Healthcare science involves the application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for the adequate delivery of healthcare to patients. Healthcare scientists actively deliver the diagnosis, treatment, care and support to patients across numerous healthcare systems. They focus on the applied science in the field, rather than on academic research. Healthcare science encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including biology, physics, bioengineering, physiology, and genetics. Healthcare scientists work in numerous environments, including hospitals, laboratories, community centers, clinics, doctor's offices, homes, and even schools. Healthcare scientists play a vital role in diagnosing all types of physical ailments, monitoring the progress of current treatments, and managing long-term care. They primarily assist in saving lives, and improving the quality of healthcare for millions of patients. A small percentage of all healthcare science disciplines even assist in the creation of life.
The three main divisions of healthcare science include the life sciences, physiological science, physics and bioengineering, which encompasses over 45 different specialties. For instance, the life sciences field of concentration includes 18 different specialties, such as analytical toxicology, clinical biochemistry, anatomical pathology, cervical cytology, blood transfusion services, immunology, embryology, external quality assurance, haematology, haemostasis and thrombosis, cytogenetics, microbiology, phlebotomy, tissue banking, virology, histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and cryptopathology. The life sciences cover three broad areas, including pathology laboratories, genetics, and embryology. Healthcare scientists who pursue a career in life sciences may work in hospital laboratories, national agencies concerned with blood transfusions, transplantation, and health protection.
Healthcare scientists who pursue a career in the physiological sciences examine how the body and its major organs function. They diagnose any existing abnormalities, and explore ways to restore function, or minimize damages to the patient. Healthcare scientists involved in this field of concentration use specialist equipment. The majority are employed in hospitals, clinics, medical and surgical departments within the community. Some make personal visits to a patient's home or school. The physiological science specialties include audiology, clinical perfusion, critical care science, cardiac physiology, neurophysiology, autonomic neurovascular studies, gastrointestinal physiology, vision science, respiratory physiology, sleep physiology, ophthalmic science, vascular science, and urological measurement.
Healthcare scientists who pursue a career in one of physics and bioengineering disciplines work to develop methods that measure what happens in a patient's body. In addition, they devise new ways to diagnose, treat, and ensure that the equipment is functioning safely and effectively. The field of physics and bioengineering discipline involves several specialties, including biomechanical engineering, maxillofacial prosthetics, diagnostic radiology, biomechanical engineering, clinical engineering, clinical measurement, medical electronics, medical illustration, clinical photography, medical engineering design, non-ionizing radiation, radiopharmacy, radiation protection, equipment management, nuclear medicine, ultrasound imaging, rehabilitation engineering, renal technology, renal science, and radiotherapy physics.
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service contributes nearly eighty percent of all medical diagnoses. In fact, there are nearly fifty thousand healthcare scientists in the National Health Service. The National Health Service employs roughly five percent of its staff that administer pathology lab tests, physiological tests, and radiotherapy. Healthcare Science Technology Education programs provide prospective students with the opportunity to explore one of its disciplines. The salary of graduates who obtain a Healthcare Science Technology degree, or any other relevant secondary educational credentials, varies according to the individual's desired career path.
Life Sciences
Physiological Science
Physics and Bioengineering
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