If you’re interested in the sciences and want to pursue a career that uses science for the greater good, a health science profession might be right for you. Health sciences apply biology, chemistry, and other areas of scientific study to medicine, nutrition, and other healthcare topics.
Should you decide to pursue a health sciences career certificate, multiple job options will be available to you. Learn more about health science professions, what some top-paying health science careers are, and how you can get started in a certificate program.
What Are Health Science Programs?
A career in healthcare sounds appealing to you for multiple reasons. The field is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. By 2029, the number of health science jobs available is expected to increase by 15%. By that time, there will be about 2.4 million more jobs in the healthcare field than there are today[1].
The training requirements vary considerably for health science jobs. Some careers, such as being a dentist or doctor, require many years of school, a doctoral-level degree, and additional training after graduation. Other careers, such as medical assisting or dental assisting, are entry-level and require a career certificate or on-the-job training.
If you’d like to get started working in health care and the health sciences sooner rather than later, it can be worth your time to enroll in a career certificate program. If you enjoy working in the field and want to move up the career ladder, you can always go back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher at a later date.
What Jobs Are in Health Science?
What are some examples of health science careers? Is nursing a health science? You’re probably familiar with some of the most popular types of healthcare careers. Nursing is an example.
Nursing can take multiple forms. The nurses with the highest levels of training are nurse practitioners. They’ve often earned a doctoral degree and have years of experience on the job. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients and, in some areas, can prescribe medications.
Other nursing occupations don’t require nearly as much training or experience. Two entry-level health science jobs for nurses are nursing assistant and licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs perform tasks such as monitoring patient’s health and changing bandages. They work under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or doctor and report any issues or concerns to their supervisor. Nursing assistants can take patients’ vital signs and help ensure their comfort.
Nursing isn’t the only option for people interested in a career in health science. You don’t even have to work directly with patients to work in the health sciences. Examples of other health science jobs and career certificate programs include:
Medical coding and billing
- Massage therapist
- Massage therapist
- Pharmacy technician
- Health unit coordinator
- Surgical technician
How Do You Get an Entry-Level Health Science Job?
Most health science careers require you to complete a post-secondary certificate program before you can get started. Depending on the job you choose, you might also have to pass a licensure exam to earn a certification or license.
A career certificate program is meant to give you the skills you need to succeed on the job and to successfully pass the licensure exam related to the profession you choose.
Once you have your license or required certification, you can apply for open positions in your chosen occupation. While the healthcare field as a whole is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, some professions in the field are likely to have more openings and opportunities than others, so might be easier to find a job in some careers than in others.
Enroll in a Health Science Career Certificate Program Today
Orange Technical College offers a wide range of career certificate programs in the health sciences field. Our programs are overseen by the Florida Department of Education and uses competency-based exams and other criteria to assess students. Completing a career certificate program at Orange Technical College can be the first step on the path toward a fulfilling and long-lasting career.
Request information to learn more about specific career programs today.
Sources:
- “Healthcare Occupations”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm?view_full