The demand for health science jobs, occupations, and healthcare providers has been on the rise for quite some time now.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a faster than average growth is expected within the next eight years, amounting to 1.9 million new jobs.
This marks a 14% growth rate, which is fantastic news!
However, navigating through the healthcare sector can prove to be difficult. Luckily, we have compiled a filtered list of the top jobs in health science available for everyone who is experiencing trouble in finding their dream career.
So, if you’re wondering:
“What jobs can I get with a health science degree?”
We’ve got you covered.
Take a look at the listing below and continue scrolling further to find out all there is to know about health science.
Health Sciences Definition & What You Should Know
Health science is defined as a discipline that deals with the health of humans and animals.
This discipline is divided into two parts. The first part is the research, study, and knowledge acquisition of health. The second part is implementing said knowledge to improve the overall health of humans and animals. Also, to cure diseases and understand the functions of both humans and animals.
This field combines many different healthcare occupations. Let’s see what type of careers in health science are in store:
Health Science Careers List
There are over 40 healthcare occupations to choose from, all of which require various forms of education.
We’re going to show you a list of eight top-paying health science careers that you can pursue requiring different levels of education:
- Radiation Therapists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Athletic Trainers
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Registered Nurses
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Now, let’s delve deeper into the requirements, responsibilities, and salaries that each of these occupations entails.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Health Science Degree?
If you enjoy learning about the health and well-being of people and animals, then you have surely considered joining the medical sector.
In fact, a health science degree is incredibly broad and flexible, allowing you to gain knowledge on how to improve the quality of life of humans and animals.
The field of science abounds with job opportunities should you choose to pursue a career in this area. Let’s take a look at what types of jobs you can land with a health science degree:
Jobs with Health Science Degree
1. Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists are responsible for administering radiation treatment to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer or other diseases.
These health science degree jobs are experiencing a growth in employment. The BLS estimated about 1,600 new jobs becoming available in the next eight years.
In addition to that, radiation therapists are also one of the higher paying careers with a health science degree in the job market.
They receive a median $41.14 hourly pay or an average of $35.37 per hour, which may or may not include performance-related bonuses.
- Education Requirements: Associate’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 9% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $85,560
- Average Annual Salary: $73,576
Radiation therapists are typical health science jobs, meaning you’ll probably work in physician’s offices, hospitals, or outpatient centers. Working hours are the standard full-time eight-hour shift, five days a week.
To become a radiation therapist, certain states require a valid certificate. Other than that, here is a list of requirements as well as responsibilities:
Requirements:
- Impeccable attention and orientation to detail
- Strong communicative and interpersonal skills
- Excellent physical stamina
- Formidable technical skills
Responsibilities:
- Answer questions and explain treatment plans to patients
- Treat patients and conduct X-rays to determine where treatment is required
- Monitor patients’ reactions to the predetermined treatments
- Check programs and keep track of patients’ treatments
2. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Working as a nuclear medicine technologist, you’ll be responsible for the preparation of radioactive drugs and their administration to various patients for therapeutic and imaging purposes.
The growth rate for these health sciences jobs is solid, with the BLS’s projections estimating about 1,300 new jobs will become available for the next eight years.
Salary expectations are also quite high, with a median hourly pay of $37.48. This makes them one of the better-paying occupations in this field. On average, though, they receive an hourly wage of $30.09, which is slightly above the national average.
- Education Requirements: Associate’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 7% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $77,950
- Average Annual Salary: $62,588
In terms of the working environment, nuclear medicine technologists have similar working hours to radiation therapists — eight hours per day for five days a week.
These health science careers are usually found in hospitals as well as diagnostic laboratories or physicians’ offices, albeit rarely.
Requirements:
- Skills and knowledge to use appropriate technology
- Orientation to detail and strong analytical skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Impeccable physical stamina and compassion
Responsibilities:
- Answer questions and explain the procedures of imaging to the patient
- Ensure machines are working properly with regular checks and upkeep
- Prepare and administer radioactive drugs
- Monitor patient’s health and reactions to radioactive drugs
3. Veterinarians
Veterinarian jobs are one of the best health science degree career options for animal lovers. Not only will you be responsible for providing aid and medical assistance, but you’ll also have the opportunity to care for animals genuinely.
What’s more, the BLS projects one of the highest growth rates for the health sciences sector.
Namely, projections estimate approximately 15,600 new health sciences degree jobs for veterinarians within the next eight years.
In addition to the new opportunities, veterinarians can expect to earn substantial amounts. The median health science salary for veterinarians amounts to $45.90 per hour, while the average wage stands at $40.91 per hour.
- Education Requirements: Doctoral or Professional Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 18% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $95,460
- Average Annual Salary: $85,092
Veterinarians typically work in hospitals, laboratories, zoos, or private clinics. Working hours may vary, and they usually need to be available in cases of emergency.
However, to become a veterinarian, you’d need to obtain a Veterinary Medicine degree and a valid license issued by the state of operation.
And before you decide to look into jobs for this particular health science major, check out the rest of the requirements and responsibilities below:
Requirements:
- Experience with health checks, vaccinations, and surgeries
- Outstanding communication and problem-solving skills
- Genuine love and patience towards animals
- Emergency cases availability
Responsibilities:
- Examine animals, check and evaluate their health status
- Perform surgeries and vaccinate animals
- Diagnose illnesses and prescribe adequate medication
- Keep client records
4. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Technologists and technicians work a bit like assistants by conducting medical tests and diagnosis to help determine the illness or injury of animals.
Similar to veterinarians, the growth rate for these health science associate degree jobs is high, with the BLS reporting as many as 21,100 new jobs to be opened by 2028.
The median hourly pay for this position is $16.98, which is below the national average, while the average hourly pay amounts to $15.59.
- Education Requirements: Associate’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 19% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $35,320
- Average Annual Salary: $32,426
Veterinary technologists and technicians work in animal hospitals, laboratories, or private clinics. Unlike other associates in health science jobs, these are physically demanding and can sometimes be emotionally draining.
Technologists and technicians need to take a credentialing exam and possess a valid license applicable for specific states.
Let’s see what else is needed to become a veterinary technologist and technician:
Requirements:
- Experience as an administrator or a similar role
- Pet ownership or experience with pet animals
- Formidable communication skills, patience, and understanding
- Animal lover with a caring personality
Responsibilities:
- Clean cages, sterilize equipment, clean rooms and tables
- Feed, weigh, bathe, and soothe animals
- Administer prescribed medication and observe the animals’ health and behavior
- Keep logs and records and offer nutrition advice and reassurance to pet owners
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science?
A degree in this field can help you gain the necessary skills to work in various positions in healthcare.
While honing your skills, you’ll be able to acquire the knowledge to participate in every phase, from research and study to implementation and improvement of overall health.
Students have the option to choose a certificate or go for an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.
For Bachelors in health science, there are plenty of career options. Let’s see where you can work and what the requirements and benefits are:
Jobs With a Bachelors in Health Science
5. Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers are responsible for the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of injuries and illnesses to athletes.
These are among the most coveted Bachelor of science jobs. And with the BLS projecting a steady growth rate, it looks like competition for places will intensify.
Namely, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there will be about 5,900 new positions within the next eight years.
Even though the salary is not as lucrative compared to a different health science jobs salary, you’ll still earn substantial amounts and have an opportunity to work with top athletes.
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 19% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $48,440
- Average Annual Salary: $46,474
The work environment for athletic trainers varies depending on the current state of demand. Some trainers work in schools, colleges, and universities, while others work in hospitals, professional sports teams, or fitness centers.
Bachelors in health science can apply for these jobs but will need to meet certain criteria and also own a valid license or certificate.
Requirements:
- Compassion, communication, and strong interpersonal skills
- Passionate, detail-oriented, and attentive
- Strong understanding of injuries, treatments, and proper nutrition
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
Responsibilities:
- Recognize injuries and make assessment and evaluation
- Provide emergency or first aid medical care
- Develop and plan rehabilitation programs for injured athletes
- Implement and carry out various programs to prevent illnesses and injuries
6. Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists specialize in advocating a healthy lifestyle. This means they offer advice to people about health, weight-loss, and eating habits, and help them achieve a specific goal.
The typical educational requirement is a Bachelor’s degree. So, with this health science major, you can freely apply for any open jobs available.
BLS estimates indicate more than 8,000 new jobs will be available within the next eight years.
With a solid median hourly pay of $29.46, or an average of $24.66 per hour, competition for these health science jobs will be fierce, to say the least.
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 11% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $61,270
- Average Annual Salary: $51,291
Dietitians and nutritionists may work in a variety of settings. These occupations are needed in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, among other institutions.
As we’ve stated before, with a bachelor of health science degree, there will be plenty of jobs opportunities, so long as you meet the requirements listed below:
Requirements:
- Understanding and knowledge of human physiology and biochemistry
- Formidable communication, motivational and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and creativity
- Valid license and degree to practice this profession
Responsibilities:
- Assess clients’ health and fitness levels and evaluate dietary needs
- Create personalized nutrition and dietary plans
- Promote healthy lifestyles and educate the public by writing articles
- Help and support clients during their progress
7. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses work with patients on a daily basis by providing care and educating patients about various health conditions.
Just like the other health sciences careers, these jobs are also experiencing substantial growth, as the BLS projects a whopping 371,500 new jobs becoming available by 2028.
This means that each year, about 46,437 new jobs will be opened for applicants.
So, for all those who are asking “can you become a nurse with a health science degree,” the answer is YES. And you won’t even have to worry about looking for a job, as there will be an abundance of opportunities waiting for you once you graduate.
The salary for registered nurses is also solid. Reports suggest a median hourly pay of $35.24, while the average wage stands at $31.67 per hour, not including performance-related bonuses or overtime work.
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 12% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $73,300
- Average Annual Salary: $65,870
Many hospitals and clinics might allow candidates to have an Associate’s degree, but a valid health science certificate is a must for these jobs.
The work environment may also vary for registered nurses. They are needed in almost every institution, starting from hospitals and nursing care facilities to physician’s offices, clinics, schools, and home healthcare services.
Below is a set of requirements everyone needs to meet:
Requirements:
- Valid nursing degree and license
- Patience, understanding, responsibility, and compassion
- Formidable organizational, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills
- Extensive knowledge of safety guidelines as well as health protocols and procedures
Responsibilities:
- Monitor the condition of patients and observe their symptoms
- Collaborate with other nurses and physicians to develop personalized plans
- Care for patients by providing treatments and advice
- Provide medical care and assist surgeons during operations
8. Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians specialize in collecting samples and performing various tests to analyze tissue, body fluids, and other substances.
Those who are on their way to graduate with a health science Bachelor degree in order to apply for these jobs can take their foot off the gas and relieve themselves of the pressure. This is because the BLS estimates about 35,100 new jobs will be available within the next eight years.
However, the salary is not as lucrative as other careers with health science degree. Namely, the median hourly pay of $25,54 is slightly below the national average, while the average hourly wage amounts to $23,37.
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Employment Growth Outlook: 11% by 2028
- Median Annual Salary: $53,120
- Average Annual Salary: $48,611
The typical work environment for lab technologists and technicians is hospitals and medical laboratories with standard working hours — Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Overtime work, as well as night shifts and weekends, are also quite common for these health science jobs.
Requirements:
- Knowledge and expertise in laboratory equipment
- Detail-oriented and incredibly attentive
- Formidable physical stamina
- Dexterity and impeccable precision
Responsibilities:
- Analyze blood, tissue samples, and urine, and document findings
- Operate sophisticated and high-tech laboratory equipment
- Log medical tests, study blood samples and fill-in patients’ medical records
- Discuss findings and results with other physicians
Work Environment
Standard working hours apply for most of these health science occupations, beginning on Monday and ending on Friday.
The work environment is identical, especially for BS in health science jobs. Weekend work and night shifts are rare, but overtime work is pretty common, as it is in many other industries.
Generally, these types of jobs can be found within hospitals, physician’s offices, laboratories, clinics, nursing homes, sports teams, fitness centers, or outpatient centers.
Most people neglect this aspect and are only interested to know what careers are in health science.
But if you want to truly be satisfied and have solid career progress, you should be aware of your surroundings and your workplace.
So, the next time you apply for any available position, make sure to find out where you will be stationed prior to accepting an offer.
Job Outlook
As we outlined earlier, the health science industry is thriving and is set to continue on its course.
Namely, every occupation estimates new openings for the next eight years. These are excellent news for all who are holding a bachelor of health science degree and are looking to start their careers in this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health science field is projected to grow by 14% by 2028.
Athletic trainers and veterinary technologists and technicians are the two occupations with the highest projected growth rate — both at 19%.
Nuclear medicine technologists report the lowest growth rate with 7% for the next eight years.
The substantial growth rate combined with the fantastic health science careers salary makes this field highly coveted, but also highly competitive.
Summary
Finishing college and getting a degree with a higher than average GPA is incredibly challenging to accomplish.
But those trying hard and giving their best may reap the benefit.
The number of health science jobs will increase in the coming years, with the BLS projecting as many as 1.9 million new positions.
With the ever-increasing competition for places comes a need to filter through the thousand job openings to make sure your application doesn’t go unnoticed.
Luckily, we provide precisely what you’re looking for.
Scroll back to the top of this article, and you’ll find an extensive list of the best jobs in the health science sector.
Happy job hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Health Sciences a good degree?
Every degree in any field has its pros and cons. And one cannot say with certainty that a specific degree is either good or bad.
A health science degree can be seen as an outstanding degree for those who enjoy helping other people, as well as animals. In contrast, it may look unflattering to others who enjoy computers or marketing and communication.
That said, the benefits of a health science degree are the following:
– Excellent salary and benefits
– Outstanding job prospects and outlook
– Solid working environment
– Flexibility to work in different settings
How much money do you make in health science?
The amount of money you can make working in this sector will primarily depend on your education levels as well as your skills and qualities.
However, as we pointed out, you can earn as low as $32,426 per year working as a veterinary technologist or technician.
The average annual income for this field, though, amounts to $58,241 or roughly $28 per hour. This does not include any type of performance-related bonuses or overtime work.
If you’re looking for high-earning professions, you might want to consider becoming a veterinarian, as their average annual salary amounts to a whopping $85,092.
What is health science all about?
Health science is all about studying human and animal health, their bodies, and bodily functions.
By conducting research, collecting information, and studying the health of humans and animals, health science can help improve overall health, find ways to cure various diseases and illnesses, and strengthen humans’ and animals’ immune systems.
This is an incredibly broad field, virtually endless. But it only has one aim — to diagnose, heal, and treat injuries and illnesses, and promote health and wellness.
Is health science a hard major?
According to GPA statistics, students who have chosen health science as a major score higher than average.
This means that health science is not a very hard major, considering that most other major degrees have a lower than average GPA.
However, this isn’t a surefire way of determining what is the difficulty group of a health science major.
There are other factors to take into consideration, although stats place the health science major in the top ten easiest degrees to attain.