Starting out in any educational path often brings a certain degree of well… uncertainty! There are so many choices available, things to consider, and the mounting pressure of finding a career that you really love. Luckily, there is a wide range of health science degree career options available to students and new graduates, many of which are found right here on AlliedTravelCareers.com! Today, we’ll take a look at these different opportunities and discuss ways to prepare.
Although it is very broad, choosing health sciences as your major at the allied health school of your choice is actually a very good move. The interdisciplinary healthcare field is increasingly large, robust, and versatile, so finding a niche you’re passionate about is very possible. Whether you are a general assistant to a medical team or elect for a more specialized and advanced degree, you can’t go wrong with allied health.
Jobs are available in all sorts of different settings including schools, hospitals, non-profits, urgent care clinics, and even government agencies. Clearly, there are many health science degree career options out there!
Health Science Degree Career Options
So what’s involved with a health science degree exactly? The goal of professionals in this field is primarily to deliver quality care to patients, no matter their circumstance. Entering this field requires aptitudes in the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in order to truly excel. At times, health science majors find themselves dealing with alternative medicine or even spiritual healing arts such as tai chi, yoga, or acupuncture.
Generally speaking, the main health science degree career options include the following paths:
Therapeutic Services
Professionals in this field help patients to heal or work through specific conditions over varying lengths of time. Occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists all fit into this category. Next, the main duties of professionals in this path include providing direct care and treatments plans, in addition to counseling and educating patients about their conditions.
Diagnostic Services
Moving into the more technological side of things, taking this path entails the diagnosing and monitoring of new and existing health conditions. Career examples include jobs as Mammography Technologists, Echo Technicians, or Phlebotomists. Overall, health science degree career options in diagnostic services require lots technical knowledge and an enjoyment of mathematics and engineering!
Support Services
As mentioned earlier, those in allied health support service roles will often work with larger medical teams in assistive type roles. Their primary responsibilities often involve supporting primary care providers and patients in a range of healthcare areas. Professionals can often find themselves working in psychiatric roles, home health situations, and even as licensed clinical social workers.
Health Informatics
For those who have a serious knack for technology and more administrative or management roles, exploring allied health careers in health informatics is the way to go! According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this field involves the interdisciplinary study of design, development, and application of information technology (IT) innovations in health care services’ delivery, management, and planning. With an increasing number of facilities utilizing technology like Electronic Health Records (EHRs), there is a growing need for technologically-savvy healthcare workers!
Biotech Research and Development
Finally, the last main area of health science degree career options is that of biotechnology research and development. Whether it means studying disease and creating new treatments and antidotes, or just manufacturing medical tools and devices, this field is always expanding. Again, this is a path that requires a significant degree of math and engineering skills, although the opportunities are boundless!
No matter which distinct path you take, the flexibility of these health science degree career options allow for lots of great experience and professional growth.
Are you a student considering allied health or a professional with years of experience already? Share your story in the comments below!
October 15, 2018
A profession relating to health and medical career is a rewarding job but, also a tough one. It is important to know where you are passionate and pursue that dream of yours! Thank you for sharing this helpful information.