About Health Sciences

Health sciences is an ever-growing field with a number of sub-fields providing diversity to choose from based on one’s interest. The field primarily focuses equipping Health Science professionals to enhance patient’s health by employing preventive measures. The demand for health care professionals is increasing day by day. Government as well as corporations are on the lookout for health science professionals to provide better healthcare to their employees.

　　The diversity and application of this field sets it apart from other professions. By pursuing this field, not only can you opt for professional clinical career option, but also non-clinical healthcare choices such as health policy, research, medical writing and lab technician. Many non-clinical health care roles revolve around leadership and management. Health Sciences sets you up for career opportunities and further education in medicine, nutrition, dentistry, technician roles or therapy.

　　

Is Health Sciences right for me?

If you have a curious personality with a blend of empathy, then this field is well suited to you. A Health Sciences student is focused on discovering the etiology of different diseases as well as prevention of such diseases. If you enjoy social science courses, then you could opt for therapy focused streams in this field.

　　To make a mark in this field, you should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to make quick and informed decisions. As a health science professional will likely to deal with patients, good communication skills and empathy are other key requirements.

　　

Health Sciences study options and costs

　　An associate degree programme is offered in Health Sciences, which will qualify you for assistant and technician level jobs. Due to the limited flexibility offered by the associate programme most people tend to pursue a bachelor’s degree instead. The bachelor’s programme usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete. The average cost of a Health Science undergraduate programme in the US is $18,000 per year.

　　If you intend to gain expertise in a particular area of health sciences, then there are multiple options available to you at the master’s level. A master’s degree usually takes 2 years to complete and costs around $19,000-40,000 in the US.

　　A PhD in Health Sciences is also offered at many institutions due to this field’s high market demand coupled with the need for more heath science researchers. If you have a passion for research and you enjoy etiological study, then you’re recommended to pursue a PhD in Health Sciences. The scope of research in Health Sciences skyrocketed post-pandemic as countries aim to revamp and strengthen there healthcare systems worldwide. Although financial assistance and scholarships are provided for students seeking doctoral degrees, the cost of a PhD programme is between $28,000 to $55,000. It takes around 3 to 5 years to complete your doctoral degree.

　　

Future outlook

With the emergence of new viruses and health complications, this field is rapidly expanding. Moreover, as population growth continues its upward trend the need for healthcare professionals is only projected to grow faster. In the past 2 years, we have seen the need of Health Science professionals hit an all-time high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 2.6 million jobs openings in healthcare occupations are expected in the next 10 years. The rate of growth for healthcare occupations is double compared to the average of all other occupations!

　　Health science professionals and graduates play a pivotal role in discovering etiologies and symptoms of new underlying conditions currently unknown to the world. This field ticks all the boxes: serving the community, making an impact on the world and providing financial stability.

　　

Career pathways for Health Sciences graduates

　　

Community Health Worker

　　Community health workers provide medical assistance to patients at a community health center or a non-profit organisation. They help community members to get in touch with healthcare resources, provide them health screening and provide medical assistance. Research based work in this field could be based on communicable and non-communicable diseases, their prevention and immunisation.

Occupational Therapist

　　As an occupational therapist, you will help clients improve, maintain and develop life skills needed to live an adequate personal and professional life.

Physical Therapist

　　A physical therapist helps people manage physical pain through various exercises and techniques. They assist injured and ill people to enhance mobility. Physical therapists work with all sorts of patients including injured patients and patients with chronic health conditions. Their job role includes assessing patient’s needs, choosing the right exercise and routine for them, and monitoring patient’s progress.

Prosthetist

　　A prosthetist makes artificial limbs for patients so they can resume their daily activities and lead a normal life as much as possible. The core duties of a prosthetist include evaluating patient’s protheses needs, measurement of patient’s protheses fitting, and repairing prostheses when and if needed.