A doctorate of health science online degree is, first and foremost, a lucrative career choice. It allows professionals to traverse a career in postsecondary education, health service management, or medical service management. If you are pursuing a similar career, then earn a doctor of health science degree. This article eliminates the ambiguities regarding doctor of health science salary and jobs. In addition, it examines the available online programs and answers what you can do with a health science degree today.
Read on to learn more!
What Is A DHSC Degree?
A Doctor of Health Science degree advances health care professional knowledge by developing leadership, research, and teaching skills. Diverse healthcare professionals – such as nurses, dieticians, therapists, etc. – can attain a doctorate of health science online at many reputed universities. These programs include the same core courses as in-person programs, thereby preparing students at par with the traditional degree programs.
Professionals who earn a doctorate of health science online can become medical and health service managers. In other words, they can supervise personnel and operations of a medical facility. Their primary responsibilities include facility management, complying with governmental laws and regulations, and providing top-notch care. These professionals can also become postsecondary teachers after graduation. They may instruct college-level classes, advise students, develop teaching plans, publish research, and evaluate students on their assignments.
What Does DHSC Stand For?
The enigma of doctor of health science vs. Ph.D. is a common one. DHSC degrees are professional doctorates in health science and literally stand for Doctor of Health Sciences. Not all professional doctorates require a dissertation. Nor do they function on assisting students with original research. Compared to a Ph.D. in Health Sciences, professional doctorate degrees emphasize applicable career-focused information.
Some DSH programs may require a dissertation. On the other hand, others rely solely on capstone projects, internships, or practicums. However, in Doctor of Health Sciences, no dissertation is necessary. Most DHSC degree programs necessitate an already completed master’s or doctorate in another discipline. These degree programs are generally interdisciplinary, drawing from graduate-level fields such as:
- Research methods in health settings
- Applied courses in health delivery optimization
- Health education courses
- Advanced clinical practitioner courses
DHSC vs. Ph.D. – What’s The Difference?
A Doctor of Health Science, abbreviated as DHSC, offers students the knowledge required to lead in the healthcare sector. They generally focus more on practical applications, which differs from a Ph.D. In a Ph.D., the focus lies on research. Apart from these fundamental distinctions, these two programs differ in many other ways.
Duration, Education, and Focus
Students can complete most DHSC programs within three years, which is considerably shorter than a Ph.D. Several reputed educational institutions offer online degree formats for DHSC. These programs provide the utmost level of convenience and flexibility without compromising advanced education. However, both programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree – at the minimum – for admission. In addition, they must also have adequate healthcare experience, licensure in a health-related field, or professional credentials. Those without healthcare experience should possess considerable leadership expertise in health sciences, nutrition, or education.
A DHSC program offers electives and specializations and thus allows graduates a more diverse career path than a Ph.D. For instance, a DHSC candidate may attain specialization in clinical work, clinical nutrition, or education. They can even take infectious diseases and toxicology courses, preparing for work in epidemiology. Students can choose their dissertation topics in a DHSC program according to their preferred area of specialization.
Career Outcomes
DHSC graduates hold the potential to become healthcare leaders when entering a higher education career. They are also eligible to work in healthcare leadership positions besides teaching and thus can help elevate community health outcomes. In addition, they may land jobs in health policy, global health, or health management with their exemplary research skills. Their ability to make critical clinical decisions and a keen eye for evidence-based care paves the way for substantial career growth and success.
Doctor of Health Sciences vs. Ph.D. – Choosing the Right Health Science Graduate Degree
The process of opting for a doctorate program is not so simple. It requires extensive dedication, time, and investment, whether a Doctor of Health Sciences or Ph.D. For students who aspire to make their mark in the world by prompting a change in the ever-metamorphosing world of healthcare, obtaining a doctorate is a suitable choice as it allows considerable practical and hands-on fieldwork.
However, those who wish to add substantially to a field by uncovering and developing new knowledge should choose a Ph.D. degree. Choosing your career goals is a given when deciding between a doctorate in health sciences or a Ph.D. Still, both circumstances prepare individuals for leadership roles that hold the potential to impact the healthcare sector.
Doctorate Of Health Science Online Overview
What Can I Expect From A Doctorate Of Health Science Online Program?
A Doctorate of Health Sciences online program prepares professionals for leadership positions by fostering skills as administrators, educators, advocates for best practices, and members of research teams. This program is highly suitable for health professionals who wish to pursue leadership roles in clinical practice or education, including:
- Physician assistants
- Health administrators
- Nurses
- Couple and family therapists
- Complementary and integrative health practitioners
- Behavioral or mental health specialists
- Creative arts therapists
- Physical or occupational therapists
A doctor of health sciences online offers competency in healthcare education. It provides specialized study in a particular area of clinical practice and a foundation for research. Graduates can expect to educate practitioners and students in community, clinical, or academic health careers. They can also preside over public health leadership or healthcare positions. A DHSC program allows professionals to supervise, contribute to, and extend scholarships to promote principal practices.
What Courses Will I Take In A Doctorate Of Health Science Online Program?
DHSC programs are generally all-encompassing and comprehensive, providing students with the utmost professional expertise and knowledge. Some standard courses that most doctorates of health science online programs include are listed below:
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Professional And Scientific Writing
- Healthcare Legal & Ethical Issues
- Healthcare Delivery
- Research Methods
Admission Requirements For An Online Doctorate of Health Science Program
Colleges and universities have varying admission requirements for a doctorate of health science. The most common conditions include a clinical doctoral professional degree or master’s degree in a health professional. Also, a current and active U.S. or Canadian credential or license to practice in a particular discipline. Furthermore, a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendations, and in some cases, a personal statement.
Skills You Will Acquire
A DHS program allows students to cultivate various lucrative skills that lend considerable ability in their professional field. Some basic skills that DHSC graduates develop include the following:
- Big data visualization and development
- Statistical applications expertise
- Necessary professional values and ethics
- Information literacy
- Collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Cultural and global awareness
- The ability for continuous professional development and growth
- Learning and teaching methodologies across various populations and settings
- Influential and metamorphic leadership competencies and skills
- Assessment, integration, development, and practical application of evidence for suitable practices
- Scientific writing skills
- Mining for advocacy, policy development, and decision support
- Health policy knowledge to influence, promote, advocate, and metamorphose health systems
- Long-term learning skills
- Practical knowledge for application and evaluation
How To Choose a Program
Choosing an online doctor of health science degree is an intricate process requiring evaluation of various aspects. Let us view some core elements you need to look into before opting for a doctorate of health science online.
Cost
The cost of a doctorate is one of the most crucial and apparent elements that aspirants must look into before opting for an educational institution. Various prestigious educational institutions offer an online doctorate of health science on a variable expenditure spectrum. Therefore it is imperative to conduct thorough research to decide on an institution that offers affordable yet quality education.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for a doctor of health science degree vary depending on different institutions. Although the general admission requirements include a master’s or clinical doctoral professional degree, some institutions may have a higher GPA requirement or ask for letters of recommendation and personal statement essays. Therefore, checking with your shortlisted institutions for their requirements is a wise choice.
Program Format
Many educational institutions offer an online doctorate of health sciences in various formats, hybrid or entirely online, through asynchronous and synchronous teaching methods. It is proper that applicants choose a program format that coincides with their personal and professional obligations.
Location
The location of educational institutions matters greatly, even in the case of online degree options. That is because most doctorate programs require in-person seminars, classes, projects, or research programs during the study, which proves burdensome for out-of-state students. The tuition rates also vary depending on whether a student lives in the state, and the difference between the two may sometimes amount to a considerable amount.
Accreditation
An education institution’s accreditation status holds immense importance as it is a testament to the academic standards it practices. Degrees obtained from an accredited institution unequivocally surpass those obtained from unaccredited institutions. Thus, checking an institution’s accreditation status is imperative before choosing it for advanced studies.
Certification Opportunities
Some educational institutions provide their students with certification opportunities through facilitated coursework and learning. This endeavor proves immensely beneficial in enhancing your expertise and skill set and obtaining access to a diversified employment sector.
Best Online Doctorate Of Health Science Degrees
Pennsylvania Western University
Pennsylvania Western University—previously called California University of Pennsylvania—is an age-old member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and holds accreditation by the:
- American Association of State Colleges
- Universities and the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Its Global Online program offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees to over 7,000 enrolled students. This program provides certificate, undergrad, and graduate degree programs virtually with good student support and personalized attention metrics. According to recent research, the institute holds a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, with the graduation and retention rates standing at 52% and 73%, respectively.
Pennsylvania Western University offers an entirely online doctoral degree in health science and exercise leadership (D.H.Sc.). This program is highly sought after for its ultimate flexibility, seamless online offerings, and top-notch academic support. The program can be completed in two years as an accelerated doctorate program. Students have the choice to complete a dissertation or graduate early and kickstart their professional career. It focuses on leadership in exercise-related and aging population careers.
University of Bridgeport
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education
The University of Bridgeport is a private university that hosts a well-developed online network. The school serves more than 3,000 enrolled students. The institute has a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a 42% graduation rate, and a 71% retention rate. In other words, it’s a top-notch institution with quality support services.
The entirely online Doctor of Health Sciences (D.H.Sc.) degree offers the highest academic quality, flexibility, and support services. Aspirants can benefit from the multiple start terms in addition to graduating in as little as forty months.
They can also choose from three primary concentrations: an educator track, a clinical nutrition track, and a clinician track. The program is primarily for current health professionals and necessitates prior work experience in healthcare settings. Other admission requirements include a master’s degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Drexel University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Drexel University offers educational services to over 24,000 students pursuing professional, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The institute is widely known for its unique “co-op” programs that offer paid fieldwork opportunities relevant to career goals. It is also the proud holder of the Sloan-C award granted for demonstrating exceptionally high academic standards in online education.
This school offers an entirely online Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.) degree. Students in this program must complete the following:
- Core courses that polish their doctoral-level research capabilities
- A practicum
- Concentration courses
- A portion of courses revolving around original scholarship and writing
The concentration courses generally include neuroscience based on its relation to learning, Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation in education amidst health settings, online neuropedagogy, and teaching strategies in health education.
Rush University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Originally developed as the Rush University Medical Center, Rush University is a nonsectarian, private university. They provide educational offerings to nearly 2,000 students in four colleges around medicine and health-related courses of study. Academic offerings are built around a hospital and a bed health center, with distance courses available. The institute boasts a strong student-to-faculty ratio, currently standing at 5:1.
Rush University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences renowned for its flexibility, academic quality, and student support. The program supports one-on-one student-teacher attention through small classes. Students can generally complete the program in about four to five years, including the time required for research and dissertation production. The program offers online part-time and full-time study options. It thus proffers the opportunity to undertake original research from the convenience and comfort of your house.
Nova Southeastern University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Nova Southeastern University is a nonsectarian, private university with online offerings and a main campus in Davie, Florida. The school offers professional, doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree offerings in both its online and brick-and-mortar building. The health professions division is one of the largest the institution provides. It consists of eight colleges within the healthcare sector alone. Nova boasts a student support system, a 79% retention rate, a 52% graduation rate, and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Nova Southeastern University offers a 100% online Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.) program. It is well known for its flexibility and academic reputation, particularly healthcare-related courses of study. Since this is a post-professional degree program, applicants must already hold a professional or master’s degree and work experience. However, the program offers flexibility, ranging from a required practicum, internship, and doctoral analysis. Students can also choose between four available concentrations:
- Global health track
- Telehealth track
- Educator track
- Generalist track
Licensing and Certification
Generally, you do not need a license to hold the title of a Doctor of Health Science. However, in some instances, the disciplines professionals already specialize in before attaining a DHSC may require specific certifications or licensures for practice eligibility. Some states do not require a license from DHSC graduates who intend to take on leadership roles in clinical settings offering healthcare services.
Careers
The field of health sciences offers various specialties for professionals to attain a doctorate in. Such individuals can thus avail of multiple employment opportunities, such as teaching future:
- Researchers
- Health Scientists
- Health Administrators
- Policy Advocates
- Clinicians
- Public Health Professionals
- Professors
What Can You Do With A Doctorate Degree In Health Science?
DHSCs are professional doctorates that can lead to lucrative careers in various specializations in research, advanced clinical knowledge, and education. Such disciplines can prompt careers such as the following:
- Medical Practitioners (of various types)
- Medical Educators
- Researchers
- Leadership positions in healthcare organizations
- Professors
With a Doctorate of Health Science or Doctor of Philosophy, you can achieve the careers mentioned earlier. The Ph.D. track focuses more on original research, allowing students to better prepare for research-centered careers.
Salary For A Doctor Of Health Science
Professionals will likely seek promotion after earning a Doctorate in Health Sciences. Various doctor of health science jobs are readily available for fresh graduates. For instance, those working in a health clinic may pursue a health service manager position based on the added knowledge and expertise a Doctorate promises. Medical and health service managers typically supervise and plan various healthcare delivery aspects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earned a median annual salary of $101,340 as of 2021.
Similarly, those working in the health science field can upgrade to the position of university teacher. A Doctorate in Health Sciences can render them eligible for teaching college-level programs and courses. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for postsecondary health specialty teachers is $133,310.
Apply Today!
A Doctorate in Health Sciences is a highly lucrative career choice. It prepares professionals already in the healthcare sector to advance their careers and salary. Many reputable educational institutions offer a doctorate in health science online designed with working professionals in mind. Now that you know what you can do with a doctorate in health science, head to GetEducated.com to learn more and make an informed decision!
FAQs
Is a DHSC a good degree?
DHSC is a lucrative degree option highly suitable for professionals who wish to contribute to the field of health sciences while earning considerably well.
Is DHSC or Ph.D. better?
Both DHSC and Ph.D. are exceptional degree choices that prepare students for well-paying leadership positions. However, a Ph.D. is more suitable for those who wish to undertake a research-centered approach to academics.
Is it worth getting a Ph.D. in public health?
Getting a Ph.D. in public health prepares individuals for a wide range of careers, the most notable of which is public health advisors with an average annual income of $99,730. Those who opt for a Ph.D. in public health jobs in universities or colleges may earn between $78,470 to $124,580 annually or even more.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in health?
Individuals with a Ph.D. in health can find employment in government health agencies, health insurance companies, hospital administration, or non-profit organizations.