settings
- Federal government organizations
- Private organizations
- Insurance firms
- Pharmaceutical businesses
- Consulting companies
- Industrial businesses
- Hospitals
- Charitable organizations
- Centers for outpatient treatment
- Medical practices
- Clinics
What is a health science career?
The study of health and medical concepts using scientific principles is known as health science. The majority of employment in the health sciences sector entails conducting scientific investigation, experimentation, and study in hospital or laboratory settings. This can involve doing clinical operations on patients, running lab equipment, and more. It can also involve studying and testing new pharmaceuticals. A health scientist often has multiple possibilities to choose a job that meets their experience and interests because there are many various career pathways to select from in the field of health science, each of which has specific work duties and specialized abilities.
Health science job prospects and Wages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that by 2030, employment in all healthcare careers will have increased by 16%, which is substantially faster than the median rate for all occupations. A growing older population is expected to create around 2.6 million new jobs in the healthcare sector.
In May 2021, the median annual pay for all occupations was $45,760, while it was $75,040 for medical professionals and technical jobs including registered nurses, dental hygiene technicians, and surgeons. In May 2021, the typical yearly salary for jobs in the healthcare service sector, including home health aides and medical transcriptionists, was $29,880.
Health science careers
The list that follows examines 20 different career roles that can be discovered in health science, their duties, and typical compensation ranges. There will be a distinction between clinical and non-clinical occupations:
Careers in non-clinical health sciences
Working with your hands is not required for a profession in the health sciences. The fields of administration, education, and laboratory work all provide a variety of job options.
1. Health services manager
National average yearly salary: $68,729
Primary responsibilities: A health services manager in a health science career is in charge of monitoring how well hospitals, clinics, or medical offices are operating. In larger institutions, they may also be in command of a particular division. They can be needed to hire, manage, and teach staff, implement new treatments, look for ways to cut expenses or interact directly with patients.
A master’s program in business management, public health, or health care administration is a requirement for health services administrators.
2. Epidemiologist
National average yearly salary: $73,413
Primary responsibilities: In the field of health science known as public health, epidemiologists are employed. Epidemiologists in a health science career are in charge of determining the causes, modes, and future locations of disease dissemination. This position entails partnering with other public health specialists to conduct tests and educate the public about ways to prevent illnesses.
A master’s degree in public health is the minimal need for an epidemiologist, however, a Ph.D. in disease prevention or public health is highly recommended for success in this field.
3. Public health nurse
National average yearly salary: $64,780
Primary responsibilities: A public health nurse in a health science career implements education programs among the local people while working at the neighborhood level for nonprofit and governmental organizations. A public health nurse’s objective is to employ initiatives to help with disease or sickness prevention.
A public health nurse must possess at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and be a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. They can enroll in public health-focused courses within their bachelor’s degree program. By getting a master’s or doctoral degree in public health, they can also further their careers.
4. A health educator
National average yearly salary: $34,237
Primary responsibilities: An individual who teaches the public about the value of cleanliness and how to avoid spreading infections to others may find employment at a school, hospital, or nursing facility.
A bachelor’s program in public health or health education should be the minimal requirement for a health educator. Some health educators pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized field of health education for advancement in their health science careers.
5. Biomedical equipment technician
National average yearly salary: $53,776
Primary responsibilities: A biomedical equipment technician in a health science career is in charge of identifying medical equipment issues in hospital settings and resolving them so that healthcare providers can continue to use the equipment to treat patients. A thorough understanding of certain medical devices and their functioning is necessary for this role.
An associate degree in engineering or biomedical technology is the minimal requirement for this occupation, however depending on the intricacy of the equipment; one may be able to find employment with only a high school certificate. Consider earning a biomedical technology bachelor’s degree to improve your job or wage possibilities.
6. Biomedical engineer
National average yearly salary: $90,738
Primary responsibilities: A biomedical engineer in a health science career is a medical expert who creates new tools and strategies for enhancing health. Biomedical engineers may create new software to run medical equipment, design and make prostheses for patients, or test brand-new drugs or therapies. In addition to doing research and analyzing data, some biomedical engineers work on novel medical innovations.
7. Research associate
National average yearly salary: $60,531
Primary responsibilities: A research associate is a specialist in gathering information for a study or project. This can entail reading papers published in scholarly and scientific journals, maintaining meticulous records of investigations and tests, and creating materials that scientists can use to share new knowledge with the general public. A lot of research associates in a health science career work in labs or other research settings where they have access to resources including databases, scientific journals, professional networks of healthcare scientists, and opportunities to watch studies being conducted.
8. Pharmaceutical sales representative
National average yearly salary: $79,605
Primary responsibilities: A pharmaceutical sales representative is a salesperson that sells pharmaceuticals to doctor’s offices and hospitals. Pharmaceutical sales agents in a health science career can go to clinics to speak with doctors, provide information about the drugs they sell, and place orders for drugs for hospitals. Many salespeople in the pharmaceutical industry are employed by one particular pharmaceutical company and are well-versed in the drugs they promote.
Jobs in clinical health sciences
Clinical occupations in the health sciences often involve working with patients one-on-one in clinics, hospitals, and offices, but they can also be found in pharmacies, ambulatory care settings, and other settings where they are directly treating people. These can be tough but highly rewarding occupations.
9. Chiropractor
National average yearly salary: $69,530
Primary responsibilities: Both clinical and private practices are used by chiropractors. They talk to patients about their joint and back problems. Chiropractors in a health science career adjust a patient’s joints and bone structure for optimum performance using their in-depth anatomical expertise.
A doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) from an approved chiropractic institution is the minimal educational requirement for this job. This comes after earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.
10. Audiologist
National average yearly salary: $77,991
Primary responsibilities: An audiologist is a clinical expert who focuses on identifying and treating hearing-related disorders. Audiologists in a health science career can make diagnoses, create treatment plans for patients, and, if necessary, refer patients to other professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, for illnesses such as hearing loss and hearing-related abnormalities. To test and treat patients, most audiologists operate in ENT clinics, hospitals, or private audiology firms.
11. Staff pharmacist
National average yearly salary: $133,631
Primary responsibilities: Staff pharmacists in a health science career operate in pharmacies and are responsible for a wide range of duties. They are in charge of organizing prescription orders between medical practices and drug manufacturers. Additionally, they are in charge of maintaining client relations, managing inventories, and doing routine medical procedures like monitoring blood pressure and delivering flu shots.
A staff pharmacist must possess at least an associate degree, while it is advised that those interested in this field earn a bachelor’s degree in a subject like physics or chemistry before applying to pharmacy school.
12. Physician
National average yearly salary: $195,675
Primary responsibilities: A doctor can develop a generalized area of knowledge or specialize in a particular field. Physicians either work in medical practices or on their own. Patients with a range of injuries, illnesses, or health concerns are diagnosed and treated by them. They are in charge of writing prescriptions for patients and working with nurses to give treatments on-site. Medical professionals in a health science career can conduct physical exams, make diagnoses, provide treatments, and, if necessary, refer patients to other specialists. Although many doctors work at clinics and other medical centers, a doctor can also start their independent private practice.
Before enrolling in medical school, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in a human science field for this job. They may spend three to five years in the residency stage after medical school before receiving their complete qualifications.
13. Dentist
National average yearly salary: $179,831
Primary responsibilities: Dentists in a health science career are in charge of diagnosing problems with a patient’s gums and teeth. Additionally, they are in charge of performing common procedures on patients to enhance their oral health, like filling cavities, extracting teeth, and doing root canals.
A doctoral degree in dental surgery, dentistry, or dental medicine is required of a dentist.
14. Anesthesia technician
National average yearly salary: $63,586
Primary responsibilities: In hospitals, anesthesia technicians collaborate with anesthesiologists. Before surgery, they clean and arrange the anesthesia equipment, and they help with patient monitoring as well.
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for this vocation, and there is also a one-year training program. Anesthetic technicians are also able to obtain an associate degree in anesthetic technology.
15. Radiation therapist
National average yearly salary: $94,509
Primary responsibilities: In hospitals, a radiation therapist in a health science career is a member of the oncology team. They administer radiation therapy to people with cancer by handling the radiation equipment. They must also keep track of the kinds of radiation therapy that were given to patients, communicate with them about potential treatment options, and monitor them for any unusual side effects after treatment.
It is advised that a radiation therapist pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate degree in radiation therapy. Before submitting a job application, a radiation therapist has to pass a licensing exam.
16. Registered nurse
National average yearly salary: $88,820
Primary responsibilities: In the course of treating patients, a registered nurse works alongside doctors and other medical specialists. They are in charge of talking with patients, their families, and doctors in addition to giving IVs and taking prescribed drugs. Registered nurses in a health science career can conduct physical examinations on patients, give treatments and drugs to people who are recovering and monitor patient records to make sure they get the right care. The majority of registered nurses also aid in teaching patients’ families how to take care of their health at home.
To work in this field, you must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a certificate from a recognized nursing institution, as well as the ability to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and be licensed as an RN. Consider obtaining a BSN to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
17. Clinical dietitian
National average yearly salary: $63,513
Primary responsibilities: A clinical dietician in a health science career works in healthcare facilities including hospitals. They evaluate patients and go over any illnesses or ailments they may have, like heart disease and diabetes. Then, to preserve and enhance their patient’s health, they put into practice an organized food plan.
A clinical dietitian must be licensed by the state and possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in dietetics or nutrition to work at the clinical level.
18. Paramedic
National average yearly salary: $48,749
Primary responsibilities: Typically, a paramedic in a health science career works for an emergency services division. In addition to doing speedy assessments of patients on the spot, they are also accountable for using detailed life-saving techniques, maintaining patient and spectator calm, and immobilizing patients for transfer to the hospital. Someone who works in the medical field needs to remain composed under pressure.
An associate degree in emergency medical technology or a non-degree certification obtained as part of the training are the two minimum requirements for becoming a paramedic. Certifications and experience levels both contribute to career growth.
19. Nutritionist
National average yearly salary: $55,299
Primary responsibilities: A nutritionist in a health science career can work in a variety of places, such as clinics, hospitals, care facilities, schools, and businesses. They determine a patient’s dietary requirements or limits and work with them to develop a menu that will provide the essential nutrients. The creation of instructional presentations for delivery at schools and other venues may also fall under the purview of nutritionists.
A nutritionist should possess at least a Bachelor of Science in the subject. A master’s degree in nutrition or a closely related field may be necessary for some advanced nutritionist roles.
20. A speech pathologist
National average yearly salary: $90,327
Primary responsibilities: A speech pathologist in a health science career diagnoses speech and swallowing abnormalities in both children and adults while working in medical facilities or private offices. To assist patients in developing their oral communication skills, they employ approaches and therapy strategies.
A master’s program in speech therapy may be helpful for more specialized roles, although a Bachelor of Science in speech therapy is typically required of a speech pathologist.
21. Respiratory care provider
National average yearly salary: $87,062
Primary responsibilities: A respiratory therapist in a health science career diagnoses and treats patients with breathing issues like asthma in hospitals, sleep clinics, and long-term care facilities. They advise patients on breathing strategies and provide them with prescriptions for medicines and inhalers.
The minimum educational requirements for this vocation are an associate degree in respiratory therapy and the CRT designation.
22. Surgical technician
National average yearly salary: $79,398
Primary responsibilities: In a hospital setting, a surgical technician in a health science career assists the surgical team. They set up the operating room, clean and arrange the instruments used in surgery, and support the surgeons as they work. They could also be in charge of sanitizing the operating room following a procedure.
A surgical technician must be certified as a surgical technologist (CST) and hold at least an associate degree or certificate from a school for surgical technologists.
23. A dental assistant
National average yearly salary: $83,951
Primary responsibilities: In a dental practice, a fully qualified dentist works with a dental hygienist. Dental assistants in a health science career take X-rays, clean patients’ teeth, and assist dentists with more complex dental procedures. Associate’s level training in dental hygiene is the bare minimum requirement for this vocation.
24. X-ray technician
National average yearly salary: $57,077
Primary responsibilities: An X-ray technician is a member of the health sciences team who uses X-ray machines to take pictures of a patient’s bones and internal organs. X-ray technicians in a health science career may prepare patients for X-ray operations, handle X-ray machines to check for fractured bones or malfunctioning organs, and convey results to doctors to aid in diagnosis. The majority of X-ray technologists work in healthcare facilities, emergency departments, or other medical settings that employ X-ray technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, health science careers offer a diverse range of opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and advancing the field of healthcare. Whether you aspire to be a healthcare professional directly involved in patient care, a researcher seeking innovative solutions, or a public health advocate working to improve population health, the field of health science provides a multitude of fulfilling career paths. The demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, offering stability and job security.
Moreover, the ever-evolving nature of health science ensures that there are ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Pursuing a career in health science allows you to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, tackle challenging healthcare issues, and be part of a field that continuously pushes the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. By combining your passion for science and healthcare, you can embark on a rewarding journey that positively impacts the lives of others and makes a lasting difference in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about health science careers
- What are some common health science careers?
Common health science careers include physician, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical laboratory scientist, epidemiologist, health educator, and healthcare administrator, among others.
- What education and training are required for health science careers?
The educational requirements vary depending on the specific career path. Most health science careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, while others may require advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctoral degree. Additionally, professional licensure or certification may be required for certain careers, such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
- What skills are important for success in health science careers?
Key skills for success in health science careers include strong scientific knowledge and analytical abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, empathy and compassion, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- What are the job prospects for health science careers?
The job prospects for health science careers are generally positive due to the growing demand for healthcare services. Factors such as an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and an increased focus on preventive care contribute to the strong job outlook in this field.
- Can I specialize in a specific area within health science?
Yes, health science offers various opportunities for specialization. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, oncology, public health, clinical research, or health informatics, among others. Specialization allows you to develop expertise in a particular area and pursue career paths that align with your passion and interests.