Health science is a major that prepares college students for various careers pertaining to curing and preventing issues pertaining to health. The job opportunities for with a degree in health science are numerous and cover a broad range of expertise. Graduates with health science degrees go on to study fields such as dentistry, medicine, public health, and nursing, but there are many lesser known and well-paying occupational opportunities for those with a health science degree. Below are some of the highest paid potential opportunities for graduates of health science.
Dentistry and Orthodontics
Dentists specialize in treating problems in teeth and oral tissue. To be a dentist, four years of dental school are required after college graduation. Ninety percent of dentists start their own practices. Others work in group practices, hospitals, for other dentists, or in research facilities. The average salary for a dentist is $159,620 per year. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the straightness of teeth and how the jaws fit together. Orthodontists normally get eight years of higher education. The average salary for an orthodontist is $200,480 per year.
Internists/Family and General Practitioners
Graduates pursuing a career as a physician can either become a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Physicians treat common illnesses and diseases, provide nutritional advice, fitness, hygiene and preventative care, administer vaccines, and treat injuries. After earning a health science degree, four years of medical school and three years of hospital internship are necessary. Top earners in this field (normally those in administrative, support and waste management services ) earn the most at $191,620 a year.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists treat and diagnose emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. These individuals are medical doctors with extensive knowledge of psychopharmacology, who have a license to prescribe medications. They use drug therapy and other therapeutic techniques to aid patients in coping with illnesses. Depending on where they’re located, psychiatrists can earn up to $219,450 a year.
Clinical research coordinators
Clinical research coordinators direct clinical research projects. Responsibilities involve working with participants and subjects to coordinate daily clinical trials under the supervision of a clinical Principal Investigator, participating in quality assurance audits as well continuing education activities, and attending conferences and seminars to stay current in knowledge relating to clinical studies. CRCs earn $143,330 per year on average.
Surgeons
A surgeon’s duties include repairing injuries, preventing disease, and transplanting organs manually and with instruments in emergency and non-emergency situations. College and medical school, followed by additional years of clinical training are necessary to become a practicing surgeon. Surgeons make up the biggest group of medical professionals and earn on average $227,730 per year.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are responsible for the well-being of patients before, during and after surgery. Although anesthesiologists complete a minimum of eight years of medical training after college, many anesthesiologists also complete a year of specialty training in specific areas such as cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, obstetric anesthesia or pain management. Anesthesiologists earn $222,780 per year on average.
The opportunities for students earning degrees in health science are plentiful and very specific. Pharmacists, psychologists, dieticians, prosthodontists, dermatologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, and optometrists are all occupations that can be pursued through health science.
Visit “Health Science Degree Jobs” to learn about more opportunities available in this field.
