Welcome to the Health Science Community!
The primary work of careers in the health science field is to treat patients facing illness or injury—whether to cure or rehabilitate from a condition, to maintain wellness, or to provide comfort or palliative care to persons dealing with incurable conditions.
The health care industry is booming, and experts predict health care careers will continue to grow rapidly for at least the next decade.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Clinicians & Direct Care Providers
Physicians, nurses, therapists, and other patient-facing professionals who diagnose, treat, and care for individuals across all settings.
Healthcare Administrators
Manage the operations of hospitals, clinics, and health systems — overseeing staff, budgets, compliance, and the delivery of patient services.
Research & Biotech Professionals
Drive innovation in medicine through clinical research, pharmaceutical development, medical devices, and health technology.
Allied Health & Support Professionals
Provide essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and support services — from medical imaging and lab work to health education and social work.
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of industries and career pathways you can enter with a background in Health Science:
- Nursing and patient care
- Medicine and physician practice
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Healthcare administration and management
- Public health and epidemiology
- Clinical research and trials
- Pharmaceutical and biotech
- Medical imaging and laboratory science
- Health informatics and technology
- Mental and behavioral health
- Palliative and hospice care
- Health education and community outreach
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Health Science:
- Hospitals and health systems
- Physician practices and clinics
- Long-term care and assisted living facilities
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Medical device manufacturers
- Public health agencies and departments
- Health insurance companies
- Veterans Affairs and military health services
- Nonprofits and community health organizations
Career Navigation Strategies
Internships & Simulations:
- Discover internship opportunities at healthcare, biotech, and biopharma organizations
- Shadow a healthcare professional to explore clinical environments firsthand
- Find a healthcare apprenticeship through apprenticeship.gov
- Complete a simulation with Forage to develop your skills in healthcare
Volunteering:
- VA Student Volunteer Program
- Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, assisted living facility, or local health fair, or with one of these organizations:
- American Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- HealthCare Volunteer
- Hospice Foundation
- National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
- Points of Light
- Project Hope
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- United Way
Considering a career in health science?
Some points to keep in mind:
- Many health science careers require licensure, certification, or advanced degrees. Understanding the credentialing requirements for your specific path early on helps you plan your education and experience accordingly.
- The field is emotionally demanding — working with patients facing illness, injury, or end of life requires resilience, empathy, and strong communication skills alongside technical expertise.
- The healthcare industry is growing rapidly and is projected to continue for at least the next decade — driven by an aging population, advances in technology, and expanded access to care. Job stability in this field is strong.
- Hands-on experience matters greatly in health science hiring. Shadowing, volunteering, apprenticeships, and clinical hours all help demonstrate your commitment and readiness for patient-facing or clinical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several factors are fueling the sustained growth of the healthcare industry:
- The overall U.S. population is aging, creating significantly more demand for patient care across all settings
- Technology and innovation are generating new products, services, and roles — from health informatics to telehealth and medical devices
- Changes to medical insurance models have expanded access to care, increasing the volume of patients seeking services
The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently projects health science to be one of the fastest-growing occupational sectors over the next decade.
Health science is one of the broadest career communities, with paths spanning direct patient care, research, administration, and technology. Common paths WGU alumni pursue include nursing, healthcare administration, public health, clinical research, health informatics, physical and occupational therapy, mental and behavioral health, and pharmaceutical or biotech roles. Whether you prefer working directly with patients or behind the scenes, there is a path in this field that fits.
The skills needed vary by role, but across the field, employers consistently look for critical thinking, attention to detail, communication, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. Clinical roles require technical proficiency and hands-on skills specific to the discipline. Administrative and research roles also value data literacy, project management, and knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance.
It depends on the role. Many clinical roles — such as nursing, physical therapy, and medicine — require specific degrees and state licensure. Other roles, like healthcare administration, health informatics, or public health, value relevant degrees but may not require a clinical license. Certifications can supplement your credentials in almost any area of health science. A WGU degree in a health-related program, combined with hands-on experience, is a recognized pathway into many roles in this field.
Certifications vary widely by specialty. Some commonly recognized credentials include:
- RN / NCLEX — required licensure for registered nurses
- RHIA / RHIT — for health information management professionals
- CPH (Certified in Public Health) — for public health roles
- CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) — for quality and compliance roles
- EMT / Paramedic certification — for emergency medical services
- CMA / CNA — for medical and nursing assistants
Professional associations are a great way to network, access job boards, and pursue continuing education. Key organizations by specialty include:
- ANA (American Nurses Association) — for nursing professionals
- ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives) — for healthcare administrators and executives
- APHA (American Public Health Association) — for public health professionals
- AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) — for health informatics and coding professionals
- APTA / AOTA — for physical and occupational therapists respectively
- HIMSS (Health Information and Management Systems Society) — for health IT professionals
