Masters in Health Sciences

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Health Sciences?

Completing a master of health science degree may be a desirable option for those who wish to make an impact in the health care industry. A Master of Health Science (MHSc) is a graduate program that aims to create leaders in the industry. Online and in-person programs may be available.

Many times, students spend time learning and researching evidence-based insights into a specific field in health science. They may aim to use research to develop new programs to address unmet needs. Some may also focus on social, cultural, legal, and policy aspects of health science to make a difference in those areas.

Find Funding

The average cost for completing a master’s degree during the 2019/2020 school year was $19,792 according to data from NCES. Considering that, many students may wish to obtain funding to help cover the cost of their education. There are various funding options available, though not everyone qualifies for all of them. It may be worth taking a closer look at several options to determine which ones are available to you.

Scholarships

Scholarships may be one of the options for covering the cost of a graduate degree in health sciences. Scholarships often do not require repayment, typically, which means they may be able to lower the cost of a college education for many students. Scholarships in a specific area of health sciences may be available to some students. It helps to consider all of the options available and to, potentially, apply to more than one. Students typically need to find available scholarships for their degree, area of interest, or other qualifications, apply by following the instructions provided, and finally be awarded those funds.

Federal Loans

A federal loan may be an option for many students completing their master’s degree in health sciences. Federal student loans are typically backed by the U.S. federal government, which means they usually have very specific rules to following. Lenders may offer a range of options for master’s programs, but these tend to be a bit different than what may be expected in an undergraduate program.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans often do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are a bit different than the federal loan programs because it is not backed by the federal government. Yet, they may prove to be valuable resources for some students completing their master’s degree. Private student loans typically have different terms and conditions from what is expected in federal loans. For that reasons, borrowers may wish to carefully consider all loan terms and conditions before making a decision to use these loans. Some things to consider include whether a credit score is required, if a GRE or GPA range is required, or if there are any limitations on refinancing or putting the loan into forbearance.

Is health informatics specialist a good career?

A person working as a health informatics specialist typically applies their knowledge of informatics and nursing to help with the development, design, and necessary modifications of the computer systems in health care. This may include working to educate staff and handle problem solving when the implementation or management of these health care systems is necessary.

The work of a health informatics specialist is diverse. They may spend some time translating nurse practice information between system engineers, analysts, and designers with nurses. They may apply various techniques for this including object-oriented models. They also typically apply their knowledge in computer science, nursing, informatics theory, and information science along with administration, education, or research into their daily work.

Many design, develop, and then select, text, and implement solutions for modified informatics and new solutions, including as it applies to data structures and decision-support mechanisms. This may be done to help support other health care professionals as well as information management and human-tech interactions as they apply to the health care industry. They may also analyze and interpret patient, nursing, and information system data as a way to work to improve the nursing services. Some may develop and evaluate health information tech applications, processes, structures, and tools.

• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Day-to-day tasks may involve communication of project information to peers, testing computer system operations to ensure they are functioning properly, and designing software applications for the industry. They may also apply information technology to solve business or other problems.

To do this type of work, many people need to have at least a bachelor’s degree with some employers requesting a higher level of education and, at times, several years of working experience in the field. Limited support is provided in terms of skill learning on the job.

2023 Median Salary for Health Informatic Specialists

The median salary for a person working as a health informatic specialist in each state during 2023 is the following, based on information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is athletic trainer a good career?

A person completing a health science master’s degree may wish to work as an athletic trainer. A person in this field typically evaluates and treats injuries or illnesses related to the musculoskeletal system. This may include providing preventative, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care to them.

An athletic trainer may conduct an initial assessment to determine if there is a need for care, provide emergency care, or provide continued care as necessary, especially to an athlete. Their work may also include whether an athlete should see a physician or another provider for treatment and a definitive diagnosis. They may also need to assess and report the progress of athletes as they recover to physicians or coaches, depending on their employer.

Often, they provide care for injuries sustained by athletes by providing equipment, techniques, and medications as they apply to the individual’s specific needs. They may also provide evaluation for an athlete’s ability to return to play and provide participation clearances when it is necessary. Many also perform administrative tasks, including medical report keeping.

The day-to-day tasks in this field may include analyzing patient data to determine a person’s needs for treatment and goals of that treatment. They may evaluate patient outcomes to determine how effective treatments are. They may also inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care needs, operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments and equipment, and treat patients using a range of techniques.

To do this type of work, many employers want employees to have extensive experience and a master’s degree or a PhD. M.D., or other graduate degree. There is some, but little provided education on the job.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2023 Median Salary for Athletic Trainers

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working as an athletic trainer in 2023 earned a median salary of the following, based on each state.