The variety of health science careers continues to expand as research discoveries and technologies evolve. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees healthcare occupations growing by 13% from 2021 to 2031. With that thought in mind, the right route to a long-lasting, satisfying career might be to consider a university specializing in health sciences degrees.
Here are five reasons this could provide significant benefits:
1. Focused curriculum: Health sciences universities are focused solely on the medical field, so the curriculum is often more in-depth and comprehensive than general universities. You will often be immersed in health life science courses from the start of your program.
2. Networking: You will be surrounded by peers also pursuing careers in health sciences. This can provide unique opportunities for networking and collaboration that might not be as easily available in a general university setting.
3. Early clinical exposure: Specialized health sciences universities often incorporate early and frequent clinical experiences into their curricula, which can provide valuable hands-on experience and a better understanding of the health profession. They typically have spent considerable time building relationships with healthcare partners to give their students the best possible hands-on experiences.
4. Interdisciplinary learning: Health sciences universities often encourage an interdisciplinary learning environment where students can gain perspectives from various healthcare disciplines. Multidisciplinary approaches in healthcare are becoming increasingly important in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Degrees like a B.S. in Exercise Science provide a versatile education leading to various job areas. Exercise science graduates can use their knowledge of movement, exercise methods, and nutrition to support health and well-being in many different work environments
5. 2-year degrees with competitive pay. Over the past decade, the emergence of the 2-year applied science degree has brought new opportunities to many drawn to patient care or technology-based positions. This is especially true for health science careers.
One example of a 2-year health science degree is that of a radiologic technologist – someone whose knowledge and training are focused on being the diagnostic imaging specialist on a physician’s team.
Although radiologic technologist salaries will vary due to experience, certifications achieved, and marketplace demand, many “rad techs” earn wages that can equal some positions requiring a four-year degree. See the average salary range for radiologic technologists here.
Choosing a university located in an urban environment can have many advantages. Here are some of them:
1. More clinical opportunities: Urban universities often have affiliations with nearby hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, providing students with numerous clinical opportunities and experiences.
2. More diverse patient population: Urban environments tend to have a diverse population. This means students can gain experience in treating a wider range of patients and conditions.
3. More networking and career opportunities: Urban areas often have a higher concentration of health professionals, associations, and events, which can provide opportunities for networking and career advancement.
4. More research opportunities: Urban universities often have more research opportunities due to their connections with hospitals and other medical institutions.
If you’ve read this far, you have that calling to be in a healthcare-focused profession, so a health sciences degree may be right for you.
Having a health sciences career presents an opportunity to “give back” that’s personally rewarding. Doctor of Chiropractic Jon Petrick describes it this way: “I’m most proud of my contribution to the community where I live and serve. I feel appreciated by the community.”
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a large suburban city within the Kansas City metro. Our mission since our founding in 1922 has been to educate and develop leaders in health promotion and embrace behaviors allowing people to control and improve their health.
Many of our students are pursuing advanced degrees such as our Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. One of the D.C. options allows students to earn their B.S. degree on the way to earning their D.C. degree. In addition, our College of Health Sciences offers degree options include
Pursuing a health sciences degree offers many opportunities to help people live better lives. Get more information today to learn more about CUKC degree programs! As a head start, learn more about financial aid options with this free eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.
