Career Options
As you envision a rewarding career in the healthcare field, you’ll discover a plethora of roles within the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industries. These roles offer enticing benefits such as competitive salaries, potential for career advancement and opportunities in diverse work settings.
Another significant advantage of these roles is job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that 1.9 million healthcare careers will become available each year over the next decade, providing ample opportunities to pursue your dream job.
The University of Florida offers several online graduate credentials crafted to get you one step closer to achieving your professional aspirations in healthcare. With a range of graduate degrees and certificates to choose from, you can select the option that best equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue medical school or enter directly into the workforce.
Career Outlook and Data
Our online graduate programs in medical sciences prepare you for a variety of professional and academic pursuits, including:
Explore Common Career Paths
Earning a master’s degree in medical sciences opens the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in healthcare and beyond. While some roles can be pursued with only a master’s degree, others require additional schooling and credentials. Whichever path you choose, an online graduate credential in medical physiology might be the first step in helping you realize your professional goals.
A master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology lays the groundwork for understanding the human body’s intricate systems: both how they function and how diseases and drugs affect them. It’s a stepping-stone for building a career in a variety of medical fields.
Would you like to be part of the indispensable team that determines whether new medications work better than existing treatments? As a biostatistician, you’ll use your skills in statistical analysis, data management and mathematics to analyze clinical trial data, uncover patterns and draw meaningful conclusions that shape the future of medical treatments.
Whether you work in an academic institution, government agency or in the healthcare industry, your responsibilities may include:
- Collaborating with researchers to design experiments and clinical trials.
- Using statistical software to analyze data.
- Applying statistical techniques to interpret findings accurately.
- Preparing statistical reports to present your findings.
- Writing publications, research papers and grant proposals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mathematicians and statisticians earn a median yearly income of $104,860. Their job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 11% through 2033.
Ready to leave your mark on the world of medicine? As a medical scientist, you’ll be at the forefront of healthcare, conducting cutting-edge research on disease prevention and treatment.
Whatever your specialty, from clinical pharmacology to medical pathology, your responsibilities as a medical scientist could include:
- Designing and conducting experiments.
- Analyzing medical samples to uncover new insights.
- Developing and testing medical devices.
- Securing funding through research grant proposals.
- Leading teams of technicians or students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical scientists earn a median yearly income of $100,890. Their job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 11% through 2033: much faster than the national average.
Clinical research is the backbone of medical innovation. But someone has to oversee these projects. Why not you?
As a clinical research coordinator, you’ll plan, direct and coordinate clinical research projects. But that’s only the beginning.
With the expertise gained from our online medical physiology and pharmacology program, you’ll be ready to take on responsibilities like:
- Scheduling and managing appointments for study participants.
- Preparing detailed study documentation.
- Ensuring studies comply with legal and ethical standards.
- Analyzing and interpreting collected data.
- Assisting in the creation of study protocols.
- Collaborating with investigators to prepare impactful findings.
According to the BLS, clinical research coordinators earn about $157,740 per year. Their job outlook is expected to grow by 6% to 8% through 2033: faster than the national average.
Want to make a bigger impact in medicine? As a biotechnologist, you’ll leverage your biological knowledge to develop solutions that improve human health and reshape healthcare systems. The next medical breakthrough — maybe a cutting-edge biosensor or lifesaving medical device — could be developed in your lab.
With the expertise you’ll gain in our online medical physiology and pharmacology program, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a biotechnologist. Your responsibilities could include:
- Designing and running experiments.
- Translating research findings into real-world clinical applications.
- Creating and testing medical devices.
- Recording, analyzing and interpreting data.
- Leading teams of technicians or students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), biotechnologists and other biological scientists earn a mean salary of $99,060 per year.
“Move fast and break things” is a great approach for a Silicon Valley startup, but it’s less effective in the medical field. As a regulatory affairs specialist, you’ll use your medical expertise to ensure that healthcare organizations follow every law, regulation and standard to the letter.
You could find yourself working in a variety of industries, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to hospitals and healthcare systems. No matter where you land, your responsibilities might include:
- Coordinating the preparation of regulatory documents.
- Evaluating information to ensure compliance with standards.
- Serving as the liaison between organizations and regulatory agencies.
- Communicating regulatory rules and rule changes to key stakeholders.
- Advising project teams on clinical study compliance and other regulatory matters.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), regulatory affairs specialists and other compliance officers earn about $75,670 per year. The job outlook is projected to grow by 3% to 5% through 2033.
Selling something without understanding what it is is a tall order, especially when it comes to medicine and technology. UF’s online medical physiology and pharmacology program offers the insight you need to thrive as a sales manager in the competitive biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Whether working with novel drugs or cutting-edge medical devices, your expertise would be invaluable for your customers and sales team, who’d look to you for insight and guidance. In this role, your responsibilities could include:
- Adjusting sales strategies to meet customer needs.
- Developing smart, effective customer-acquisition plans.
- Setting goals and implementing training programs for your team.
- Analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Preparing budgets and approving expenditures.
Sales managers, regardless of their industry, make a median yearly income of $135,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job outlook is projected to grow by 6% through 2023: faster than the average for all occupations.
If you have your eyes set on a rewarding teaching career in higher education, you can’t go wrong with a degree in medical physiology and pharmacology. With this degree, you’ll gain the expertise and confidence to step into a classroom and share your knowledge with students.
From high school and community colleges to major universities, there are numerous teaching opportunities. However, regardless of the teaching position you find yourself in, your responsibilities will likely include:
- Developing detailed course outlines.
- Planning lessons and assignments that inspire learning.
- Teaching anatomy courses with care and enthusiasm.
- Assessing students’ progress through grading and feedback.
- Guiding students toward achieving their academic goals.
The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 8% through 2033, faster than average for all occupations. Salaries are just as promising. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that biological science teachers earn a median annual salary of $83,920, while health specialties teachers bring home about $105,650 per year.
Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Health Educator
- Surgeon Medical Writer
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Dentist
A master’s degree in medical anatomy and physiology can help you ace the MCAT and succeed in medical school. But it also provides invaluable knowledge that serves students beyond the classroom as they advance their careers in STEM-related industries and make a difference in the world of medicine.
If you’re a nurse who’s interested in expanding your skillset and providing more comprehensive patient care, a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), otherwise known as a nurse practitioner, might be an ideal choice for you.
In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work in healthcare settings from hospitals to primary care practices, completing a wide variety of daily responsibilities, including:
- Performing physical exams on patients.
- Creating patient care plans.
- Ordering diagnostic tests.
- Prescribing medications.
- Diagnosing health problems.
- Evaluating patients’ responses to medical treatments.
- Consulting with other healthcare professionals.
Nurse practitioners typically require a master’s degree in an advanced practice nursing field. A graduate credential in medical physiology and pharmacology offers an excellent foundation in several areas of expertise and provides a competitive edge to your resume.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $125,900. The job outlook for this role is expected to increase at an astronomical rate of 38% through the year 2032: exponentially quicker than the average growth rate for all occupations of 3%.
The life of a surgeon extends far beyond what you might see in medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy.” While the path entails attending medical school, completing a surgical residency and working long hours, becoming a surgeon is immensely rewarding, and you’ll play a pivotal role in saving the lives of patients with a wide range of health conditions.
As a surgeon, you can specialize in various fields, such as pediatrics, cardiothoracic, urology and neurosurgery. Moreover, you can choose from a variety of work environments, including private practice, institutional practices or hospitals.
As the leader of the surgical team, your responsibilities may include:
- Examining patients and making diagnoses.
- Developing preoperative and postoperative care plans for patients.
- Performing surgeries and managing the surgical team.
- Reviewing surgery results with patients.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgeons and physicians make approximately $229,300 per year. The job outlook for this esteemed career is expected to grow at a pace of 3% through 2032.
As a medical writer, you can leverage your understanding of the human body and your writing skills to convey complex medical and scientific information. By obtaining a graduate credential in medical physiology and pharmacology, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and expertise needed to translate intricate medical concepts into accessible content tailored for diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, patients and the general public.
Some of the types of documents you can expect to create include:
- Regulatory documents
- Scientific publications
- Educational materials
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Clinical trial documentation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that technical writers (including medical writers) make a median yearly salary of $80,050. The job outlook for this role is promising, with a growth rate of 4% predicted through 2032.
Do you envision yourself in a hands-on role where you can assess and treat patients in your chosen specialty? As a physician assistant (PA), you’ll have a role very similar to that of a doctor but with significantly less schooling required.
Unlike doctors, who complete a longer educational path, physician assistants can typically earn a master’s degree from an accredited PA program in about two to three years. In contrast, doctors must attend medical school for four years before completing several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. As a PA, you’ll work under the supervision of a doctor, but you’ll have plenty of autonomy over patient care and treatment decisions.
Whether you work in a hospital, family practice or another healthcare setting, here are some of the responsibilities you can expect in this role:
- Conducting patient exams.
- Diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses.
- Creating treatment plans.
- Ordering diagnostic tests and prescribing medications.
- Documenting accurate patient information using electronic health records.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that physician assistants earn a median yearly salary of $130,020. In addition, the job outlook for this career is expected to grow by 28% through the year 2033, a rate much higher than the national average.
CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia. To become a CRNA, you’ll need to first earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and gain about a year of practical experience. Afterward, you can enter a nurse anesthesia program, which typically takes three to four years to complete.
In contrast, anesthesiologists earn a bachelor’s degree, attend medical school and then complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology. While anesthesiologists are medical doctors who often lead anesthesia care teams, CRNAs are specialists who focus on providing anesthetic care. They can work independently or as part of a care team under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Despite these differences, CRNAs and anesthesiologists share many of the same responsibilities, including:
- Developing anesthesia care plans tailored to each patient.
- Administering different types of anesthesia.
- Monitoring patients’ vitals and adjusting anesthesia levels as required.
- Overseeing a patient’s recovery after a procedure.
- Providing follow-up care instructions to patients.
- Performing epidural and spinal anesthesia for patients in labor.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists earn a median yearly salary of $129,480. Due to an increased demand for healthcare services from an aging population, approximately 31,900 jobs are expected each year in the role through 2033, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 40%.
Whether your passion for teeth goes beyond daily flossing or you’ve simply always imagined owning your own dentistry practice, you’ll play a crucial role in countless lives as a dentist, from children to the elderly. Dentists ensure the health and integrity of our oral hygiene, treating our teeth and gums to ensure they’re functioning at their best.
To become a dentist, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and take the dental admission test before being admitted into a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) program. After completing your education, you’ll take part in a two- to four-year residency program related to your specialty, such as orthodontics, pediatrics, endodontics or periodontics.
While your responsibilities will differ depending on your specialty, some of your tasks may include:
- Conducting dental examinations to determine a patient’s oral health.
- Developing treatment plans to treat dental issues.
- Supervising dental hygienists and dental assistants.
- Addressing dental emergencies.
- Performing regular teeth cleanings, filling cavities, repairing fractured teeth and performing root canals.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for dentists is $170,910 per year. The job outlook is projected to grow by 5% through 2033.
Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including:
- Biostatistician
- Health Educator
- Medical Scientist
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Biotechnologist
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Sales Manager
A master’s degree in medical physiology and aging lays the groundwork for understanding the human body’s intricate systems: both how they function and the impact of aging. It’s a stepping-stone for building a career in a variety of medical fields, including gerontology.
If you enjoy managing medical operations and guiding teams in the healthcare field, a strong foundation in medical physiology is essential for becoming an effective medical services manager.
In this role, you’ll be able to oversee medical services and ensure smooth coordination between medical staff and administration in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private medical practices
- Government health agencies
Responsibilities for a medical services manager include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing daily operations of healthcare services and departments.
- Ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards.
- Developing and implementing healthcare policies and procedures.
- Managing budgets and resources for medical services.
- Coordinating with medical professionals to improve patient care.
- Analyzing healthcare data to improve efficiency and outcomes.
- Training and managing staff to ensure the highest level of care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical services managers can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $110,680, with a projected job growth rate of 29% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for healthcare management professionals.
If conducting research that advances our understanding of health, disease and the lifespan is appealing to you, an online master’s degree in medical physiology and aging may be the key to becoming a successful medical scientist.
In this role, you’ll work to improve medical treatments, explore new therapies and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare across a variety of settings, including:
- Research institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Hospitals and clinical settings
- Government health agencies
Responsibilities for a medical scientist include:
- Designing and conducting research studies to investigate medical conditions and potential treatments.
- Analyzing and interpreting data to develop new medical solutions or treatments.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals, other scientists, and government agencies to advance research.
- Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting them at conferences.
- Securing funding for research projects and managing research budgets.
- Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines in research studies.
- Contributing to the development of new medical technologies and therapies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical scientists can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $100,890, with a job outlook growth of 11% through 2033, driven by the growing need for innovative medical research to address public health challenges.
If you are passionate about improving the well-being of individuals and communities, a solid foundation in social services, community outreach, and program management is essential for becoming a successful social and community service manager.
In this role, you’ll manage programs that directly impact communities, ensuring access to vital services in settings such as:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
- Healthcare facilities
- Community centers
Responsibilities for a social and community service manager include:
- Overseeing and coordinating social service programs and community outreach efforts.
- Developing and implementing strategies to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
- Managing budgets and resources for community programs.
- Supervising and supporting staff to ensure the effective delivery of services.
- Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to enhance community impact.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and making improvements.
- Advocating for policies that promote social welfare and community development.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers earn a median annual salary of approximately $77,030, with a projected job growth rate of 8% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals to lead and support community-focused programs.
If enhancing lives through recreational activities, mastering therapeutic techniques, medical physiology and psychology sounds appealing, a recreational therapist may be the career for you.
In this fulfilling role, you’ll leverage recreation and leisure activities to support the physical, emotional and social well-being of patients in diverse settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
- Community organizations
Responsibilities for a recreational therapist include:
- Assessing patients’ needs and designing personalized therapeutic programs.
- Using activities such as sports, art, music and games to enhance patients’ physical and mental health.
- Helping patients regain their independence and improve their social skills.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Monitoring patient progress and adjusting activities to meet evolving needs.
- Educating patients and families about the benefits of recreation therapy.
- Advocating for the inclusion of recreational therapy in healthcare settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Recreational Therapists can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $57,120 with a job outlook growth of 4% through 2033, reflecting the growing recognition of the therapeutic value of recreational activities.
If you’re driven to make a difference for the aging population by building expertise in social services, psychology and community resources, a career in social work may be a great option.
In this impactful role, you’ll enhance the lives of vulnerable populations by offering counseling, support and essential resources across various settings, including:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Schools and community centers
Responsibilities for a social worker include:
- Assessing clients’ needs and creating personalized treatment or service plans.
- Providing counseling and support to individuals and families coping with challenges such as addiction, mental health or abuse.
- Connecting clients to community resources and advocating for their needs.
- Collaborating with other professionals, such as healthcare providers and legal teams, to ensure comprehensive care.
- Monitoring clients’ progress and adjusting services as needed.
- Educating clients about their rights and available services.
- Advocating for social policies that promote well-being and protect vulnerable groups.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social Workers can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $58,380 with a job outlook growth of 7% through 2032, reflecting the increasing need for social services and support for individuals and families.
If you’re excited by the prospect of analyzing data and uncovering insights to shape decision-making, developing expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics is vital for becoming an effective research analyst. In this role, you’ll collect and analyze data to empower organizations with informed choices across various industries, including:
- Market research firms
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Corporations
Responsibilities for a research analyst include:
- Designing and conducting research studies to collect data and insights.
- Analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends, patterns and actionable insights.
- Presenting findings in reports, presentations or visual formats for stakeholders.
- Collaborating with other departments to understand research needs and objectives.
- Utilizing statistical software and tools to conduct complex analyses.
- Monitoring industry trends and adjusting research strategies as needed.
- Providing recommendations based on data to influence business strategies or policy decisions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Research Analysts can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $74,680, with a job outlook growth of 8% through 2033, driven by the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across industries.
If you’re driven to influence public policy and create meaningful change, a solid background in research, political science and data analysis is crucial to thriving as a policy analyst.
In this role, you’ll study, evaluate and interpret policies to offer recommendations that guide decision-making in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, including:
- Government agencies
- Think tanks and research organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Consulting firms
Responsibilities for a Policy Analyst include:
- Conducting thorough research on current policies and potential legislative changes.
- Analyzing data and trends to assess the effectiveness of existing policies.
- Writing reports, policy briefs and recommendations for stakeholders and lawmakers.
- Collaborating with government officials, organizations, and advocacy groups to develop policy solutions.
- Monitoring political, economic and social trends to anticipate policy impacts.
- Presenting findings and policy recommendations to decision-makers in clear, actionable formats.
- Advocating for policy changes that address public needs and improve societal outcomes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Policy Analysts can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $132,350, with a job outlook growth of 3% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals who can shape policies based on research and analysis.
If you’re committed to promoting safe and healthy workplaces and facilities, an occupational health and safety specialist may be the career for you.
In this role, you’ll safeguard individuals by identifying and addressing health hazards and unsafe conditions across diverse industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Government agencies
Responsibilities for an occupational health and safety specialist include:
- Identifying hazards and assessing risks to health and safety.
- Developing and implementing safety policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Conducting regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Providing training and education on safety practices to employees.
- Investigating accidents and incidents to determine causes and recommend preventive measures.
- Ensuring the workplace meets local, state and federal safety standards.
- Preparing reports and maintaining records on workplace safety activities and compliance.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn a median annual salary of approximately $77,580, with a job outlook growth of 14% through 2033 driven by the increasing demand for safer work environments across industries.
Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Health Educator
- Surgeon
- Medical Writer
- Physician Assistant
- Dentist
- Counselor
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietician or Nutritionist
A Master of Science in Anatomical Sciences Education offers the expertise needed to teach anatomy with confidence, clarity and enthusiasm. With this degree, you’ll be poised to share your knowledge with students at high schools and colleges across the country.
If you enjoy educating others about the different parts of the body and their physiological processes, a foundation in anatomical sciences will provide the knowledge needed to become a well-rounded health educator. In this role, you can teach in a variety of settings depending on your audience, including:
- Universities
- Community centers
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
While your responsibilities will vary depending on your role, many health educators are responsible for:
- Developing educational materials on health topics.
- Conducting outreach programs based on community needs.
- Teaching individuals or groups about healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.
- Creating health plans tailored to the needs of different populations.
- Advocating for policies that promote well-being and support positive changes in public health.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that health educators can expect to make approximately $62,860 per year. The job outlook for this career is expected to grow by 7% through 2033.
If you have your eyes set on a rewarding teaching career in higher education, you can’t go wrong teaching anatomy. With our online master’s degree in anatomical sciences education program, you’ll gain the expertise and confidence to step into a classroom and share your knowledge with students.
From community colleges to major universities, there are numerous opportunities to teach anatomy. However, regardless of the teaching position you find yourself in, your responsibilities will likely include:
- Developing detailed course outlines.
- Planning lessons and assignments that inspire learning.
- Teaching anatomy courses with care and enthusiasm.
- Assessing students’ progress through grading and feedback.
- Guiding students toward achieving their academic goals.
The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 8% through 2033, faster than average for all occupations. Salaries are just as promising. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that biological science teachers earn a median annual salary of $83,920, while health specialties teachers bring home about $105,650 per year.
Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Health Educator
- Surgeon
- Medical Writer
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Dentist