Health and Medicine Major
A Health and Medicine major offers students a pathway to a variety of rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in nursing, public health, medical research, pharmacy, or medical assisting, a degree in Health and Medicine prepares you to make a difference in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. With the healthcare sector constantly evolving, professionals in this field are in high demand, offering job stability and the opportunity to impact lives positively.
Key Facts & Statistics
- Popularity: The Health and Medicine field is among the fastest-growing in the U.S., with healthcare occupations projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all other occupations.
- Job Growth: Employment in healthcare-related jobs is expected to add over 2.6 million new jobs by 2031.
- Earning Potential: The median annual wage for healthcare occupations was $75,000 in 2022, with many healthcare jobs offering six-figure salaries, particularly in specialized medical professions.
Popular Sub-majors in Health and Medicine
Health and Medicine is a broad field that encompasses various specialized areas of study. Below are some of the most popular sub-majors within this field:
Nursing
Nursing prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs) who provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Nurses are essential members of healthcare teams, offering direct care and patient education.
- Careers: Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Average Salary: $77,600 per year (RN)
- Skills: Patient care, medical knowledge, empathy
- Length of Study: 2-4 years (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree)
Public Health
Public Health majors focus on improving the health of populations by addressing issues like disease prevention, health education, and healthcare policy. This field focuses on the health of communities rather than individuals.
- Careers: Public Health Administrator, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst
- Average Salary: $64,000 per year
- Skills: Data analysis, community outreach, health education
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Pharmacy
Pharmacy involves the preparation and dispensing of medications and provides students with knowledge in pharmacology, drug interactions, and patient care. Pharmacists work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.
- Careers: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Clinical Pharmacist
- Average Salary: $128,570 per year
- Skills: Medication management, patient communication, attention to detail
- Length of Study: 6-8 years (Bachelor’s and Doctor of Pharmacy degree)
Medical Assisting
Medical Assisting includes both administrative and clinical tasks. Students learn how to assist physicians and healthcare teams in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics.
- Careers: Medical Assistant, Clinical Coordinator, Medical Office Manager
- Average Salary: $36,000 per year
- Skills: Patient care, medical office management, clinical procedures
- Length of Study: 1-2 years (Associate’s degree or certification)
Physical therapy
Physical Therapy involves helping patients recover from injuries and disabilities through movement and exercises. This major prepares students to become licensed physical therapists.
- Careers: Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Physical Therapy Assistant
- Average Salary: $95,620 per year
- Skills: Anatomy, rehabilitation techniques, patient care
- Length of Study: 6-7 years (Bachelor’s and Doctorate in Physical Therapy)
Health Administration
Health Administration focuses on managing healthcare facilities and services, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes run efficiently. This major prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
- Careers: Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Manager, Health Services Manager
- Average Salary: $101,340 per year
- Skills: Management, budgeting, healthcare laws
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Careers and Salaries in Health and Medicine
The Health and Medicine field offers a wide range of career opportunities, from patient-facing roles to behind-the-scenes positions that ensure healthcare systems run smoothly. Below are some of the most in-demand careers within the field:
Registered Nurse (RN)
Provides direct patient care in hospitals and clinics.
- Salary: $77,600 per year
- Skills: Patient care, medical knowledge, critical thinking
Physician
Diagnoses and treats medical conditions, provides ongoing patient care, and often specializes in specific areas such as surgery or pediatrics.
- Salary: $208,000+ per year (depending on specialty)
- Skills: Medical expertise, patient care, communication
Pharmacist
Dispenses medications and provides advice on their use, ensuring patient safety.
- Salary: $128,570 per year
- Skills: Pharmacology, medication management, patient counseling
Public Health Administrator
Manages health programs and policies that improve community health.
- Salary: $64,000 per year
- Skills: Policy analysis, health education, program management
Physical Therapist
Helps patients recover from physical injuries by teaching them exercises and techniques to regain mobility.
- Salary: $95,620 per year
- Skills: Rehabilitation, physical therapy techniques, patient care
Skills You’ll Gain with a Health and Medicine Major
A Health and Medicine degree equips you with a unique set of skills that are essential for careers in healthcare:
- Patient Care: Learn how to provide high-quality care and support to patients in various healthcare settings.
- Medical Knowledge: Gain a solid understanding of medical terminology, procedures, and healthcare practices.
- Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions in high-pressure environments.
- Communication: Enhance your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and medical professionals.
- Leadership and Management: For those in administration, learn how to lead teams, manage resources, and ensure organizational efficiency.
- Ethics and Compliance: Understand the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks in healthcare.
Why Choose a Health and Medicine Major?
Choosing a Health and Medicine major means entering one of the most impactful and fastest-growing fields in the world. With an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, healthcare professionals are in high demand, offering job security and the opportunity to make a real difference. Here’s why you should consider pursuing a degree in this field:
- Job Security: The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and jobs in healthcare are expected to remain in high demand.
- Rewarding Careers: Whether you’re directly caring for patients or working behind the scenes, the healthcare field offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
- High Salaries: Many healthcare professions offer high salaries, especially those in specialized fields.
- Diverse Opportunities: From nursing and physical therapy to public health and healthcare administration, the Health and Medicine field offers a variety of career options.
- Global Opportunities: Healthcare professionals are needed worldwide, offering opportunities to work abroad or in global health initiatives.