Can I Have A Health Science Major And Apply To An ABSN Program?

A health science major is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares you for a career in the healthcare sector.

If you’re passionate about health and wellness; and considering delving into the medical field, a health science major may be the right choice. Perhaps you’ve earned a degree in health science major and are looking to apply for an ABSN.

You’re probably wondering: Can I have a health science major and apply to ABSN programs? Yes, you can.

First, we’ll consider the different health science majors, the coursework, career opportunities, and the possibility of applying for an ABSN program.

OPINION: Should I do ADN or ABSN?

Let’s get started!

What is a health science major?

Health science is an interdisciplinary field focused on health care. It spans natural and behavioral science, including conventional Western and alternative medicine.

The health disciplines encompass labs, coursework, and experiential learning. Besides studying sciences, students develop leadership, ethical values, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This step is vital to delivering effective patient care, improving quality care and health outcomes.

What is the coursework required for health science majors?

Coursework for health science majors includes chemistry, biology, and social science.

You must do this coursework if you want to major in health science disciplines like dentistry, pharmacy, and community health.

Students undertake biology courses, chemistry labs, and social science courses in the first and second years. Meanwhile, the coursework focuses more on healthcare in the third and fourth years.

Students undertake epidemiology, health care delivery, global health, ethics, etc. These courses prepare graduates for leadership and management roles in a healthcare setting.

Depending on the specialty, you may have to obtain work experience or complete internships in a research or healthcare facility.

Let’s consider how the coursework relates to health science. From sociology to chemistry and biology, here’s how these courses are essential to health science majors.

Sociology: This is the study of human behavior, interactions, and society. Studying sociology as a course helps you to understand health and medical policies.

It also helps study how culture and social structure influence health, how diseases spread among groups and available treatments.

Psychology: Knowing psychology helps you understand how biological, social, and behavioral factors affect health. Psychology supports the development of healthy behavior, disease prevention, and the promotion of quality of life.

Math: You’re wondering how math is relevant to health science. Health professionals, especially doctors and nurses, use mathematics in administering medications and calculating the success rates of treatments.

Typically, these health experts prescribe drugs with a dosage amount (in mg or kg). They must be good at calculating the correct dosage amount for specific weights.

Chemistry: From improving healthcare to developing new means of diagnosis and producing effective drugs, chemistry plays a crucial role in health science.

Furthermore, there’s a close relationship between chemistry and healthcare. The human body isn’t only composed of chemical substances; some chemical processes also occur in the body.

Digestion, respiration, and circulation of materials are some of these chemical processes.

Statistics: Studying statistics helps healthcare professionals to track conditions across the state, national and international trends. Statistics support research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results.

What you can do with a health science major

Within 2021-2022, the healthcare field experienced 11% growth due to the population and improvement in health technology.

While many health science graduates can work in healthcare facilities, those looking to pursue a career in medicine or occupational therapy may need to undertake advanced programs, obtain certifications and undergo clinical training.

Below are some of the career opportunities in health science.

Audiologist: Audiologists help diagnose and treat patients with hearing and balance disorders.

The specialist evaluates hearing ability and offers aural rehabilitation to help to hear. Audiologists work in rehabilitation centers, audiology clinics, and hospitals.

Behavior analyst: Behavior analysts support individuals with various developmental or behavioral issues. They often organize therapy sessions and implement techniques to aid clients in building new behaviors.

Typically, behavior analysts work in clinics, nursing homes, schools, etc.

Epidemiologists: They have a vast knowledge of disease outbreaks, how they’re transmitted, and how the spread of diseases is stopped. These public health workers work in institutions and government organizations.

Medical Assistants: These are healthcare professionals assisting physicians and other medical practitioners. T

here’s a growing demand for medical assistants due to technological advancements and increased outpatient facilities. The increase is projected to be 18% by 2030. A medical assistant’s clinical duties include wound dressing, recording medical histories, phlebotomy, etc.

Nurses: As a healthcare major, you can pursue a career in nursing. Many nurses do, from caring for the convalescent and sick to administering injections and taking vitals.

Mental health counselor: Counselors work alongside groups and individuals to promote health. These professionals support and help individuals having depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.

Registered dietitian: Dieticians strive to help clients adopt good eating habits. They often work with individuals to tailor diets that meet their nutritional needs.

Furthermore, they help create menu plans and to educate clients about foods and recipes.

Pharmacy sales representative: You can work as a pharmaceutical sales representative with a major in health science. A pharmaceutical sales representative familiarizes clients with drug use, side effects, and interactions.

These reps serve as a link between drug manufacturers and pharmacies.

Physical or occupational therapist: Occupational therapists utilize therapy in treating patients with injuries or disabilities. Occupational therapists can work with fellow audiologists or therapists.

Clinics and nursing homes are familiar places occupational therapists can work.