It is considered the greatest good we have: our health. Countless television programs, guides and websites on the subject of health show how important this is to us. The numbers speak for themselves: the average citizen spends around 900 euros a year on alternative healing methods , herbal medicine, wellness trips and sport. Together with the services provided by health insurers, more than 260 billion euros are invested in health in Germany every year .
An overview of the subjects in the field of health
Around four million people work in the health sector . This includes not only doctors, but also:
- Therapists
- Nurse
- Midwives
- Health scientist and manager
Some of these occupations were previously purely training occupations in Germany. In recent years, however, there have been an increasing number of courses in health . The aim is to meet challenges such as demographic change and ensure a scientifically sound education .
Health sciences
For example, the health sciences course has been around for some time . In contrast to medical courses , the students here do not deal with the treatment of acute illnesses. Rather, they get to the bottom of the social and physical framework conditions of health . For example, they research the basic causes of lifestyle diseases such as depression or back problems and which preventive measures can be taken. The course accordingly consists of both medical content and subjects from the areas of social sciences and economics , such as sociology or economics .
Health economics
According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, the Health Economics degree goes even more closely to the economic interrelationships in our health care system . It is aimed in particular at people who would later take on managerial functions in the management of health facilities or who would like to work for health insurance companies. During their studies, students get to know the economic and legal facets of the health system. In addition to content from the business area, subjects such as human biology or evidence-based medicine are also on the curriculum.
Degree programs in the field of nursing and therapy
The following courses are still quite new at German universities :
- Nursing science
- Obstetrics
- Occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- Speech therapy
They were created to academicise and professionalize training in the areas of nursing and therapy . Extensive medical, natural and social science knowledge is imparted during the course. In this way, the graduates should be up to date with the latest scientific standards when they graduate. In order to prepare students for future economic challenges in the health sector, economic knowledge is also part of the curriculum.
Practical experience required!
However, first and foremost is practice. Many courses of study require vocational training and some can be completed part-time. Alternatively, there is also a range of dual study programs in which students can combine practical vocational training with academic studies. There are also full-time courses with primary qualifications that are characterized by intensive practical phases , such as obstetrics: Students in this course must complete 3,000 hours of professional practice in order to complete the course with state recognition as a maternity care worker or midwife.
With a bachelor’s degree in their pocket, graduates of a subject in the field of health can start their career straight away. In contrast to an apprenticeship, the course offers the advantage that the graduates can also continue their education in a master’s course . For example, speech therapists have the opportunity to specialize in clinical linguistics , while nursing scientists can focus on nursing in old age. Many graduates also use a master’s degree to further their education in related subjects . Master’s programs in the field of health management are particularly popular with German students.
Personal requirements for studying health
Anyone wishing to take a degree in the field of health should be interested in:
- natural science subjects such as biology or chemistry
- social and economic contexts
The majority of the study programs are very time-consuming due to the high practical content . In the dual study programs in particular, the dual burden of training and studying should not be underestimated. Graduates who come into direct contact with patients also need qualities such as empathy, communication skills and patience for their later professional life .
Occupational fields for graduates of courses in the field of health
The awareness of one’s own health grows. At the same time, our population is getting older and the financial resources available to the German health system are becoming scarcer. The need for well-trained experts in the field of health is all the greater .
The most diverse professional fields are probably open to graduates of the health sciences course . For example, they work in research, develop preventive health measures on behalf of health insurance companies and authorities, or advise the sick and their relatives.
Graduates of the health management course deal more with the economic factors of the health care system. Many work in senior management of health and care facilities. Employment at health insurance companies, in the pharmaceutical industry or in the wellness sector are also possible.
Also care scientists , engaged in their studies to the area nursing management have specialized, mostly working in senior management of care facilities and hospitals. Those who specialize in nursing practice are engaged in practical nursing. In contrast to carers who have completed training, however, they take on managerial positions far more often. A degree also enables nursing scientists to work in the training and further education of nursing professionals.
The graduates of the obstetrics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy courses , on the other hand, mostly work in the traditional way as midwives, obstetricians or therapists. For example, they are employed in hospitals, clinics, care facilities or birthing centers. Many of them become self-employed after a few years of professional experience and open their own practice. A university degree also opens up other fields of work for them: some graduates take on advisory activities for health insurance companies or work as lecturers in adult education . With a master’s degree , a scientific career at the university is also possible.
