Are you thinking about going into medical careers with a bachelor’s of science degree? If so, you’ve certainly come to the right place. For those of you who don’t know, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree bestowed by colleges or universities upon completion of a program of study. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a doctor — you’d attend University and earn yourself that desired bachelor’s. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about 4 years to earn due to its demanding curriculum and the time needed to study, but once you do…the opportunities are endless!
Medical careers with a bachelor’s degree
If you’re looking for a medical career, then you’ve probably heard that you need a doctorate degree. While this is true for many medical professions, it’s not true for all of them. Getting your bachelor’s degree in the right field will give you an advantage when applying for jobs in the medical field. Here are some of the best options:
Registered nurse (RN)
You’ll need at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become an RN. If you already have a BSN, then consider getting a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced degrees can help prepare you for leadership roles as well as teach you how to manage patient care.
Registered dietician (RD)
To become an RD, you’ll need at least a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics or Nutrition. You can also get a Master of Science if needed, but it isn’t required by most employers. You’ll also need to pass the RD exam before practicing as an RD professionally.
Medical careers with bachelor’s
Introduction
You might think you need a master’s degree to enter the medical field, but that’s not true. A bachelor’s in health administration will set you up for a rewarding career in medicine or a related field. Here are some of your options after earning this type of undergraduate degree:
Pharmacy tech
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They answer the phone, take prescriptions from people who come into their pharmacy, fill bottles with prescribed medications, explain how to take the medications, prepare insurance forms and answer questions about prescriptions.
Medical records technician
As a medical records technician, you’ll be helping to ensure that hospitals are running smoothly and efficiently. Your responsibilities include handling patient files, filing insurance claims and making sure that all the information in each file is accurate. You may also have to handle the transfer or disposal of patient records when patients move or die. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that demand for medical records technicians will grow at 3% annually between 2016 and 2026, which is slightly faster than average for other occupations.
For most entry-level positions, employers want you to have a high school diploma/GED plus relevant experience or training in healthcare administration. Many community colleges offer programs that include classroom instruction as well as hands-on training with hospital systems; these can prepare you for certification exams such as those offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). A few states require workers with this job title to be licensed—check your local requirements before applying!
Radiologic technologist
Radiologic technologists are responsible for providing imaging services such as x-rays and ultrasounds. They also prepare patients for exams, sterilize equipment, and maintain records. They may be asked to educate patients about their condition and treatment options or explain how the radiologic technology works.
Radiologic technologists typically need at least an associate’s degree in medical imaging technology to become licensed, but they can also get certified through organizations like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after passing an exam offered by that organization. In order to advance in this field, you may want to pursue further education at a four-year college or university if you want to earn a bachelor’s degree later on down the road; this will set you apart from those who don’t have any higher education beyond an associate’s degree
Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist is responsible for helping patients maintain their oral health by examining, cleaning and treating their teeth. Duties include performing dental cleanings and x-rays, applying sealants, giving fluoride treatments and educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices. Dental hygienists work in a dentist’s office under the supervision of a licensed dentist; however, some also offer independent dental hygiene services in private practices or community health centers. You can become a practicing dental hygienist after completing an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited school or college program or earn a bachelor’s degree in this field that includes hands-on clinical practice hours. In order to be licensed as a registered professional nurse (RN) you must complete a postsecondary program that includes coursework in nursing fundamentals, including anatomy, physiology and medical-surgical nursing; clinical training; written examinations; and passing scores on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Medical assistant
If you’re interested in working in the medical field, a bachelor’s degree is not necessary. In fact, some positions (like medical assistant) require only an associate degree or certification to apply.
There are many great reasons to obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and pursue a career as a medical assistant: it can help you prepare for more advanced opportunities down the road; it shows employers that you have taken seriously your education and are willing to go above and beyond; and it gives you more options when it comes time to start applying for jobs.
For example, according to one study by CareerBuilder, more than half of employers (59%) say they prefer applicants with some sort of postsecondary education over those with just a high school diploma alone—and that number does not include those who would rather hire someone with no postsecondary education at all!
Medical transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to recorded audio of medical records and transcribe them. They must have an excellent grasp of medical terminology and good typing skills. They also need to be able to listen attentively for long periods of time, which is why attention to detail is important.
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for this position, but some companies may require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a relevant field. On-the-job training can help you become familiar with the position’s work environment, equipment and policies.
Bachelor’s degrees for medical careers
If you’re interested in becoming a doctor, you may be considering your options for medical school. While there are many ways to become a physician, the traditional path is to complete an undergraduate degree before applying to medical school.
While earning a bachelor’s degree takes four years or more, it can help prepare students who plan on attending medical school by providing them with strong science and math skills necessary for success in their later careers.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the careers available to you with a bachelor’s degree in a science. If you have a passion for helping people and want to work in the medical field, there’s an option out there for you!
