Online bachelor's degree programs in health sciences

For those seeking a general undergraduate education or a broad foundation in the medical field, an online bachelor's degree may be the ideal choice. The health sciences discipline introduces you to a multitude of medical career opportunities, from administrative to clinical technician roles.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Health Sciences

Online bachelor's degree programs in health sciences and degrees in alternative medicine encompass a foundation in liberal arts and sciences, along with a core health sciences curriculum. The health sciences curriculum can cover the following coursework:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Social psychology
• Nutrition
• Medical ethics

Returning students already established in the medical field can complete the liberal arts and sciences requirements they need for this bachelor's degree, and often receive credit for prior medical training.

Health Specializations

During the last year of the four-year program, students begin to focus their interests with elective coursework. Specializations allow you to develop expertise and hands-on experience in a specific medical field, such as:

• Health education
• Radiological technology
• Respiratory therapy
• Laboratory science
• Clinical research
• Healthcare administration
• Alternative medicine
• Health administration

Some online bachelor's degree programs also incorporate a local clinical internship. Hands-on training in a health sciences specialty allows you to build practical skills and make professional contacts in your future career field.

Learn more about health care degrees at WorldWideLearn's Guide to College Majors in Medical & Health Sciences.

Careers for Health Sciences Graduates

An online bachelor's degree in health sciences can lead to careers in physical therapy, health administration, public health or counseling. Some common job titles and 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) mean annual salaries:

• Lab Sciences Technologist: $55,620
• Nutritionist or Dietitian: $53,230
• Radiologic Technician: $54,180
• Physical Therapist: $76,220 (graduate degree required)
• Health Services Manager: $90,970 (master's degree preferred)

An online bachelor's degree in health sciences opens doors to careers with substantial growth potential. Whether you choose to continue your education or head directly into the workforce, there are plenty of opportunities in clinical practice and the business of health care.

Health Sciences Career Paths

Health care is growing at twice the rate of the economy as a whole, or 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. That translates into an estimated 3.2 million new jobs. Health care degrees give you access to a range of opportunities within the thriving health care industry. Graduates can decide whether to continue their education en route to a professional-level health career, or find their destiny in one of many bachelor-level opportunities.

Graduate or Professional Degree. A graduate or professional education can expand your employment options and allow you to specialize. Earning a master's degree in a field, such as counseling or health care administration, can do the trick. For example, bachelor's degree programs in exercise science can lead to a master's degree or doctorate in physical therapy. You might also take the professional route and apply to medical school to pursuing a career as a doctor.

Career. Bachelor's-level health care degrees can also allow you to enter the workforce, where you can take a clinical or administrative job at a public health agency, hospital, clinic or insurance company. Pharmaceutical corporations also hire health sciences graduates for sales and laboratory science positions.

Learn more to earn more. Let WorldWideLearn help you do your research.

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