For those who are new to the field, there are many opportunities to explore. A Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies will give you a solid foundation to begin your career, advance in your field or will give you a strong base as you continue on to graduate-level work in the health sciences. Read on to see what a degree in health science studies has to offer.

What Pathways Can I Pursue with a Health Science Degree?

There are a variety of different career paths to pursue with a degree in health sciences. Many graduates are employed in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, government agencies or medical offices. Professions that require an associate degree to enter their field will need a bachelor’s degree to maximize their earning potential.

A BS in Health Science Studies also prepares a student to further their education with a graduate degree in the healthcare field. You can find a comprehensive list of healthcare occupations and their respective job outlooks from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Below you will find a shortened list of occupations that benefit from a health science studies degree.

If you are interested in a BS in Health Science Studies, you may be a:

• Dental Hygienist
• Laboratory Technician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Healthcare Administrator
• Career Changer

If you are interested in furthering your education, a BS in Health Science Studies prepares you for graduate studies in the following fields:

• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health Official
• Dentist

What is the Career Outlook in the Health Science Field?

The healthcare field continues to change at a rapid pace, requiring improved outcomes, increased quality of care and patient-centered coordination. Education empowers and challenges all healthcare professionals to excel in their field, gain new skills and advance their profession.

Quinnipiac’s online BS in Health Science Studies prepares those who wish to position themselves for success in their respective field.

"Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028 much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 1.9 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups, " cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The healthcare field has more need than it has people to fill the jobs. In fact, according to the Burning Glass Technologies report, Different Skills, Different Gaps, professions like physician assistant, physical and occupational therapists and other advanced clinical roles have “more than 1.7 openings for every potential worker.”

Currently, there are over one million health care jobs that are not filled because of a massive skills gap. A bachelor’s in health sciences is a great transition into a graduate degree program in one of these fields.

Insight with Dr. Fitzgerald, Director of Health Science Studies Program

We spoke with Dr. Christine Fitzgerald, program director of Quinnipiac’s Health Science Studies program to gain insight about students’ motivation.

How do courses in the BS in Health Science Studies program at Quinnipiac translate into a healthcare job?

One of the first things I ask new students in the program is, "What are your goals and interests?" From there I can help them pick courses that interest them the most. Students who are leaning more towards administration or public health have a wide variety of courses to choose from.

Those planning to apply to graduate programs may complete some of the prerequisites while in our undergraduate program and if they prefer, they may even take courses on-campus, for example lab sciences.

What professions do your students typically come from?

Many students are working in diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, with a two-year associate degree, and now they want to finish their bachelor’s degree. However, at least half of our students have never completed their associate degree, or they have an associate degree in general science and want to prepare for a future in healthcare.

What are the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree in health sciences at Quinnipiac?

I believe the flexibility of the program, the personal attention and support attract students to the program. The students, with the help of their academic advisor, choose from a list of courses offered each term. The online 7-week courses are designed just for them.

Instructors are flexible knowing the family and work responsibilities part-time online students have. Students begin to know each other better as they move along in the program, so there is that camaraderie for support also.

Many tell me they always wanted to finish their bachelor’s degree, while others are pursuing a promotion at their place of employment, and they all enjoy the variety of courses we offer.

What are some specializations that are pursued in the health science studies program?

Students frequently become very interested in areas they may not have explored before after taking courses in public health, research or administration. Other students are more interested in courses of endocrinology, pathophysiology, biology of aging and more.

Some are finishing the bachelor's degree so that they may eventually apply to APRN, OT, PA or other graduate programs. Others are unemployed and using this time to finish their bachelor’s so they are more successful in their job search.

Student Spotlight

Kendall Cote ’18 is featured in our Student Spotlight series. She visualized the 'bigger picture' which allowed her to earn her BS in Health Science Studies and gave her the flexibility to be successful in the face of change.

While she originally wanted to become an optometrist, her focus changed during the program. One of her "big picture goals" was to get into Yale School of Nursing graduate program where she is currently enrolled.

She credits the guidance of Dr. Fitzgerald and the program at Quinnipiac that helped her reach her goals. Read the inspiring success story of a single mother who writes her own script for her future: School of Heath Sciences Prepares Graduate for Future Role in Nursing

Like Cote, many students earn their health science degree to further their education. Others find they need to meet an educational requirement to move their careers ahead. Whatever your goal is, learn how Quinnipiac’s online BS in Health Science Studies completion program can help you attain it.