1. Careers in The Health Sciences
Yvonne Eaglehouse, PhD, MPH

2. Health Sciences Public Health Education Physical Sciences
(e.g. biology, chemistry)
Business & Management
Medicine

3. Careers in the Health Sciences
Personal Training/Fitness Instructor*
Psychologist*
Facilities/Team Manager
Massage Therapist*
Dietitian*
Physical Educator*
Exercise Physiologist*
Rehabilitation Specialist*
Researcher (Academic/Government)
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Policy Writer (e.g. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans)
Public Health Officer (Government/Military)
Physical/Occupational Therapist*
Nurse/Physician Assistant*
Physician/Surgeon*
*May require additional certification or licensure after obtaining training or degree

4. Training for Careers in Health Sciences
Associate’s Degree/Vocational Training
Massage therapy, personal training/fitness instruction, physical therapy assistant, nurse, medical assistant, emergency medicine technician
Bachelor’s Degree
Health promotion, Public Health Officer, exercise physiologist/rehabilitation, facilities/team management, dietitian, educators, athletic training, physician assistant
Master’s or Doctorate Degree
Physician/surgeon, physical/occupational therapist, psychologist, advanced practice of any of the above career fields

5. College/University Majors that Support Careers in Health Sciences
Biology
Kinesiology
Exercise Science
Athletic Training
Business/Sports Management
Health Care Administration
Psychology/Sports Psychology
Education
Public Health
Nutrition/Dietetics
Biomechanics
Physics
Engineering
Chemistry
Nursing
Medicine

6. Steps to Prepare for Careers in Health Sciences
Take natural sciences classes in high school (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology)…
…but don’t forget about math, languages, writing, and social sciences!
Shadow health professionals in area of interest
Complete internships during high school and college/university
Explore introductory classes at community college
Volunteer
Ask questions!
Take a CPR and first aid class…. Find out if you like emergency medicine, can handle blood/needles, etc.

7. Pursing a Career in Health Sciences Requires…
Patience
Compassion
Organization
Communication (written and spoken)
Passion and interest
Commitment
Desire to help others
Reasoning
Judgement
Independence
Teamwork
Honesty
Integrity

8. The Rewards of Health Science Careers
Salary
A person could earn anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000+ per year in a health science career
Salary depends on skills, training, services provided, and years of experience
E.g. In LA, average salary for medical assistant is ~$26,000 per year; Average salary for RN is ~$59,000 per year; Average salary for family practice physician is ~$175,000 per year
Helping Others!

9. Snapshot of Health Careers in Louisiana
Colleges and Universities with Advanced Health Science Programs
Tulane University, School of Medicine and School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
LSU, School of Medicine and School of Public Health
Xavier University, Department of Public Health Sciences
Employers in Louisiana
State of Louisiana Department of Health
Healthcare systems (e.g. Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, DeSoto Regional Health System)
Research/Medical Universities (see list above!)
Private medical practices, ambulance services, other businesses
Many science majors (biology, chemistry, physics) and business programs are offered at public and private universities throughout the state. Ask your guidance counselor or teachers for help identifying schools that offer the undergraduate programs you are interested in!

10. Thank You!