Are there any books that I can read to help me decide if a health science degree is right for me?

If you are looking at getting an online degree in health science, you may be interested in books related to the field. Medical fiction is a genre growing in popularity, and Robin Cook is 1 of its masters. With dozens of books published, Cook writes popular novels based on current hot topics in medicine. Some are dramas, some are thrillers and all are quick, engaging reads, which give a fictionalized view into the world of healthcare.

One of the pioneers in the medical science field, Michael Crichton has been writing popular novels about science for decades. One his earliest and most famous books, The Andromeda Strain, could be an interesting read for students enrolled in on-campus and online health science degree programs.

The novel explores the drastic what-if of an alien bacteria causing an epidemic in America and follows the government’s response to this fictional biological emergency. Health science students will likely enjoy how the focus goes beyond just science and medicine to also illustrate the administrative decisions made to help contain the disease.

Cutting for Stone is a literary fiction novel which has received stellar reviews from both the public and the media. The narrative weaves medicine into a touching and enthralling story about twin brothers. The story spans the globe, with scenes set in India, Ethiopia and New York City, and includes both medical and personal dramas. Written by a doctor, descriptions of medical procedures are in-depth and realistic.

What are some online resources that will give me ideas about how to use a degree in health science?

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) website is an excellent resource for students pursuing on-campus or online health science degrees. The WHO is an international organization within the United Nations and is responsible for health care on the global scale. The site provides references, statistics and data about healthcare issues around the world, publishes journals and reports and houses many projects and programs related to healthcare.

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) is a professional organization for healthcare administrators and can be a useful resource for students looking at health science online colleges. You can find out more about what a career in health science means through the articles and publications on AAHAM’s site. You can also use the website to research different certifications healthcare professionals can get to enhance their job.

Students taking health science online degree programs for management careers will find Hospital Life a great read. This blog is written by Marty Bonick, the president and CEO at Jewish Hospital Medical Campus, 1 of the nation’s top hospitals, and documents the various issues he faces every day. He writes articles on patient satisfaction, hospital management and even covers the politics of healthcare.

What organizations accredit on-campus and online health science degree programs?

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the largest group accrediting programs in the health sciences field. Over 2000 programs in a variety of healthcare disciplines are accredited by CAAHEP. The site’s resources for students cover frequently asked questions, details the accreditation process and even has a YouTube video about accreditation.

If you are interested in an online health science degree, CAAHEP’s website has a special field in its search function to help you find a program offering an accredited health science online degree.

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is another organization dedicated to accrediting programs in the health sciences. The ABHES website has resources for students, including information about how to transfer credits between institutions and a search function to allow you to quickly search for programs offering the best health science degrees online or on campus, based on name, program, location, credentials and method of degree delivery.

Is a degree in health science recession proof?

The outlook for health science graduates is a positive 1. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for many fields in healthcare will see a continued rise in growth as baby boomers continue to live longer and technology continues to extend life expectancy.

For example, the BLS projects that healthcare administrator jobs will grow 22% between 2010 and 2020. Health educators see an even more impressive projected growth of 37% over the next decade. These rates are much higher than the national average for job growth.

A degree in the health sciences is not recession proof, but is flexible, allowing graduates to pursue several different career paths. A graduate with a top health science degree online or from a brick-and-mortar school can choose from a selection of jobs after graduation, ranging from administrative work to patient education to pharmaceutical sales. You can even go on to health science graduate programs to increase the already favorable odds for employment.