The job opportunities that come with a degree in Health Sciences are plentiful and offer a wide array of opportunities to those who choose to go down this career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in health science are expected to increase 13% by 2031. This is promising news for those interested in earning a degree in Health Sciences. Contrary to the common belief that a Health Science degree inevitably leads to clinical practice, this article aims to shed light on the many opportunities available beyond the traditional roles. Let’s explore the diverse career paths that graduates can pursue in fields like health administration, healthcare consulting, pharmaceuticals, and health policy.
Health Administration
Health administration plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of healthcare systems. Beyond the clinical setting, professionals in this field contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Below are a few entry-level positions in health administration:
Healthcare Administrative Assistant
Responsibilities include managing office tasks, scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and assisting with administrative duties within a healthcare facility.
Average Salary: $46,440
Medical Receptionist
Involves tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and managing front office operations in medical facilities.
Average Salary: $34,000
Medical Billing Specialist
Responsible for processing and managing medical bills, submitting insurance claims, and ensuring accurate and timely reimbursement for healthcare services.
Average Salary: $39,669
Depending on the specific role and organization, relevant education, such as a certificate or associate degree in health sciences or administration, may be beneficial. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in healthcare settings can be valuable for career advancement in health administration.
Healthcare Consulting
Healthcare consulting involves providing advice and expertise to healthcare organizations, professionals, or stakeholders to help them improve various aspects of their operations, management, and overall performance. The primary goal of healthcare consulting is to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of healthcare delivery. Here are some common entry-level positions in healthcare consulting:
Consulting Analyst
Involves supporting consultants in their day-to-day activities. Responsibilities may include data analysis, research, and preparation of reports.
Average Salary: $75,097
Healthcare Research Analyst
Conducts research on healthcare trends, policies, and industry developments.
Average Salary: $73,965
Healthcare Project Coordinator
Coordinates and manages the logistics of consulting projects and assists in project planning and scheduling.
Average Salary: $59,915
While a bachelor’s degree is often required for positions in healthcare consulting, the specific requirements can vary depending on the employer and the nature of the consulting work. Degrees in fields such as business, health sciences and public health are common. If you are looking to advance in this career, consider a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or certifications like Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
Pharmaceuticals
This intersection between health sciences and pharmaceuticals represents the collaboration between our scientific understanding of health, diseases, and treatments (health science) and the creation, production, and distribution of drugs or medications (pharmaceuticals). This connection is vital for developing new and effective treatments for various health conditions. Here are some common entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical field:
Research Assistant/Technician
Responsibilities may include conducting experiments, collecting data, and assisting researchers in laboratories.
Average Salary: $67, 685
Quality Control (QC) Analyst
Involves testing and inspecting products to ensure they meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Average Salary: $56,447
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Assists in preparing and submitting regulatory documents to health authorities, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Average Salary: $74,716
It’s important to note that some entry-level positions may require a bachelor’s degree, while more specialized or leadership roles may require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Health Policy
Health policy professionals play a crucial role in shaping healthcare systems by contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies that impact the delivery, accessibility, and quality of healthcare. Some entry-level positions in health policy include:
Research Assistant
Conducting literature reviews, data analysis, and supporting research projects that inform health policy development.
Average Salary: $66,674
Policy Analyst
Assisting in the analysis of existing policies, gathering data, and contributing to the development of policy recommendations.
Average Salary: $89,542
Program Coordinator
Supporting the implementation and coordination of health programs, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
Average Salary: $45,199
Many individuals looking to go into health policy will start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as public health, health sciences, health administration, political science, economics, or a related social science.
The diverse career paths for Health Sciences graduates extend far beyond traditional clinical roles. Health administration, healthcare consulting, pharmaceuticals, and health policy offer a breadth of opportunities, each requiring a unique skill set and educational background. We encourage you to explore these different paths, aligning your career aspirations with your interests. Remember, at Los Angeles Pacific University, we offer Health Science Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. Reach out to us today and discover how we can help you embark on your journey toward a rewarding and impactful career in the field of Health Sciences. LAPU is here to guide you on your path to success!
*Salary based on the average in the state of California from ZipRecruiter
