What can you do with a health sciences bachelor’s degree?

The broad and flexible bachelor’s degree in health science is a smart choice for anyone who is ready to begin or advance their journey in health care and who want to work in a career helping people.

So, what can you do with a health science degree? Whether you aspire to work directly with patients, engage in research, or manage healthcare facilities, this bachelor’s degree can serve as a robust foundation. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level health care jobs, and many go on to pursue medical school or additional graduate programs to further specialize in their field, significantly expanding their career opportunities and earning potential.

Continue reading to learn more or reach out to us for guidance about your future career with a health sciences bachelor’s degree.

A health sciences bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree designed to provide a thorough introduction to and understanding of health care. Throughout the program, students gain an extensive overview of the healthcare system, including its organization, policies, and ethical considerations. Students also develop or build upon their foundation in biology, anatomy, physiology, and sociology.

Ohio State’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program has a comprehensive curriculum that will provide the knowledge and skills essential for success in a next health care role. Distinctively, students learn firsthand from diverse and multidisciplinary faculty – physicians, nurses, dietitians, and occupational therapists, for example – who will help students tailor their degree and experience to their chosen health sciences career pathway.

Graduates of a health sciences bachelor’s degree are prepared for entry-level roles in a variety of health-related services. The health sciences degree is a great first step to apply for graduate studies and medical school.

For students dreaming of a career in medicine, the health sciences degree is one of the best majors for pre-med. A health sciences degree encompasses a broad range of relevant coursework and experiences designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for medical school. While continuing their education, students will also have opportunities to participate in research projects and additional hands-on experiences, while simultaneously learning from and making connections with faculty and peers in the medical field.

Further, the flexibility of Ohio State’s online health sciences degree allows students to select and add coursework that will best meet the pre-requisites of medical school or another graduate or professional program of their choice.

Graduates with their bachelor’s degree in health sciences are well-positioned to pursue graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy and more.

Health care is rapidly changing. There is a critical need for broadly educated graduates with extensive knowledge of health care and service-related topics. The online bachelor’s degree is flexible and can prepare graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers in the health care field.

With coursework in health promotion and disease prevention, as well as training in medical ethics and insight into health care disparities, health sciences graduates will be prepared for health care jobs that require them to interact with and care for diverse patient populations.

The flexibility of the online health sciences degree at Ohio State is a huge advantage for working students. The program relies on an asynchronous learning model, which means that you can schedule courses around your other commitments and complete projects at times that work best for you.

Additionally, our online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is ranked No. 5 nationally, for best online bachelor’s program by U.S. News & World Report.

The range for health sciences salaries varies depending on if you pursue an entry-level health care administration or sales job right after graduation, or if you decide to pursue a graduate degree.

Health sciences graduates without a professional degree may enjoy careers as medical laboratory technicians or technologists, health educators, health services managers, and additional roles in healthcare administration, sales, and research.

Health care administration jobs

There are several health sciences careers in administration that are great options for those with their bachelor’s in health science. Some notable job titles include:

• Health Education Specialists
• Nursing Home Administrators
• Health Information Management Directors
• Corporate Wellness Specialists
• Public Health Specialists
• Volunteer Managers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health education specialists, for example, can expect to earn over $62,000 a year on average. As you advance through the ranks at your organization in the medical and health services management field, you could earn over $130,000 a year on average.

Medical or pharmaceutical sales jobs

Another health sciences career option for graduates is a medical or pharmaceutical sales role. These roles require technical or scientific knowledge in order to inform and educate others about their products. Medical and pharmaceutical sales jobs could have the following titles:

• Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
• Sales Representatives
• Sales Managers
• Inside Sales Representatives

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and pharmaceutical sales representatives can expect to earn up to $100,000 a year on average.

Health care support and research jobs

Another health sciences career option for graduates is a medical or pharmaceutical sales role. These roles require technical or scientific knowledge in order to inform and educate others about their products. Medical and pharmaceutical sales jobs could have the following titles:

• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Clinical Research Assistants
• Clinical Research Coordinators (entry-level)
• Paramedics

Clinical research assistants and entry-level clinical research coordinators are also great career pathways for graduates with their health sciences degree. In these roles, you will support clinical trials and assist with participant management.

Allied health professions

Health sciences students may also currently hold entry-level careers more directly related to patient care and use this foundational health sciences degree as a way to earn career advancement and flexibility opportunities. Graduates who want to pursue this field but are are new to it may seek additional formal training or certification before stepping into a patient care assistant or aide support role, such as:

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Home Health Aides
• Health care interpreters

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants can expect to earn close to $65,000 a year on average.

Pursuing graduate or professional school

Many bachelor in health sciences graduates choose to attend medical school or another professional program to further their career in areas like medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

The salaries for these careers vary greatly depending on experience, specialization, location, and employer.

As one example, let’s look at Physician Assistant roles. Physician Assistants are medical professionals with graduate-level training (not to be confused with bachelor’s-prepared Certified Medical Assistants). Under supervision, Physician Assistants might perform many of the same healthcare services as a physician and can expect to earn an annual mean wage over $130,000. On the other hand, Family Medicine Physicians – who have attended medical school and earned their M.D. – earn over $240,000 mean annual wage.