A health sciences degree provides a student with a "big picture" overview of the health care industry. The goal is to provide future managers and administrators with the intellectual tools for critical and analytical thinking. The course material in an undergraduate health sciences degree includes broad categories such as lifestyle and other risk factors in illness; the psychology of behavior change; correct use and interpretation of statistics; and administering and evaluating medical research. Graduate degrees become more specialized, as students focus on health care administration, health education or the many areas of specialization leading to institutional, corporate or government careers.
A health sciences degree pairs well with other professional credentials for health care practitioners. Most clinical positions, from technician to registered nurse, require only a vocational certificate or associate's degree. Adding a bachelor's degree in health sciences opens the path to advancement in the workplace, from designing care plans to the administration of a large department or facility. Conversely, a student beginning with a bachelor's degree in health sciences may go on to qualify in almost any health care position, often through an accelerated program.
Health care is a large and growing industry, and, like any other business, needs managers. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in health sciences are a primary qualification for management and administrative positions in the field. Some graduates are the sole managers of small medical practices, while others work in large hospitals, research facilities or health maintenance organizations. In a larger organization, one might begin by managing a small department and eventually advance to overall responsibility for the site's operations. In public service, one might begin by planning community health initiatives and eventually determine policy for an entire city, state or federal department.
Health educators work directly with individuals and communities, providing the proverbial "ounce of prevention." Some educators work with the employees of a private company, while others help non-profit organizations, patients in a clinical setting, students in schools or general public-health initiatives. Health educators arm private citizens with clear and understandable explanations of the factors affecting their health, from the importance of nutrition to thwarting the spread of communicable diseases.