What Can You Do with a Health and Human Services Degree?

“Health and human services” refers to the programs and services that provide individual health, public health, and human services assistance to all people, particularly disadvantaged groups in society. This career is the perfect choice for individuals who enjoy taking care of others and improving the quality of life in whole communities through prevention, education, and remediation. The healthcare field needs highly trained health and human service professionals now more than ever, and earning a relevant bachelor’s degree is the first step to success in this impactful career. 

Key Learnings in a Health and Human Services Degree Program 

A health and human services degree program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for their careers. Here are some of the key learnings:

• Understanding human behavior: Students gain insights into the psychological, social, and biological factors that influence human behavior. This knowledge is critical for effectively addressing the needs of individuals and communities.
• Public health principles: Courses cover the foundations of public health, including epidemiology, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students learn to develop strategies to improve community health outcomes.
• Ethical and legal standards: Moral and legal considerations are integral within health and human services. Graduates must navigate complex situations while adhering to professional standards and guidelines.
• Cultural competency: Programs stress the importance of being culturally competent, teaching students to respect and understand diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This is vital for delivering inclusive and effective services.
• Research and data analysis: Students are trained in research methodologies and data analysis, enabling them to assess community needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and contribute to evidence-based practices.
• Communication skills: Effective communication is a cornerstone of health and human services. The curriculum includes training in verbal and written communication, active listening, and empathy.
• Program development and evaluation: Students learn to design, implement, and evaluate programs aimed at enhancing health and well-being. This includes understanding the needs of target populations and measuring program impact.
• Crisis intervention and management: The program equips students with skills to manage crises and provide immediate support to individuals in distress, ensuring they can respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

These key learnings prepare graduates to enter the workforce with the competence and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the health and human services field.

Health and Human Services Careers and Jobs 

Health and human services is a wide field with many different careers. Here are a few notable ones: 

 Community Health Worker 

Community health workers (CHWs) are public health professionals who have an intimate understanding of the communities they serve. The relationship they build with community members allows them to act as an intermediary between health and social services and the community. They facilitate access to services created to improve the quality of life in the community and most commonly work in low-income areas where quality healthcare services are less accessible.

Community health workers’ key responsibilities include: 

• Educating the community about health topics and available services.
• Assisting individuals in navigating the healthcare system.
• Providing basic health screenings and first aid.
• Advocating for the community's health needs. 

The salary expectations for a community health worker can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, level of experience, education, and the type of organization they work for. On average, community health workers in the U.S. earn $48,200 annually. 

Patient Care Coordinator 

A patient care coordinator is a trained health professional that assists in managing a patient’s care. They monitor and coordinate treatment plans, educate patients and their families on health conditions, link patients with healthcare providers, and track their progress.

A patient care coordinator’s day-to-day responsibilities include: 

• Developing and implementing patient care plans.
• Coordinating between different healthcare providers.
• Ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans.
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting care plans as needed. 

The salary expectations for a patient care coordinator can vary based on factors such as geographic location, level of experience, education, and the healthcare setting in which they are employed. Patient care coordinators in the U.S. earn a median of $110,680 annually. Coordinators working in larger hospitals or specialized medical facilities may earn salaries on the higher end of the spectrum.  

Health Services Coordinator 

Health services coordinators act as liaisons between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to keep everyone on the same page in understanding the requirements of a patient’s care. These healthcare professionals are similar to patient care coordinators but are more involved in direct patient care situations like keeping track of vitals, working with pathologists in lab testing, scheduling testing and diagnostic processes for patients, and working with emergency triage.

Health services coordinators are generally responsible for: 

• Overseeing healthcare facility operations.
• Managing staff and resources.
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Implementing policies and procedures.

The salary expectations for a health services coordinator are influenced by various factors, including geographic location, level of experience, educational background, and the type of healthcare institution they work for. On average, health services coordinators in the U.S. earn $110,680 annually. 

Health Educator 

A health educator works with groups in community settings or with individuals to educate them on how to live a healthy lifestyle. They assess the needs within a community and develop programs to meet those needs. They also educate the community on how to correct unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Health educators are known to wear many hats, but some of their main responsibilities include: 

• Designing and delivering health education programs.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of educational initiatives.
• Collaborating with other health professionals to address community health issues.
• Advocating for health education policies and programs.

The salary expectations for a health educator vary based on factors such as geographic location, level of experience, educational qualifications, and the type of employer. Health educators in the U.S. earn a median of $62,860 annually. Those working in government agencies, hospitals, or large nonprofit organizations may be on the higher end of this salary range.

Steps to Building a Health and Human Services Career 

To build a successful career in health and human services, follow these steps:

1. Earn a degree: Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in health and human services. This foundational step will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.
2. Gain experience: Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, and entry-level positions in healthcare settings to gain practical experience.
3. Specialize: Consider pursuing additional certifications or a master's degree in a specialized area of health and human services that interests you.
4. Network: Join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, and connect with professionals in the field to build your network and discover new opportunities.
5. Stay informed: Keep up with the latest trends and developments in the healthcare industry to stay ahead and continue growing in your career.  

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Services 

A career in health and human services begins with a solid educational foundation. At WGU, our bachelor's degree program in health and human services is designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career in this field. Our program offers:

• Flexible learning: Study at your own pace with our online courses, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments.
• Expert faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
• Career support: Benefit from our career services, including job placement assistance and résumé-building workshops.
• Industry-relevant curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of today's healthcare industry, ensuring that you graduate with the skills employers are looking for.

Ready to make a difference in the world of health and human services? Enroll in WGU's health and human services program and kick-start your career. Learn more today!