While health science and public health share common goals in promoting well-being, they differ significantly in their approach and objectives. Understanding these distinctions is essential, whether you're a student considering a career path in one of these fields or a professional seeking to expand your knowledge.

Health Science vs. Public Health

Health Science

Health science primarily focuses on the human body and the scientific aspects of health. It involves understanding the complex mechanisms that govern bodily functions and disease processes. Areas of focus in the field of health science include:

• Diagnosis and treatment: Health science professionals work directly with patients to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
• Biomedical research: The aim of health science professionals is to discover new treatments and better understand diseases.
• Clinical care: In hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, health science professionals provide hands-on care to patients.

Public Health

On the other hand, public health is concerned with promoting and protecting the health of entire communities. It takes a more holistic approach, focusing on prevention and health education. Key aspects of public health include:

• Identifying health disparities: Public health professionals focus on identifying and addressing differences in health outcomes between different populations. 
• Prevention: To prevent disease, public health professionals implement programs like immunization campaigns and public education campaigns. 
• Policy and advocacy: Public health professionals strive to influence public policies that will lead to healthier environments. 
• Epidemiology: Health professionals study patterns and causes of diseases to prevent them from spreading.

Daily Responsibilities in Each Field

Health Science

Careers in health science often revolve around direct interaction with patients and conducting detailed research. The primary job responsibilities include:

• Patient assessment: One of the most critical tasks is assessing each patient’s health status. This involves taking detailed medical histories, performing physical exams, and ordering or interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Treatment planning: Based on assessments, health science professionals develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. This could involve medication, physical therapy, or other interventions.
• Administering treatments: Administering treatments is a hands-on responsibility. Whether it's giving injections, applying dressings, or supervising rehabilitation exercises, this task requires precision and care.
• Patient education: Educating patients about their conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures is crucial. This helps patients manage their health better and adhere to their treatment plans.
• Keeping detailed records: Accurate and thorough documentation is essential. Professionals must keep detailed records of patient interactions, treatments administered, and progress notes to ensure continuity of care.
• Staying up to date with medical research: The medical field is constantly evolving. Professionals must stay current with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices through continuous education, training, and professional development.
• Handling administrative duties: In addition to clinical duties, health science professionals often handle administrative tasks. This could include scheduling appointments, managing patient files, and handling billing and insurance paperwork.

Public Health

Public health professionals focus more on broader initiatives aimed at improving community health. Their responsibilities often include:

• Monitoring community health: One of the main responsibilities of public health professionals is to monitor their community's health status. This involves collecting and analyzing data on disease prevalence, health behaviors, and environmental factors affecting public health. Professionals use this information to identify emerging health issues and trends.
• Conducting research: To better understand the nuances of health issues, public health professionals often design and conduct studies to better understand the nuances of health issues. This research helps in developing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.
• Developing health policies: Public health professionals work with policymakers to draft regulations and guidelines that address healthcare disparities, environmental health, and infectious diseases.
• Educating the public: Public health professionals spend a significant amount of time educating the public on health issues. This can include running campaigns, conducting workshops, and developing educational materials to raise awareness about topics like nutrition, vaccination, and disease prevention.
• Collaborating with healthcare providers: Public health professionals often collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to coordinate efforts and implement health programs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for successful public health initiatives.
• Managing health programs: Health programs involve planning, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives aimed at improving community health. Professionals must ensure these programs are cost-effective and achieve their intended outcomes.
• Responding to health emergencies: Public health professionals must be prepared to respond to health emergencies such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. This involves coordinating with emergency response teams, disseminating information to the public, and implementing measures to control and prevent the spread of disease.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations  

Health Sciences

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, driven by an increase in the aging population and a greater overall need for diagnostic testing.

The salary expectations for health science careers vary by specialization. For instance, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earned a median annual income of $60,780. Those in more advanced clinical roles, such as physician assistants, earned a median annual income of $130,020. Research positions and specialized technical roles can also provide competitive salaries, with some exceeding six figures depending on the level of expertise and responsibility.

Public Health

The BLS reports that employment for health educators and community health workers is projected to grow by 14% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increased need for health education, health management, and preventive services, particularly in underserved communities.

Salaries for public health positions can vary widely based on education, experience, and specific roles. As of May 2023, the median annual income for health educators and community health workers was $62,860. Epidemiologists, who fill another critical role in public health, earned a median annual income of $81,390. Higher-level positions such as public health directors or policy advisors can command significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually.

A Degree for You

WGU offers comprehensive programs tailored to preparing students for careers in both health science and public health. Whether you're inclined toward the clinical side of healthcare or are passionate about community health initiatives, WGU provides the education and skills needed to excel. WGU’s programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, ensuring that students gain practical knowledge and experience.

By choosing WGU, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Gain a solid foundation in health sciences, preparing you for roles in diagnostics, research, and clinical care.
• Develop expertise in public health strategies and get the tools you need to address health disparities, advocate for health policies, and implement preventive measures.

Explore WGU's degree programs today and take the next step toward a rewarding career in health science or public health!