4 answers
Makayla
Student
Midlothian, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What high paying jobs are available with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences?
I’m entering my freshman year at community college and debating whether or not I should change my general studies major to health sciences. I know I want to do something science related, but I also don’t want to limit myself.
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4 answers
John McCann
Research Tech
19
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
John’s Answer
In the healthcare sector, jobs that offer high salaries with a bachelor's degree are typically in nursing, respiratory therapy, and radiology technology, among others. However, your location can significantly influence your earnings. For instance, when I was employed on the east coast, my research job paid me about $36,000 annually, while my nurse wife earned around $60,000 per year.
When we relocated to Cincinnati in the midwest, my income soared from $36,000 to $63,000, and eventually to $84,000. On the contrary, my wife's salary dipped from $60,000 to $40,000, and the highest she earned was $50,000. The reason for this disparity was the supply-demand dynamics in Cincinnati, where three major universities created a high demand for technical help.
In contrast, Philadelphia, where we had previously lived, boasted several universities like Penn, Villanova, Temple, Princeton, LaSalle, Drexel, and many smaller ones. This resulted in a larger pool of graduates each year, ensuring a steady supply of professionals for the healthcare and research fields.
If you're aiming for a high-paying research job, it's advisable to venture into the industry rather than academia. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, offer higher salaries, although the workload can be intense. Your preference in the healthcare field plays a significant role too.
Working in medical fields like nursing or therapy often involves dealing with patients and their families, who can sometimes be impatient. I hear this frequently from the healthcare professionals I know. However, in academic research, the environment is more relaxed, and the pace of work is reasonable. This is why I chose to stay in academia. My motivation wasn't the money, but the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, whether they're children or adults.
When we relocated to Cincinnati in the midwest, my income soared from $36,000 to $63,000, and eventually to $84,000. On the contrary, my wife's salary dipped from $60,000 to $40,000, and the highest she earned was $50,000. The reason for this disparity was the supply-demand dynamics in Cincinnati, where three major universities created a high demand for technical help.
In contrast, Philadelphia, where we had previously lived, boasted several universities like Penn, Villanova, Temple, Princeton, LaSalle, Drexel, and many smaller ones. This resulted in a larger pool of graduates each year, ensuring a steady supply of professionals for the healthcare and research fields.
If you're aiming for a high-paying research job, it's advisable to venture into the industry rather than academia. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, offer higher salaries, although the workload can be intense. Your preference in the healthcare field plays a significant role too.
Working in medical fields like nursing or therapy often involves dealing with patients and their families, who can sometimes be impatient. I hear this frequently from the healthcare professionals I know. However, in academic research, the environment is more relaxed, and the pace of work is reasonable. This is why I chose to stay in academia. My motivation wasn't the money, but the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, whether they're children or adults.
Hi John! Your description of your job sounds like what I want to do in my future? What is that specifically that you do?
Ryley
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
42
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
Sure thing, let's dive right in! It's a great idea for you to switch to Health Sciences. If you're considering a 4-year degree, why not explore options like Nursing, Radiology Tech, or Physical Therapy? While General Science is broad, it might not offer as many specific job opportunities. Pharmacology could be an interesting path too! Remember, many science-related careers often require a Master's or PhD.
Patricia Berrios
Registered Nurse
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
When considering a career in health care, some of the most common careers are nurse and doctor but, allied health can give you a lot of satisfaction by helping others and mentally stimulating the science oriented student. These fields include radiology technicians, nuclear medicine technicians, ultra sound technicians as well as such professions as Respiratory therapists,
Occupational and physical therapists and Speech pathologists. These careers can start with certifications in a community college level and even allow you to earn decent money while furthering your education if you and your family have limited funds for college. Make sure your preliminary courses cover prerequisites for more than just one degree if you still unsure of the field of study you are interested in.
See what aptitude tests there are available.
If you are able to volunteer in a hospital program, there could be mentorship’s and scholarships you become eligible for.
Occupational and physical therapists and Speech pathologists. These careers can start with certifications in a community college level and even allow you to earn decent money while furthering your education if you and your family have limited funds for college. Make sure your preliminary courses cover prerequisites for more than just one degree if you still unsure of the field of study you are interested in.
Patricia recommends the following next steps:
Ollie Osinubi
23
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Ollie’s Answer
Hi Makayla, if you like the Sciences, then I would agree that you move from a General Studies major to Health Sciences. General Studies is too broad a major & because of that, it will actually be limiting. If you are concerned that the Health Sciences field is limited, there are so many careers/professions that exist today than ever before. Do your research on Allied Health Careers, then meet with your college adviser. You can also set up an appointment for an interview with a professional in the field and/or volunteer for an internship.
Research Allied Health Career opportunities.
Meet with your college adviser.
Interview professionals in the field.
Volunteer and do an internship.
Ollie recommends the following next steps: