Health science is a remarkably diverse field, with career opportunities in clinical, nonclinical and administrative roles. As a multidisciplinary field, health sciences brings together business, biology, chemistry, psychology and technology with the goal of improving human health.

A bachelor’s degree in health science may also provide a foundation for pursuing graduate-level education in a more specialized area of healthcare. For example, some students might major in health science with the goal of applying to medical school after graduation.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Just as there are diverse career opportunities within this field, there is also a wide range of potential work settings. As a future health science professional, you may find yourself applying to jobs in any of the following settings:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

• Federal government agencies
• Medical laboratories
• Hospitals and clinics
• Outpatient care facilities and physicians’ offices
• Nonprofit organizations
• Pharmaceutical companies

Now that you have a general understanding of the health science field, there are numerous health science career opportunities to consider as you plan your career pathway.

Health Education Specialist

A health education specialist is a professional who helps others learn about wellness and health promotion. Some health educators work one-on-one with patients and their families, teaching them about diagnoses, treatment options and preventive health. Others focus on creating programs and materials about health matters so that community members have access to health information.

Other health education specialists may work with employees of various organizations. They may encourage employees to adopt healthy habits, or they may recommend health-related changes to the workplace. Fundraising is another potential aspect of this job.

Although specific job responsibilities can vary, health educators may do any of the following:

• Assess health deficits on an individual and community-wide level
• Develop educational health-related materials, programs and events
• Connect people to health resources and information
• Collect and evaluate health-related data and use the findings to improve health services
• Serve as a health advocate for underserved communities and individuals

An aspiring health educator typically needs a bachelor’s degree. There are a variety of bachelor’s degrees that may be acceptable for this role, including a public health degree. Some employers may prefer or require that health education specialists also hold a professional certification and a master’s or doctoral degree.^{(See disclaimer 3)} 

A future health educator can benefit from actively cultivating some of the following skills, which are helpful in this line of work:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Instructional skills 
• Analytical reasoning

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health education specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,860 as of May 2023.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Clinical Laboratory Technician or Technologist

If you’re interested in clinical careers in health science but would prefer a role that doesn't involve much, if any, interaction with patients, then a job as a clinical laboratory technician or technologist may suit you. These professionals play a vital role in performing the medical laboratory tests necessary to diagnose illnesses.

Clinical lab technician and technologist are similar professions, although technologists have more advanced job responsibilities. Technologists can perform more complex laboratory tests and procedures, as well as prepare specimens and handle manual tests. By contrast, technicians largely perform routine lab tests, some of which may be automated.

Clinical laboratory technicians and technologists may perform any of the following specific job tasks:

• Operate laboratory equipment
• Set up, calibrate and maintain all laboratory equipment
• Test samples, such as blood, tissue and urine
• Update patient records with test findings
• Discuss test findings with ordering physicians

It’s typical for both clinical lab technicians and technologists to need a bachelor’s degree, such as a degree in life sciences^{(See disclaimer 5)} (which includes health science). To further their credentials, these professionals may seek certification from an organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Some states require technicians and technologists to be licensed, although licensing requirements can vary from one state to the next.^{(See disclaimer 5 )}

Some important skills and attributes of lab technicians include the following:^{(See disclaimer 5)}

• Attention to detail
• Manual dexterity
• Interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina
• Analytical reasoning

According to the BLS, clinical laboratory technicians and technologists earned a median annual salary of $60,780 as of May 2023.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Medical and Health Services Managers

If you think you might prefer nonclinical health science employment opportunities, you could pursue a career in health administration or management. Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the activities and operation of a department, clinical area or entire facility.

Job responsibilities vary, but may include:

• Establishing the objectives for quality healthcare delivery
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, which are subject to change over time
• Managing departmental or facility budgeting and finances
• Developing work schedules for employees
• Maintaining records on facility services

There is no universal career pathway for an aspiring healthcare manager or administrator. However, it’s typical for these professionals to need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business or a healthcare field. GCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. In addition, some employers may require entry-level work experience in a related role, such as administrative assistant, medical records specialist or financial clerk.^{(See disclaimer 7)} 

To further their credentials, some medical managers may obtain a professional certification, such as a credential from the American Health Information Management Association. In some states, a license may be required.^{(See disclaimer 7)}

Some of the important skills and attributes for this occupation include:^{(See disclaimer 7)}

• Analytical reasoning
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Technical skills
• Leadership ability

According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $110,680 as of May 2023.^{(See disclaimer 8)} This role is not considered an entry-level position.

Grand Canyon University strives to support our students’ career aspirations by offering industry-aligned degree programs in health science. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree is designed for working allied health professionals, with a curriculum that covers everything from healthcare delivery and systems to healthcare regulations and compliance. 

In addition to the BS in Health Sciences degree, GCU is pleased to offer related options. These include the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science degree and the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program.