If you’re seeking a career that offers stability, growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, the health sciences may be your next step. With a wide range of exciting career options—from patient care to research—you have the flexibility to find a path that aligns with your interests and goals. Should you pursue a clinical role like medicine or physical therapy? Or would you thrive in health policy or administration? Whether you’re looking to transition into healthcare for the first time or advance within the field, health science careers offer flexible, rewarding pathways tailored to your goals.
The good news is that there’s no single path into a health science career, giving you countless opportunities to shape your own unique journey. “Each student thinks so uniquely about what they want to do,” says Annemarie Sullivan, the Associate Director of the Health Sciences program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “The classes, co-op experiences, and community work really help our students shape their path in ways they don’t always expect at the start.”
While your journey in health sciences can start in many ways, for most, it begins with education and hands-on experience. Whether you’re exploring different career options or already have a specific path in mind, understanding your education and training options is essential.
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Top Health Science Career Pathways For You
Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re interested in healthcare but still figuring out where you fit, a bachelor’s in health sciences offers a broad foundation in clinical principles, health systems, research, and policy. It allows you to explore different career paths while building the skills you need to succeed.
Many students use this degree as a stepping stone to advanced healthcare fields that often require more education, including medicine, dentistry, and physical therapy. However, others can go straight into the workforce depending on the entry-level role. Some common job titles that qualify for direct entry after a bachelor’s degree include:
- Medical assistants
- Phlebotomists
- Medical lab technicians
A bachelor’s degree in health sciences also provides job security. According to job postings data, the top industries that hire health science degree graduates are:
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
- Healthcare support occupations
- Office and administrative support occupations
- Community and social service occupations
- Management occupations
- Personal care and service occupations
- Other
A health sciences degree is not the only bachelor’s degree pathway into these careers. Many students successfully transition into the field with degrees in biology, chemistry, psychology, business administration, and even exercise science. These disciplines offer specialized knowledge that can be leveraged in the same industries and roles as a health science degree.
For example, a bachelor’s degree in exercise science can still lead to roles like a personal trainer or rehabilitation specialist, which are becoming increasingly important roles in healthcare. In fact, according to job postings data the projected salary growth of these positions is 17 percent from 2022 to 2025.
Graduate-Level Degree
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge or expand your career options, earning a graduate degree can be a strategic next step. A master’s degree in a health science field can provide specialized expertise, increase earning potential, and even open doors to leadership roles.
For example, a Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares you for careers in epidemiology, health policy, and healthcare administration. This can be a smart move for anyone who wants to make an impact on a national level. This is supported by job postings data, where public health professionals are in high demand nationwide, but particularly in states like:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Washington
- North Carolina
- Illinois
“We need more public health professionals right now,” Sullivan says. “That’s why our goal is to get these graduates into the workforce as quickly as possible. We literally can’t graduate them fast enough right now.”
Public health isn’t the only graduate degree pathway available for specialization. A master’s in health informatics could be the right fit if you want to develop skills in AI, big data, and digital health systems. As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, a master’s degree in this field is essential for staying competitive and advancing into leadership roles. With expertise in health informatics, professionals can move beyond entry-level positions and take on responsibilities in healthcare analytics, system implementation, and digital transformation initiatives within healthcare organizations.
In fact, according to job posting data, data scientists in healthcare see a significant salary difference based on education level. For instance, those with a bachelor’s earn a median annual salary of $98,200, while those with a master’s earn $113,900 per year.
For some healthcare careers, earning a doctoral degree is necessary to practice at the highest level. A doctorate not only provides specialized expertise but also positions professionals for advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, and research opportunities.
Take physical therapy, for example. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is now the standard degree required to become a licensed physical therapist in the U.S. This advanced program builds on foundational health sciences knowledge with clinical training, biomechanics, and rehabilitation techniques to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve mobility.
Alternative and Accelerated Pathways
Not all healthcare careers require a traditional four-year degree or an advanced graduate education. If you’re looking for a faster entry point into the field, seeking a career transition, or simply want to gain experience before committing to a longer academic program, alternative pathways can provide valuable opportunities to get started in healthcare.
For those eager to enter the workforce quickly, certification programs offer an efficient way to gain specialized skills in clinical and administrative healthcare roles. Many students pursue certifications in emergency medical services or laboratory work to build hands-on experience and explore different career paths. Similarly, associate degree and technical training programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and medical lab sciences provide a structured approach to entering in-demand healthcare professions.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to pivot into healthcare, accelerated programs can help you transition efficiently. Post-baccalaureate health programs provide the prerequisite coursework needed for medical or allied health professions, while accelerated BSN programs allow those with non-nursing degrees to become registered nurses in as little as 12–18 months.
Choosing an alternative pathway doesn’t mean limiting your future opportunities. Many students who start with a certification, technical training, or bridge program later continue their education, using their early experiences as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in the healthcare field.
Whether you’re looking for a faster entry point or transitioning from another field, alternative pathways can help you get there.
How to Choose the Right Path for You
Finding the right career in health sciences means understanding your passions, strengths, and the type of impact you want to make in the field. With so many career paths available, it’s important to take a strategic approach to selecting the best fit for your goals and lifestyle. Below are key factors to consider when making your decision.
Assess Your Interests and Career Goals
Your first step should be evaluating what excites you most about healthcare. Do you want to work directly with patients, contribute to scientific discoveries, improve public health, or optimize healthcare systems through technology? Understanding your motivations will help narrow your options.
“Each student has a unique approach to their career,” Sullivan says. “Some realize through coursework, co-ops, or community involvement that they want to specialize in a certain area, while others discover new interests through hands-on experiences.” If you’re unsure, consider shadowing professionals, engaging in informational interviews, or participating in relevant student organizations to explore different aspects of healthcare.
Determine Your Timeline and Education Commitment
Healthcare careers vary widely in the time investment required. Some professions, like becoming a physician or physical therapist, require years of schooling, while others, such as medical assisting or phlebotomy, allow you to enter the field with shorter certification programs.
“If you need to work full-time while studying, consider a part-time program that allows for flexibility,” says Rebecca Stouff, the Assistant Academic Program Director of the Health Science Bachelor’s program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “It’s better to pace yourself than to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.” Knowing your ideal timeline will help you select a path that aligns with your personal and financial situation.
Gain Real-World Experience to Test Your Interests
One of the best ways to confirm whether a specific discipline or career path is right for you is through direct experience. Internships, co-ops, and clinical rotations not only provide insight into day-to-day responsibilities but can also help clarify whether you’re interested in pursuing further education in a particular field—such as physical therapy versus medicine.
“Even making a commitment for six months in a co-op is better than taking a job after graduation and realizing six months in that it’s not for you,” Stouff says. Real-world exposure can help clarify your interests, refine your goals, and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or graduate programs.
Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Navigating career decisions can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Career advisors, faculty mentors, and alumni networks can provide valuable insights and help you make informed choices. Connecting with professionals in the field through networking events, student organizations, or professional associations can also give you a clearer understanding of different career paths.
“Students aren’t all competing for the same job,” Sullivan says. “They support each other and build strong networks that help them succeed. The relationships they form in school often lead to professional opportunities down the road.” Taking advantage of mentorship and guidance can be a game-changer in finding the right fit for your career in health sciences.
By carefully considering your interests, timeline, real-world experiences, and professional connections, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a fulfilling and sustainable career in health sciences.
Take the First Step in Your Health Science Career
A career in health sciences offers countless possibilities—from direct patient care to research, policy, and leadership. No matter which path you choose, real-world experience and education will set you apart. Northeastern’s experiential learning model provides students with hands-on training, networking opportunities, and career preparation to help them succeed in this dynamic field.
