Health science focuses on applied science that deals with human and animal health. Generally, the discipline is divided into two subfields, which are the study, knowledge, and research of health and the application of this knowledge and research to improve health, cure diseases, and understand living organisms. It focuses on gaining knowledge about human and animal health and then applying it in real-life situations.
If you are interested in gaining essential health care knowledge and skills while also building a professional career in making human and animal’s health better, a degree in health science could be the best option for you. This article provides more information about health science degrees, course requirements, potential career paths, and specializations.
Health science basically focuses on the health of human beings as well as animals. It involves the theoretical concepts of health as well as the application of knowledge or ideas learned.
Students learn in detail how human and animal bodies function and how to practically apply this knowledge to improve health science in terms of treating diseases that alter the normal functioning of the human body. Additionally, students learn the importance of good health, infections that are most likely to affect human and animal health, and ways of treating human beings or animals affected by different disorders.
In most universities, health science courses are available as an independent field or offered under medicine-related degrees. However, health science degrees are commonly offered under a Bachelor of Science Degree program. Find the best universities for a science degree here.
Those interested in pursuing a degree in health science need to have a strong background in science-related subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics, usually from high school. This is primarily because these programs mainly focus on sciences, lab work and research. Also, mathematics and languages are very crucial for eligibility in most health science programs.
Health science is a large field of study with various areas of specialization for students. The kind of specialization depends on a studentu2019s career path, passion, and interests. Typically, students can specialize in one or more areas of study within the health science program.
In the first school year of study, students are usually introduced to various aspects of health science to provide them with an extensive overview and foundation in the program. Later, they get to explore specific topics such as anatomy and get involved in research-based studies within their areas of specialization. As a health science degree major, you are likely to cover the following topics:
Here are some specializations:
Advanced patient care
In this course, students learn how to offer better services to patients by not only looking at their signs and symptoms but also advancing the healthcare service provided for them depending on the disorders they are suffering from. This involves improved access, communication, and coordination of treatments to make the patient experience better treatment.
Radiography
Under this program, students are familiarized with the diagnosis of diseases and ailments, which are hidden within the internal organs of the body. They learn how to employ various technologies such as X-rays, computer imaging, and more to ensure proper diagnosis of these diseases.
Nuclear medicine
Students in this specialization learn how to use radioactive substances such as radioisotopes like radon gas in research, diagnosis, and treatment of various body disorders.
Diagnostic medical sonography
In this program, students explore the use of specialized equipment to generate images that are used to assess and diagnose different types of medical conditions. Additionally, students learn the technological advancements in medicine, such as the use of sonography to detect sound waves to see a fetus in the womb for pregnant mothers, among others.
Post physical therapist assistants
Here students learn how to provide physical therapy services to patients. Students grasp the fundamental skills to provide physical therapy to patients suffering from conditions that inhibit their performance of daily tasks.
Family dynamics
In this program, students are equipped with the fundamental skills to deal with family and relationship issues for different members of a family. They cover various aspects of family relationships such as communication styles, interaction patterns, how they get along, and so on.
Trauma
In this specialization, learners are trained on how to attend to people who have been affected by trauma. They cover topics on how to provide counseling services to traumatized people and also offer them emotional support.
Health care quality
Under this specialization, students learn about how to improve the quality of care and patient safety, as well as how to minimize maternal and newborn mortality. They gain an understanding of healthcare services targeting both individuals and whole populations to increase the likelihood of desired health results that are consistent with current healthcare professional knowledge.
Regulatory affairs
In this program, students are equipped with the knowledge to ensure that health facilities such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tertiary medical agencies meet legislative requirements. Here, students learn the compliance and regulations mandated by the government or regulatory authorities upon healthcare facilities.
Clinical research administration
In this course, students are taught how to manage the entry of new medical drugs and technologies into the health sector. They learn how to ensure techniques and new pharmaceutical drugs are following procedures, protocols, and legislation.
Health informatics
Students specializing in this program are equipped with knowledge of the application of health information technology systems to provide better health care services. Also, they acquire knowledge for managing health data as well as applying new technological medical concepts in the health sector.
Computer tomography
Here learners gain knowledge on how to make use of computerized X-ray imaging machines, which are connected to a computer for the display of patientu2019s body images in the form of slices.
Pharmacy
In this course, students gain skills in the science and techniques of preparing and dispensing drugs. Students under this program are equipped with sufficient information to help them ensure that patients get the best medicine in terms of quality, suitability, and timing. Generally, the program aims to provide safe and effective usage of pharmaceutical medications.
Pre-physician assistant
Here students learn the basic concepts of becoming a physician assistant. They learn how to diagnose and treat illnesses, conduct physical exams, offer counsel to patients, write prescriptions, and also assist in surgical procedures.
Pre-physician therapy
In this program, students are equipped with knowledge on how to deal with people suffering from physical disabilities such as injuries. Students learn how to relieve patientsu2019 pain and restore the functioning of the injured body organ to normalcy.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Here students are taken through fundamental skills that enable them to use MRI as a medical imaging technique to form pictures of the bodyu2019s anatomy and physiological processes.
Biomedical sciences
Learners under specialization gain knowledge for applying formal science or natural science to interventions and technological inventions useful in health care.
Child health
Global health
From the meaning of the word u201cGlobal,u201d students in this program are taught on studying, researching, and practicing health ethics from a global perspective. They learn all forms of international health services, including treatment, diagnosis, and counseling services to patients from all categories and walks of life.
Aging studies
In this program, students learn how to take care of the elderly that are affected by health complications through research, planning, and practice methods. Students cover topics on how to deal with the physiological, psychological and sociological problems of old people.
Health care administration
Here students learn the basics of the decision-making process on a daily and long-term basis in a business setup. Additionally, they learn how the knowledge obtained can be used to improve the healthcare sector from a business perspective.
A degree in health science provides multipleu00a0jobs in medicine foru00a0graduates. There are numerous career options for health science graduates. However, some of these jobs may depend on the area of specialization. Below is a list of some health science jobs for health science majors:
1. Cardiovascular technician/technologist
A cardiovascular technologist or technician is responsible for helping in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel problems.
2. Nurses
Nurses are responsible for recording patientu2019s medical history, monitoring patientu2019s health, and educating patients on illness management.
3. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists are basically concerned with peopleu2019s dental health. Their duties include teeth cleaning, the examination of oral diseases, and the provision of dental care in addition to educating patients about dental health.
4. Respiratory therapist
They are responsible for the examination of patients with breathing issues or cardiopulmonary disorders. They provide care to people affected by emergency conditions such as heart attack or shock.
5. Occupational therapy assistant
A person in this career path works together with an occupational therapist. They provide assistance and support to patients experiencing difficulties performing daily activities as a result of illnesses, disabilities, or injuries.
6. Physical therapist assistant
Physical therapist assistants are responsible for motivating, instructing, and assisting patients during exercises under instruction or supervision of physical therapists.
7. Surgical technician
Surgical technicians assist in operations by attending to activities such as preparation of surgery room, arranging equipment, and helping doctors during surgery.
8. Cancer registrars
9. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists are responsible for treating cancer and other diseases by administering radiation treatments. They explain treatment plans, follow safety procedures, examine machines, and monitor patients to ensure they are not reacting unusually to the treatment.
10. Audiologists
These professionals are responsible for examining individuals suffering from ear disorders. They diagnose and treat hearing or balance problems. Additionally, they access the results and communicate with the patientu2019s family members and provide advice on how to communicate with the patient.
These professionals are responsible for examining individuals suffering from ear disorders. They diagnose and treat hearing or balance problems. Additionally, they access the results and communicate with the patientu2019s family members and provide advice on how to communicate with the patient.
Pharmacists prepare drugs, review and interpret physician orders, detecting therapeutic incompatibilities, dispense medicines, and so on. They also control medication by surveying drug therapies and recommending interventions.
A paramedic is responsible for responding to emergency calls for medical help outside a hospital to stabilize conditions of seriously ill people before they are taken to the hospital. Additionally, they assess patients, make emergency diagnosis, monitor and administer medication, and so on.
12. Paramedic
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13. Veterinary technician
Veterinary technicians generally deal with animal health. Their responsibilities include animal health diagnosis, preparing them for surgery, and administering medication and treatments to unhealthy animals.
14. Medical assistant
Medical assistants are responsible for verifying patientsu2019 information by interviewing and confirming the purpose of patientsu2019 visits as well as recording their medical history. Additionally, they conduct examinations and physical tests such as blood pressure, temperature, weight, and report the history of the patientu2019s medical summary.
15. Anesthesia technician
These professionals are responsible for recording observations, inspecting and maintaining transducers as well as calibrating zero monitors. In general, their duties include maintaining anesthetic equipment, preparing anesthesia for patients about to undergo a surgical procedure and so on.
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