Is earning your bachelor’s in health sciences worth it?

If you’re a working adult in Ohio or anywhere across the country thinking about your next career move, you may be asking a big question: Is earning a bachelor’s degree in health sciences really worth it? Maybe you’re already in a frontline role and want to advance, or you’re considering a career change into health care but aren’t sure where to start. You might also be wondering how this degree fits into long-term goals like graduate school or a more specialized path.

The answer depends on what you want from your career, and that’s exactly what this guide will unpack. With health care employers across Ohio, the Midwest, and the nation facing ongoing workforce shortages, there is strong demand for professionals who understand both the science of health and the systems that support patient care. A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree can open doors to a wide range of non-licensure roles, help you build on your existing training, and prepare you for advanced study in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant practice, public health, and more.

Below, we’ll break down what a health sciences degree is, the professions it can lead to, how it supports career advancement and graduate school, and why an online program from a respected institution like The Ohio State University is the way to go.

“Health sciences” is a broad, interdisciplinary field that examines how we promote health, prevent disease, and deliver care across populations. A health sciences bachelor’s program typically includes coursework in:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Public and community health 
• Health care systems and policy 
• Health promotion and disease prevention 
• Health communication and education 
• Research methods and evidence-based practice  

Rather than training you for a narrowly defined technical job, this degree provides a broad, foundational understanding of health systems and health care. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for multiple entry-level roles in the health care sector, especially in non-licensure roles focused on education, coordination, advocacy, and support.

Ohio, like much of the country, is experiencing persistent shortages in many health-related occupations. While physicians and nurses often get the most attention, there’s also demand for allied health professionals and community-based roles that support patients and families.

A bachelor’s in health sciences can help you qualify for a variety of positions that typically do not require graduate school, such as:

• Health educator — Develop and deliver programs that teach people how to manage chronic conditions, adopt healthier lifestyles, or navigate the health care system. 
• Community health worker — Work directly in communities to connect individuals and families with resources, support services, and health education. 
• Care coordinator — Help patients move smoothly between providers and settings, making sure they understand their care plans and follow-up needs. 
• Rehabilitation aide or technician — Support physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehab professionals in clinical or outpatient settings. 
• Patient advocate — Assist patients in understanding their options, rights, and responsibilities, and help them overcome barriers to care. 
• Behavioral health support specialist — Work alongside mental health or substance use professionals to support patient care, education, and outreach. 
• Public health program assistant — Contribute to community health initiatives, outreach events, and data collection for public health agencies or nonprofits. 
• Clinical operations support roles — Work in hospitals, clinics, or health systems to help manage quality, safety, compliance, or patient experience.  

For more details on specific job titles and responsibilities, you can explore our related article on what you can do with this degree, which outline additional career possibilities.

If you’re considering earning your bachelor’s degree in health sciences, there’s a good chance you’re already working in health care. Many students come to the program with an associate degree, or with a certificate or professional license—along with completed college coursework—in fields such as:

• Paramedic/EMT 
• Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) 
• Physical therapist assistant (PTA) 
• Medical assistant
• Dental hygienist
• Phlebotomist
• Other allied health roles  

In many of these positions, you may eventually find your career growth limited without a bachelor’s degree. A BS in Health Sciences builds on your existing clinical or technical experience and can unlock broader, more strategic roles in your organization—often with higher earning potential and more regular schedules.

Upon earning your bachelor’s degree in health sciences, you can:

• Become more competitive for leadership or supervisory positions 
• Move into education, training, or patient outreach roles 
• Transition into care coordination, case management, or quality improvement
• Develop the communication, critical thinking, and systems knowledge that employers increasingly expect 

If you’re planning to attend graduate or professional school, this degree can serve as a strong academic foundation, often incorporating the science, research, and health systems knowledge needed for advanced roles.

Many students use a bachelor’s in health sciences as a steppingstone to additional study in:

• Physical therapy (PT)
• Occupational therapy (OT)
• Public health (MPH)
• Health care administration or management
• Physician assistant programs (PA)
• Speech-language pathology (SLP)
• Other clinical or non-clinical graduate programs  

Even in the online bachelor’s program, you can work closely with advisors to select electives that help you meet many prerequisites for these advanced pathways. These electives and pre-professional tracks are available on campus at Ohio State, giving students hands-on, immersive preparation. Additionally, studying health sciences at a research-intensive institution like Ohio State can expose you to faculty expertise, research opportunities, and professional networks that strengthen your graduate applications.

If you decide that a BS in Health Sciences aligns with your goals, the next question is where—and how—to earn it. The Ohio State University is a national leader in health care education, research and clinical care, and it is actively shaping the future of the health care workforce. The online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences offers:

• 100% online format — Complete program coursework from anywhere, without relocating or giving up your current job.
• Top-ranked curriculum — Ohio State’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked among the top in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• Expert faculty — Courses are taught by faculty with real-world interdisciplinary experience, connecting theory to practice. 
• Reputation that matters — As a highly recognized Ohio-based institution, Ohio State’s name carries weight with employers regionally and nationally. 
• Personalized support — A dedicated online enrollment advisor will help guide you through the application process and support you each step of your educational journey.

For many students, and especially working adults in Ohio, the answer is yes. Earning your bachelor’s degree in health sciences can be a smart investment if you’re looking to advance in your current health-related role, pivot into the health care field from another industry, or prepare for graduate or professional school in a health-related discipline. At Ohio State, we’ve designed an online program that fits your schedule while helping you move forward.

Ready to learn more how Ohio State’s online BS in Health Sciences can help you reach your goals? Explore our program today, and take the next step toward your future in health care.