Health Sciences vs. Nursing: Which Is Right for You?

Published on: April 3, 2025

If you're deciding between a nursing and health sciences degree, it helps to understand what sets them apart. At a glance, both lead to careers in healthcare — but the day-to-day work, training and long-term goals can look very different. While some may ask, “Is nursing a health science?” the better question might be how each degree prepares you for different types of roles in healthcare.

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What Is Health Sciences?

Health sciences is an interdisciplinary field that explores the science of human health and how to improve it. Unlike nursing (which focuses on direct patient care), a health science degree prepares students for roles that support, analyze or manage health systems. Coursework often includes biology, anatomy, public health and health education.

Graduates pursue careers in community health, healthcare administration, research or education. Many also use the degree as a foundation for advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy or medical school.

What Is Nursing?

A nursing degree prepares students for clinical roles that involve direct patient care. Paired with extensive hands-on training, coursework covers anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology and community health.

Most students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which qualifies them to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as registered nurses (RNs). Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics or home health settings — with opportunities to specialize or pursue advanced practice and leadership roles.

Is Nursing Considered a Health Science?

Initially, nursing and health sciences may appear to follow the same academic path. Both cover subjects like anatomy, physiology and public health, and both lead to careers in healthcare. However, their goals and structure differ.

So, is nursing a health science? While nursing certainly draws from health science principles, it also stands as its own discipline. Nursing programs focus on clinical care and licensure, whereas health sciences prepare students for broader roles in research, public health, administration and other non-clinical areas.

Key Differences Between Health Sciences and Nursing

Both degrees lead to careers in healthcare, but they follow different paths. Health sciences offer a broader academic foundation; nursing centers on clinical training, licensure and patient care.

Scope of Practice - Scope of practice refers to the type of work someone is trained and allowed to do in their profession. A nursing degree prepares students to deliver direct patient care, from administering medication to monitoring recovery. Health science degrees, on the other hand, open doors to a wider range of roles that support healthcare behind the scenes. Graduates may work in public health, medical research or health education — fields that focus more on improving systems and outcomes than treating individual patients.
Education and Training - Pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing involves a structured curriculum that combines general education with specialized nursing courses and clinical practice. Students engage in subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, alongside hands-on clinical experiences, to prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and a career as an RN.

In contrast, a bachelor's degree in health sciences offers a broader education that encompasses courses in research methods, biostatistics, public health practices and environmental health. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates for diverse roles in healthcare administration, public health and research, in turn providing flexibility in career paths within the healthcare sector.

Career Flexibility - Nursing and health science degrees both offer pathways into the healthcare field, each with its own scope of career flexibility. A nursing degree primarily prepares graduates for direct patient care roles — such as RNs, who work in hospitals, clinics and other clinical settings. While this path offers specialization opportunities in areas like pediatrics or oncology, the roles are generally centered on patient-facing responsibilities.

A health science degree provides a broader education, equipping graduates for a diverse array of roles beyond direct patient care. These include positions in healthcare administration, public health, medical research and health education. The interdisciplinary nature of health sciences allows for greater adaptability, enabling professionals to transition between various functions within the healthcare system.

Certification and Licensure - To practice as an RN in the United States, individuals must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Licensure requirements can vary by state, with some states imposing additional criteria.

In contrast, health science degrees encompass a broad range of disciplines, each with its own certification and licensure standards. Clinical lab scientists may pursue American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification, while health educators might seek credentials from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Unlike nursing, most roles don’t require a standardized licensure exam, though certifications can boost job prospects and credibility.

Nursing and Health Sciences: Skills Needed for Each Path

Nursing and health sciences require distinct skill sets based on their focus. While nursing emphasizes clinical care, health sciences lean toward research, education and system-level thinking.

Health Sciences

Students in health sciences programs build a broad skill set that prepares them for a wide range of roles outside direct patient care:

Analytical and research skills – Students learn to gather, interpret and apply health data to improve outcomes across populations.

Communication and health education – Programs emphasize how to communicate health information clearly and promote wellness through education.

Public health knowledge – A strong foundation in public health helps graduates address community-level challenges, support prevention strategies and shape policy.

Nursing

Nursing programs focus on practical and interpersonal skills needed for clinical care and fast-paced healthcare settings:

Clinical decision-making – Nursing students are trained to assess conditions, respond quickly and make informed care decisions.

Compassion and patient care – Programs highlight the importance of empathy and supporting patients through all stages of care.

Medical knowledge and technical skills – Students gain hands-on training in procedures, treatments and collaboration in high-pressure clinical environments.

Can You Become a Nurse With a Health Science Degree?

If you're wondering how to become a nurse with a health science degree, this path is possible — but it requires additional steps. A health science degree can be a helpful starting point, especially if you pursue an accelerated BSN program. You’ll still need to complete a nursing-specific program and pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. For students who begin in health sciences and later pivot toward direct patient care, this route offers a streamlined way to build on existing coursework while transitioning into a clinical nursing role.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between nursing and health sciences comes down to how you want to engage with the healthcare field. If you are drawn to direct patient care and want a clear clinical role, nursing may be the right fit. If you’re interested in public health, health education or administrative work, a health science degree offers broader flexibility. Both paths can lead to a fulfilling career, but it's worth considering how your strengths align with each field. Take time to explore each option so you can move forward with confidence in your decision.

Forge Your Path in Healthcare at Husson University

Ready to take the next step toward a career in healthcare? Learn more about the online Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences at Husson University and see how this flexible degree can support your goals.