Online Degree Programs

Is a health science degree right for you?

A female african american student in scrubs and a white lab coat poses in front of medical laboratory equipment

You know you want a career in healthcare, but you’re not sure which path to take. A health science degree can give you the broad foundation you need to explore where your interests and strengths fit best. 

Health Science Degree: Your Introduction to Healthcare 

A health science degree provides you with a broad understanding of the clinical and non-clinical sides of healthcare. It often features courses that cover: 

  • Human biology 
  • Health policy 
  • Data analysis 
  • Patient care 

With a health science degree, you’ll graduate prepared for many different entry-level healthcare roles across all types of organizations. 

Benefits of a Health Science Degree 

The number one benefit of a health science degree is its flexibility. Unlike a pre-med program, a health science program doesn’t lock you into a single career or healthcare track. Instead, it provides a pathway to multiple career fields, such as: 

  • Dental hygiene 
  • Medical technology 
  • Health physics 
  • Animal health technology 

With the right electives, a health science degree also prepares you for medical school, if that’s your desired next step.  

Health Science Degree Requirements 

Exact requirements for a health science degree vary by institution and program. However, you will need some specific high school and college-level prerequisites that prepare you for health science coursework. This includes classes and foundational knowledge in subjects like: 

  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Physics 
  • Statistics 
  • Lab Sciences 
  • Communications 

Ultimately, you should be prepared for the clinical, behavioral, and administrative aspects of health science before enrolling in a program. Be sure to check the specific prerequisites of your selected institutions as you research health science programs. 

Career Pathways with a Health Science Degree 

From clinical roles to administrative positions and possibly management, a health science degree can prepare you for almost any entry-level role in healthcare you’d like to explore. When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to work across many different healthcare environments, including: 

  • Hospitals 
  • Research facilities 
  • Government agencies 
  • Wellness programs 
  • Nonprofits 

Your BS in health science could even be a steppingstone to graduate healthcare programs, such as: 

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy 
  • Speech Language Pathology 
  • Medical School 

Earn your health science degree with Athens State. 

You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed to know you want to make a difference. If healthcare interests you but you’re still exploring your options, a health science degree could give you the flexibility to find your path. 

Explore the health science program at Athens State and discover where it can take you!