Top Career Outcomes of a Health Science Degree

Choosing a career path in healthcare is a big decision, and a health science degree offers a unique level of flexibility. What makes it so versatile? According to Rebecca Stouff, the Assistant Academic Program Director of the Health Science Bachelor’s program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences, “Students get to explore a lot of different career avenues through their coursework and exposure to different healthcare settings. So it’s not just preparing someone for one job—it’s about developing a skill set that can be applied in many different ways.”

Whether you’re drawn to direct patient care, advancing medical research, or improving healthcare systems, this degree provides countless ways to make an impact. In this guide, we’ll explore the top career outcomes of a health science degree and why its adaptability makes it a strong choice for aspiring healthcare professionals who want to make a lasting impact.


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6 Career Outcomes of a Health Science Degree

Clinical Care

A health science degree is one of the most common pathways for students pursuing clinical careers, particularly those interested in medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, nursing, and other advanced healthcare fields. “A lot of students choose to major in health science because they’re interested in pre-med and pre-health,” says Annemarie Sullivan, Associate Director of the Health Sciences program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

This is because this degree gives you a strong foundation in patient care, health systems, and medical sciences, which can help you take the next step toward an advanced healthcare career. And for many students, their undergraduate years are meant to gain real-world experience through co-ops, research, and patient care roles to strengthen their applications for graduate programs.

If you’re planning to continue your education, a health science degree can prepare you for roles such as:

  • Physician (MD/DO)
  • Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Occupational Therapist (OTD)
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN)

But you don’t have to wait until graduate school to start working in healthcare. Some students jump into clinical roles right after graduation, gaining valuable experience while deciding on their long-term path. “We also have students who enter into clinical work immediately, without going into a graduate program—whether as medical assistants, lab techs, or paramedics. Some students will add a certification to gain hands-on experience in medical labs or emergency response,” Sullivan says.

Some of these roles can include medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, and paramedics. So whether you plan to continue your education or start working right away, a health science degree gives you the flexibility, experience, and knowledge to thrive in several clinical careers.

Technology

If you’re drawn to the intersection between healthcare and technology, a health science degree can open doors to careers in health informatics and data science. And as healthcare becomes more data-driven, professionals in these fields play a vital role in analyzing trends, improving patient outcomes, and shaping policies.

A bachelor’s degree is often enough to work in health informatics, but a master’s degree often provides a competitive edge, particularly for leadership roles or positions requiring advanced technical skills. In fact, 60 percent of healthcare data scientist roles require a bachelor’s degree, while 30 percent require a master’s, according to job posting data.

This gap could start to close considering the rise of AI and automation in healthcare. “We can have information at our fingertips to make decisions faster,” Sullivan says. “Processes that used to take six months or a year to gather data probably won’t take as long anymore.” As a result, professionals in this field will need both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the healthcare system to aid in predictive analytics and AI-assisted diagnostics.

With technology rapidly evolving, a health science degree can help prepare you for tech roles in healthcare like:

These careers allow you to use technology and data to improve patient care, inform policy, and shape the future of healthcare.

Public/Community Health

A health science degree can lead to impactful careers in public health, community outreach, and health advocacy, where you can work to improve health outcomes at the population level. Whether working to increase access to care, develop health programs, or shape public health policies, this field plays a crucial role in bridging healthcare systems and community needs.

Since public health is interdisciplinary, impacting several aspects of today’s healthcare system, a health science degree has the flexibility needed to apply to this broad field. “Some students use their health science degree as a foundation to transition into health education, social work, public health, or even law and policy roles,” Sullivan says. This adaptability allows you to align your career with your interests, whether you are advocating for underserved populations, developing health education programs, or driving policy changes.

According to job postings data, common career outcomes for health science graduates in public health include:

  • Social worker
  • Office manager
  • Communications specialist
  • Community health worker
  • Communications director
  • Health educator

With a strong foundation in healthcare systems and public health principles, a health science degree can also give you a unique perspective to community health. Their background helps them analyze health trends, implement evidence-based solutions, and collaborate with professionals across multiple sectors. Many also pursue advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, or policy, gaining further expertise to lead large-scale health initiatives.

As public health challenges continue to evolve, health science graduates are well-positioned to develop innovative solutions, advocate for health equity, and influence the future of community health programs and policies.

Consulting

A health science degree can also open doors to healthcare consulting, where you can apply your knowledge of health systems, research, and policy to improve healthcare operations. Consultants help hospitals, healthcare organizations, and government agencies address inefficiencies, compliance challenges, and technological integration—ultimately improving patient care.

With a blend of clinical knowledge and analytical skills, you’re well-positioned to bridge the gap between patient care and business strategy. “We’ve had students go into healthcare consulting, helping hospitals and organizations make data-driven decisions to optimize patient care and operations,” Stouff says. As healthcare systems become more complex, professionals who can translate clinical insights into strategic solutions are increasingly in demand.

Common healthcare consulting roles for health science graduates include:

  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Healthcare Policy Analyst
  • Clinical Operations Consultant

Whether working for hospitals, insurance companies, or government agencies, consultants play a critical role in developing evidence-based strategies, improving operational efficiency, and shaping healthcare policies. With a health science degree, you can help healthcare organizations navigate challenges, drive innovation, and improve patient outcomes at a systems level.

Research

A health science degree provides a strong foundation for a career in research, allowing you to contribute to clinical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare systems research that drives medical advancements and improves patient outcomes. Whether working on disease prevention, medical device development, healthcare interventions, or drug innovation, research roles offer the opportunity to make a lasting impact on treatment advancements.

Research careers are in high demand across universities, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical device firms, hospitals, and private research institutions, yet many students overlook this career path when considering their options. “Students often think of direct patient care first, but there’s so much happening behind the scenes in research that impacts healthcare just as much,” Sullivan says.

Many health science graduates start as research assistants or clinical trial coordinators, supporting studies that lead to new medical treatments, healthcare technology innovations, and evidence-based best practices. Some common research-focused job titles include:

  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Biomedical Research Assistant
  • Medical Device Research Associate

These careers offer strong earning potential. According to job postings data, research program managers in healthcare earn a median annual salary of $100,100, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals who can manage and oversee research projects.

With growing opportunities in medical and healthcare research, a health science degree can position you to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that shape the future of healthcare.

Education

A health science degree can lead to impactful careers in education, where you can help train future healthcare professionals, develop curriculum, and promote healthcare awareness. Many professionals in this field work in universities, community colleges, technical schools, or corporate training programs, shaping the way healthcare is taught and practiced.

Many students don’t initially see education as a career path, but as they progress through their degree program, they begin to recognize the impact of teaching in healthcare. “Some students discover their passion for education through tutoring, mentoring, or involvement in student-led health initiatives,” Sullivan says. “They realize that shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals can be just as rewarding as practicing in the field.”

Health science graduates who pursue advanced degrees in health education, instructional design, or a specialized healthcare field can move into roles such as:

  • University or College Instructor
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Corporate Trainer

With the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, the need for experienced educators continues to grow. Pursuing graduate-level education in this field allows you to shape healthcare education, mentor future professionals, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the industry.

Find the Best Path to Advance Your Health Science Career

A health science degree opens the door to diverse career opportunities. However, with so many pathways available, it’s important to find the right program for your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Whether you want to work directly with patients, contribute to groundbreaking research, or shape healthcare systems and policies, the right education and experience will set you up for success.

Your career path may not always be what you first expect, though. “Some students start in health sciences thinking they want to go into clinical care, but through internships and co-ops, they realize they love research or policy work,” Sullivan says. Keeping an open mind is essential in a field as dynamic as healthcare. The more you explore, the more opportunities you uncover—some of which you may not have considered when you first started your degree.

A program that encourages hands-on learning, interdisciplinary exposure, and mentorship can help you navigate these possibilities. The ability to gain real-world experience in different healthcare settings—whether in hospitals, research labs, or community health initiatives—allows you to refine your interests and build the confidence to pursue the career that’s right for you.

At Bouvé College of Health Sciences, you’ll have access to cutting-edge programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and a network of healthcare professionals who are committed to helping you navigate your career path. With opportunities to explore different disciplines, gain real-world experience, and connect with mentors, Bouvé provides the flexibility and support needed to discover your future career in healthcare.