Discover Options for Health Care Careers 

Nursing and Health Sciences are some of the most important fields in modern healthcare. Nursing and health sciences professionals must be knowledgeable about techniques for promoting health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnostic techniques, and current technology.

Nursing and health sciences students gain an understanding of how professional roles can interact within a healthcare team setting, develop essential communication skills, and understand research methods. They also become proficient in evidence-based practice, comprehend cultural considerations in the healthcare environment, and apply principles of management and leadership. Furthermore, they learn techniques for health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management as well as understanding public health initiatives.

 

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Focus on Nursing

Nursing in the healthcare sector focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health. Nursing and health sciences have evolved significantly since Florence Nightingale first developed her healthcare theories in the 1800s.

Nursing today requires critical thinking skills to accurately assess patient needs using evidence-based practice guidelines to develop an effective plan of care for each individual patient’s situation.

Nurses practice autonomous and collaborative care of individuals in all age groups. They promote health, prevent illness, and coordinate care for patients with complicated health conditions. 

Adding Value to Patients' Lives in Nursing and Health Sciences

Nursing and health sciences go hand in hand. Nursing features a long history as one of the oldest healthcare professions. It is valued for its clinical expertise along with the compassion and commitment extended to patient care.

Nursing Specializations

Those with an interest in nursing will find opportunities for many healthcare specializations including:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychiatric/mental health
  • Obstetrics/gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public health
  • Community health
  • Acute care
Part of the problem with not having enough nurses is that there is a vast shortage of nursing educators and to educate registered nurses, almost all 50 states require that you possess a master’s degree.
Dr. Marcia Sotelo
Department Chair for Nursing
 

Nursing Health Education

Nurses undergo extensive clinical training in their nursing education to become capable health care experts. They learn to correctly assess a patient's condition, interpret diagnostic results, and develop individualized care plans. In addition, they study how to administer medications safely, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and perform physical exams.

Students can also develop real-world experience through internships, volunteering, and community service. In addition, these professional organizations can help students build a thriving network. Some of these include:

 

Learn More About our Master's in Nursing

 

The Benefits of Becoming a Nurse

Nursing is more than just administering medications or providing basic health care. It involves helping people with their health-related needs, promoting measures for good health, and taking the necessary steps to ensure patients remain healthy and cared for in the future.

Nursing is a fundamental aspect of healthcare systems around the world and nurses play an integral role in patient care. Students with nursing knowledge can explore more non-traditional roles in nursing informatics, including electronic medical records management, telehealth, medical writing, health coaching, and healthcare consulting.

Nursing is both an art and science: it requires knowledge of medical practices combined with compassion for patients. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying profession that allows nurses to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients.

 

 

integrative health

Explore Health Sciences in the Health Care Sector

Health sciences is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the application of knowledge from natural and social sciences. It is used to promote health among populations through the prevention of disease as well as proper diagnosis and treatment.


The field draws upon research from many disciplines such as medicine, psychology, environmental studies, mathematics, sociology, and anthropology. Professionals in health sciences must have an understanding of how biological processes interact with environmental factors like diet, lifestyle choices, genetics and pollution to influence patients’ overall well-being.

 

Potential Roles in Health Sciences

Students take courses in epidemiology, sociology, and psychology, nutrition, exercise science, and public health to develop an understanding of population health. Students who pursue an education in health sciences gain knowledge and skills often required in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Examples include:

  • Community health or public health worker
  • Mental health counselor
  • Patient care advocate
  • Physical or occupational therapist
  • Registered radiologic technologist
  • Research associate
  • Registered dietitian

Some of these opportunities require additional clinical training, certification, and graduate education.

 

Nursing & Health Science Career Resources

nursing leadership

Why It's Imperative to Cultivate More Nurse Leaders

By Allison Phillips
This scarcity of nurses is in turn propagating a shortage of nurse leaders. Now, it is imperative to create more nurse leaders focused on providing positive patient outcomes and workforce needs.
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nurse using computer

Public Health Offers a Variety of Potential Career Fields

By Dr. Samer Koutoubi
Public Health officials play a crucial role in promoting healthy communities and behaviors, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and eliminating environmental health hazards. 
Read Article
articles published

Want to Become a Nurse? What to Know About Nursing Education

By Dr. Bjorn Mercer and Dr. Stacey Malinowski
There are more than 100 different specialties in nursing, providing nurses with a variety of career options to pursue. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about her career path and the numerous ways students can pursue a nursing education.
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Additional Resources

See a full list of resources for prospective healthcare professionals. 
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing and Health Sciences

Next Steps

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