Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences Worth It?
Health sciences is a diverse field that combines biology, chemistry, social science, health care systems, management, and more to understand how people stay healthy, promote health and wellness, prevent illness, and improve health care policy. Health sciences is a good career if you’re interested in entering the world of health care but don’t want to become a doctor or nurse. However, you still need to pursue higher education and earn the appropriate degree for your goals.
A degree in health sciences can prepare students to pursue many health sciences careers, from clinical and administrative roles to public health and policy-focused positions. Students can also build the foundation to advance to graduate or professional programs in a variety of settings.
5 Reasons to Earn a Health Sciences Degree
A degree in health sciences is a good option for someone who is broadly interested in a health-related career. Here are a few reasons to earn a health sciences degree.
Versatility
A degree in health sciences prepares you for a wide range of health sciences careers. It encompasses study areas like health care, public health, biomedical research, and more. Students can build their foundation in general health topics and then explore specific areas of study. This type of degree can prepare students for careers in clinical, administrative, research, and public health and in settings such as hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit organizations, and more.
Career Stability
Health care is an essential part of everyday life. As such, a job in the health care industry offers great stability. The demand for health care workers is on the rise in clinical and nonclinical roles, including research, administration, and public health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 1.9 million new jobs to open up each year from 2024–2034. Earning a degree in this field means job security and many career options for students.
Working with Diverse Populations
Students in health sciences degree programs learn how biological and social factors combined with cultural and socioeconomic factors affect health outcomes. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, they learn to work with different populations. This helps them develop skills to communicate effectively and provide unique, sensitive care. Many programs emphasize ethics and health equity, as well, and prepare students to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Access to New Technologies
Health care is rapidly evolving with new breakthroughs continuously enhancing the way professionals care for patients. A health sciences degree prepares students to work with these innovations by providing a strong foundation in scientific principles and practical skills. Participating in labs, simulations, and clinical trainings, as well as working with medical equipment, wearable monitoring devices, and diagnostic tools, help prepare students to keep pace with emerging technologies.
Making a Difference in People’s Lives
A degree in health sciences equips students with the knowledge they need to help patients heal and grow through direct care, research, or management. Health science careers can have a variety of effects, from improving individual outcomes to advancing medical knowledge. Many degree programs emphasize empathy, ethics, equity, and social responsibility, training competent professionals that can care for patients with a humanistic approach.
Start Your Career in Health Care with Excelsior
Job security and helping others are some of the many reasons to earn a health sciences degree, but it’s important to remember that many jobs require some education. Many entry-level jobs in health sciences require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. A health sciences degree combines science with care, teaching students to apply laboratory skills in biology alongside topics like psychology, sociology, and health and wellness. To advance in the in-demand allied health field, a bachelor’s degree provides a flexible foundation to advance into a master’s degree.
Excelsior University’s flexible online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is designed for students from any professional background or those exploring a health care career, preparing graduates for a booming job market. The program equips students to help care for the health of individuals and communities while gaining practical knowledge in areas such as state and federal health policies, cultural competence, and strategic approaches to regional health challenges.
Start your journey into the health sciences field by pursuing your degree. Talk to an admissions counselor today.
