What Can I Do with a Health Sciences Degree?
A Health Sciences degree provides a robust and versatile foundation for aspiring leaders in medicine, equipping students with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and modern healthcare systems. Health Sciences is a multifaceted major for students seeking advanced and fulfilling roles in the healthcare industry.
What is a Health Sciences Degree?
A Health Sciences degree offers a pathway to diverse career options and is ideal for students pursuing medical school, PA school, or other graduate level healthcare opportunities. While these programs do not require specific undergraduate majors for admission, Health Sciences graduates stand apart thanks to the curriculum’s emphasis on medical contexts.
In addition to the standard prerequisites in natural sciences like biology and chemistry, Butler University’s Health Sciences majors get a head start in their familiarity with Medicaid, insurance, and navigating healthcare ecosystems. You’ll adopt a unique, holistic approach that prioritizes whole-person patient care through coursework in healthcare communication, medical ethics, and more.
What Jobs Can I Get with a Health Sciences Degree?
While a Health Sciences degree can be helpful for direct entry healthcare roles or careers in clinical research, graduates typically go on to earn advanced degrees or further specialization. A Health Sciences degree is best suited for careers in direct patient care and other clinical settings.
Whether you’re focused on patient care, research, or administration, the Health Sciences degree equips you with the foundational knowledge to pursue careers in the healthcare industry and beyond.
The following are examples of possible occupations:
- Physician: Examine, diagnose, treat, and strategize solutions for patients to champion their health and healing
- Physician Assistant (PA): Collaborate with doctors and healthcare teams to provide diagnoses and medical treatment. Butler’s PA program offers a selective internal admission pathway.
- Occupational or Physical Therapist: Help rehabilitate people with injuries, disabilities, or other mobility concerns to build the strength and skills needed for everyday life
- Dentist: Protect the health and maintenance of patients’ teeth, gums, and mouth to prevent oral disease and injury
- Optometrist: Diagnose eye and vision problems and prescribe treatments and corrective measures
- Pathologist Assistant: Support pathologists to investigate samples of tissue or fluids taken from the body to determine the status or causes of illnesses
- Anesthesiologist Assistant: Work alongside anesthesiologists to administer and monitor anesthesia for medical procedures and surgical operations
- Chiropractor: Perform adjustments to the spine, hips, and other key areas to treat problems with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems
- Genetic Counselor: Support, assess, and advise patients and their families facing current or potential genetic conditions
At Butler, you’ll be required to complete 200 hours of experiential learning in addition to your coursework, so you can take your next steps with confidence after graduation. You’ll also have opportunities for one-on-one mentorship from faculty or support through the Health Sciences peer mentorship program as you look toward your future.
Explore the Boundless Opportunities at Butler University
As the demand for healthcare workers increases, Butler’s Health Sciences program bridges the gap. The Health Sciences program permits customization of your academic journey for your specific career goals, positioning you to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Whether you prefer hands-on clinical practice or creating change at a systemic level, the Health Sciences curriculum fosters greater specialization and exploration by allowing for double majors, minors, and concentrations. By pairing the Health Sciences major with options such as Medical Spanish, Neuroscience, Psychology, or even non-scientific pursuits like Art or Philosophy, you’re encouraged to align your education with your passions.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Health Sciences major or considering several options, we’re here to guide and empower you on your way to a fulfilling and successful career. Explore the diverse programs and experiences that Butler University offers, contact us at BSHSProgram@butler.edu, or apply today.