The health sciences encompass disease prevention, health promotion and the provision of health care appropriate to different stages in the life cycle. Here are just a few fields of study within the health sciences:

Audiology Coaching Counselling Dentistry Emergency Medicine Food Science Gerontology Health Information Health Services Laboratory Science Medical Services Medical Records Medical Transcription Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Nursing Nutrition Occupational Health & Safety Occupational Therapy Pharmacy Physical Therapy Psychology Public Health Radiology Respiratory Social Workers Sonography Speech-Language Pathology

The education requirements for each field of study vary greatly. Some require at least a baccalaureate. Others require licensing or registration to practice in the profession. And yet some require only a certificate to begin a career.

Health Sciences Education and Life-Long Learning
When you investigate health sciences degree and certificate programs, consider the following points when choosing which college or university to attend:

• The degree program should be state accredited. Click here for more information about accreditation.
• Speak with admissions counsellors to determine the flexibility of the programs offered. For example, can you study a wide range of courses in your first and second years and then create a major and a minor in your third and fourth years? Maybe you wish to structure a major in your second year?
• What works best for you? Taking two years of college and then transferring to a four-year program? Or would you prefer four years at the same school?
• Does the school offer career services that include job placement, a resume service, job fairs and networking opportunities? Is there a fee connected with the career services offered? What is the placement rate for graduates of the program?
• Are you able to attend school full-time or part-time? Evenings or weekends only? Have you considered online or distance learning. Click here for more information on online learning.
• What is the cost of the education required? Will you require financial aid? Could you qualify for a scholarship? Are loans or grants available to you? Click here for more information about financial aid.

Looking for Online Education?
Explore these links for online & distance learning resources:

- Online Degree Programs
- Online Courses & Training
- Career Training Programs