If you know you’re interested in a career in medical science but not sure which direction you’re headed in, we see you. From public health to research, there are so many avenues to consider, and it can be hard to know where to begin. 

 Two of the most common paths that students explore? Medicine and education. While they may seem worlds apart, both rely heavily on a foundation in human anatomy, physiology and biomedical science. Most importantly, both offer meaningful, impactful careers. 

Not sure which option aligns best with your personality, goals or skillset? Below, we’re breaking down what you need to know about careers in medicine vs. education, including potential roles and key differences to consider before making your decision. 

Careers in Medicine: Using Medical Sciences to Treat Patients 

In the medical field, there are countless ways to apply a background in the sciences, especially if your education is rooted in anatomy and physiology. That foundation often leads to hands-on, patient-centered roles like:  

• Physician (MD or DO) 

• Physician assistant (PA) 

• Nurse practitioner (NP) 

• Surgeon 

• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) 

• Dentist

Want a deeper dive into what each of these careers involves? Visit our Career Options page for detailed descriptions, average salaries and educational requirements. 

How UF Can Help 

If you feel drawn to one of the medical sciences careers above, the right academic foundation can make all the difference. At UF, we offer several flexible programs designed to strengthen your background in anatomy and physiology while helping you stand out in competitive applicant pools. 

 Explore the entirely online program options below:  

• Master’s Degree in Medical Anatomy and Physiology: A comprehensive, graduate-level program ideal for students preparing for professional school. 

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology: Designed with the MCAT in mind, this certificate includes coursework aligned with some of the exam’s content areas. In as little as a year, you can strengthen your application and prep for the test at the same time. 

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Human Anatomy: If you already have a background in physiology and want to expand your expertise before applying to medical school, this 12-credit program can round out your knowledge. Focusing on anatomical systems, it helps position you as a prepared, competitive applicant for continued education and professional training.

Careers in Education: Using Medical Sciences to Teach Future Providers 

Educating the next generation of healthcare professionals is a vital, often underappreciated role. Many students dream of becoming physicians, but who inspired them to take that path?  

Chances are an anatomy professor or a mentor in a pre-health program helped spark that passion. So, if you’re more drawn to shaping futures than scrubbing in, a career in medical sciences education might be your calling. 

Here are some of the most common — and inspiring — roles in medical science education:  

• College instructor: Whether you’re teaching AP Anatomy and Physiology at a dual-enrollment high school or guiding students through foundational coursework at the community college level, instructors in medical sciences often shape the trajectory of future doctors, nurses and researchers.

• Simulation lab specialist: These professionals support hands-on, clinical learning by running high-tech simulation labs at universities, medical schools and hospitals. Their role is fundamental in helping students and residents practice procedures and decision-making in a safe, controlled environment. 

• Curriculum developer or instructional designer: Professionals in this role design anatomy and physiology course content, lab manuals or interactive modules (often for online or hybrid healthcare education programs).

• Academic advisor or student success coach (pre-health): Many universities hire professionals with strong science backgrounds to mentor and guide pre-med, pre-PA or pre-nursing students through academic planning and career preparation.

How UF Can Help 

Sure, we offer several programs tailored to aspiring physicians, but the educators who teach them the fundamentals are just as critical to a thriving healthcare system. That’s why we offer an online master’s degree and a graduate certificate in anatomical sciences education.  

They may sound similar, but each credential is designed with a different goal (and audience) in mind. Read on to see which might be the better fit for your future:  

• Master’s Degree in Anatomical Sciences Education 

This comprehensive, 31-credit program blends advanced content in human anatomy, histology, embryology and cell biology with specialized coursework in teaching pedagogy. 

This program offers the well-rounded preparation you need to succeed both in the classroom and behind the scenes in curriculum development, especially if you’re transitioning from a clinical or research role into academia or want to teach at the college level.  

• Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences Education
  Ideal for current instructors, lab professionals or those considering a move into teaching, this 12-credit program offers a fast-track introduction to evidence-based teaching strategies.

  It also provides targeted coursework in your subject area of choice, such as medical embryology, histology or cell biology. It’s a flexible, low-commitment way to sharpen your skills and explore the field before pursuing a full master’s degree.

Key Differences to Consider 

While the most obvious distinction between these two paths is the end goal (one leads to practicing medicine, the other focuses on teaching anatomy and physiology) there are other, less obvious differences that are just as important to weigh:  

• Salary potential 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $132,050 per year, while postsecondary health science educators earn around $73,800 annually. Both are stable, high-demand roles, but the salary range can vary depending on location, credentials and setting.  

• Length of education 

Many educators can begin teaching after completing a graduate certificate or master’s degree in medical sciences, especially in college-level or non-licensure roles. In contrast, future physicians typically complete four years of medical school, followed by three to seven years of residency, depending on their specialty. 

• Patient impact 

Educators don’t work with patients directly, but their influence can be far-reaching; they shape how future physicians think and care. Clinicians, on the other hand, work one-on-one with patients, providing diagnosis, treatment and direct medical care.  

• Certifications and licensure 

Educators may need a state teaching license (especially for high school or K–12 roles), but those teaching at the college level often do not. Medical professionals must pass national board exams (e.g., USMLE or COMLEX) and obtain licensure to practice in their state. 

FAQs: Medical Sciences Careers in Medicine vs. Education 

Not sure which path fits your goals best? Here are answers to common questions students ask when deciding between a medical sciences career in medicine or education:  

• What’s the main difference between medicine and education careers in the medical sciences?  

Medical careers involve treating patients directly, while education careers focus on teaching future healthcare professionals.  

• Which path takes longer to complete?  

Medical careers usually take longer: often seven to 11 years post-undergrad. Education roles typically require a master’s or graduate certificate, which can be completed in one to two years.  

• Do medical professionals earn more than educators?  

Generally, yes. Medical roles tend to offer higher salaries, but both paths provide stable, rewarding careers.  

• How can UF help me prepare?  

UF offers online graduate programs tailored to both paths, whether you’re aiming for medical school or a career in teaching anatomy and physiology.  

Carve Your Path with a Graduate Credential from UF 

If you dream of diagnosing patients or teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, the right academic foundation can set you apart. The University of Florida’s online graduate programs in medical sciences are designed to help you get there.  

Our flexible, fully online programs offer a targeted, rigorous curriculum that can help you strengthen your application to medical school or pivot into an impactful education career. No matter where you’re headed — medicine, teaching, research or beyond — our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence. 

Ready to start your journey? Explore your options and find the program that fits your goals. 

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm 

https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes252031.htm 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-4