What Can You Do With a Health Science Degree?

Published on: April 24, 2025

Illustration of four doctors and nurses standing next to each other.

A health science degree offers a clear path into one of today’s fastest-growing industries. Whether you’re drawn to public health, health education or administration, there are numerous careers in health science worth exploring.

So, what can you do with a health science degree? The answer depends on your skills, interests, long-term goals and the role you want to play in healthcare.

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What Is a Health Science Degree?

A bachelor's degree in health science focuses on the scientific, behavioral, social and administrative aspects of healthcare. It combines coursework in biology, public health, anatomy and health education with the flexibility to tailor your studies to specific interests. Some programs offer tracks in community health, pre-professional studies or healthcare management. This degree is often a strong choice for students who want to explore a range of health science professions without committing to a narrow clinical path. It also prepares graduates for advanced degrees in areas like public health, physical therapy or health administration.

Skills You Will Gain In a Health Science Degree Program

A bachelor’s degree in health science builds both technical knowledge and transferable skills that apply across the healthcare field. You’ll learn how to interpret scientific data, understand health trends and communicate complex information clearly. Many programs emphasize research, health education, ethics and systems thinking. You'll also develop problem-solving and collaboration skills that are essential in team-based environments. No matter if you pursue public health, clinical support or administrative roles, these skills prepare you to adapt to the evolving needs of modern healthcare.

Popular Careers in Health Science

Career outlooks for health science graduates are strong, with growing demand across public health, education, administration and clinical support. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare field is projected to see about 1.9 million job openings each year through 2033, driven by industry growth and workforce turnover.

Clinical and Patient-Facing Roles

Many graduates pursue careers in health science that involve direct interaction with patients in diagnostic, therapeutic or support roles. Here are some examples of clinical paths that combine hands-on care with specialized training:

Medical laboratory technician – These technicians perform lab tests that help diagnose and monitor diseases. They handle blood, tissue and other samples using precise equipment and procedures.

Radiologic technologist – Technologists operate imaging tools like X-rays and MRIs to help physicians detect injuries or illness. This role blends technical skill with patient interaction during image preparation.

Physical therapy assistant – PA assistants support patients in regaining movement and managing pain through exercises and mobility work. They follow treatment plans developed by licensed physical therapists.

Occupational therapy assistant – OT assistants work with individuals recovering from injury or illness to build or rebuild daily living skills. They help patients engage in activities that support independence.

Phlebotomist – Phlebotomists draw blood for lab tests, transfusions or donations — often providing reassurance and comfort during the process.

Respiratory therapist – These therapists treat patients with breathing issues using oxygen therapy, inhalation treatments and ventilator support in both acute and chronic care settings.

Non-Clinical Roles

Not all health science professions involve direct patient care. Many graduates apply their knowledge in administrative, educational or analytical settings that support the larger healthcare system:

Health educator – These educators design and deliver programs that promote wellness, disease prevention and healthy behaviors in schools, communities or clinical settings.

Healthcare administrator – Administrators manage operations in hospitals, clinics or long-term care facilities. They oversee budgets, staffing and policy compliance to keep systems running efficiently.

Medical sales representative – These sales reps connect healthcare providers with medical devices, equipment or pharmaceuticals. They use their health science background to explain product benefits and answer technical questions.

Health informatics specialist – Specialists work with electronic health records and data systems to improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery. They help bridge the gap between clinical work and digital tools.

Community health worker – These health workers act as liaisons between communities and health services, helping individuals access care, navigate systems and adopt healthy behaviors.

Public health analyst – Analysts evaluate health trends, programs and policies to improve population health. They often work for government agencies, nonprofits or research organizations.

Research and Laboratory Careers

Some careers in health science focus on research and lab-based work that supports innovation in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. These roles are critical to medical discovery and improving patient outcomes behind the scenes:

Clinical research coordinator – These research coordinators manage the daily logistics of clinical trials, from recruiting participants to tracking data and ensuring compliance with research protocols.

Biomedical research assistant – Research assistants and medical scientists help design and run experiments, collect and analyze data and maintain lab equipment for studies that lead to new medical treatments.

Lab technologist – Technologists perform advanced tests on blood, tissue and other samples using specialized equipment to support disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Additional Pathways With Further Education

Some health science professions require education beyond a bachelor's degree, especially if you want to work in advanced clinical or diagnostic roles. Earning a bachelor's in health science can be an ideal first step — giving you a strong foundation in science and healthcare before moving into a graduate program. With additional schooling and training, you can qualify for specialized careers that come with greater responsibility and direct impact on patient care:

Physician assistant (PA) – PAs must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s-level physician assistant program, which typically takes two years and includes clinical rotations.

Occupational therapist (OT) – OTs need a bachelor’s degree plus a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Graduate programs include coursework and supervised fieldwork.

Physical therapist (PT) – PTs are required to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This path includes a bachelor’s degree with prerequisites and three years of professional study.

Dentist – Dentists complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a four-year dental program leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Specialties may require additional residency training.

Physician – Physicians earn a bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school for four years to receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). After that, they complete a residency program lasting three to seven years.

Pharmacist – Pharmacists complete prerequisite undergraduate courses before entering a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program with clinical training.

Work Settings for Health Science Graduates

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in health science can work in a variety of settings depending on their specialization and career goals. Because careers in health science are so diverse, the work setting often reflects whether the role is clinical, administrative or research-based. Common environments include:

Hospitals

Clinics

Public health departments

Research labs

Nonprofit organizations

Many health science professions also extend into:

Corporate wellness

Insurance

Rehabilitation centers

Educational institutions

The BLS states that healthcare practitioners and technical occupations earned a median annual wage of $83,090 in 2024.

Is a Health Science Degree Right for You?

A health science degree may be a suitable fit if you’re interested in healthcare but want options beyond a traditional clinical role. It’s a solid starting point for students who want flexibility — regardless of whether you're aiming for public health, health education, administration or planning to continue on to graduate school. The interdisciplinary structure means you’ll gain exposure to science, communication and system-level thinking. Simply put, for those seeking a program that builds broad, transferable skills while keeping future paths open, a bachelor's degree in health science is worth considering.

Get Started in a Health Sciences Program Today

A bachelor's degree in health science can lead to a wide range of opportunities, from public health and patient care to research and advanced study. If you're exploring careers in health science, this degree offers the flexibility, skill-building and foundation needed to move forward with confidence.

Discover how an online Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences from Husson University can help you take the next step in your healthcare career. Request more information today!