Care for others. Change the world. Secure your future.
This field offers a wide range of career paths where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re working in a hospital, researching cures, running a clinic, or designing public health programs that help entire communities.
Pathways to Get There:
High School Courses to Take: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Psychology, Health Sciences
Recommended Extracurriculars: Volunteering at clinics, science clubs, first aid training, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
2-Year Colleges: Start with a community college nursing or health tech program
4-Year Universities: Earn your BSN or pre-med/health sciences degree
Do you enjoy helping people feel better, solving real-life problems, or learning how the human body works? A career in healthcare and life sciences could be the perfect fit for you!
What You Need To Know
Careers
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Physical Therapist
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Healthcare Administrator
Degrees & Certifications
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master’s Degree (for PA or PT)
- Health Administration Degree (BS or MS)
Top Schools
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – Nursing, PT
- Emory University – PA Program
- Johns Hopkins University – Public Health
- Cal State Long Beach – Health Administration
| Career | Average Salary | Education Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $75,000 – $100,000/year | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (ADN/BSN) |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $100,000 – $130,000/year | Bachelor’s + Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies |
| Physical Therapist | $90,000 – $110,000/year | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
| Healthcare Administrator | $70,000 – $120,000/year | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Health Administration |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | $60,000 – $80,000/year | Bachelor’s in Clinical Laboratory Science or Biology |