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Health science instructor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a health science instructor. Health science instructors usually study nursing, business, or psychology. 50% of health science instructors hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 593 real health science instructor resumes to see exactly what health science instructor education sections show.

The most common colleges for health science instructors are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online health science instructor courses to help get the education required to be a health science instructor.

There are certain health science instructor certifications that you should consider. These health science instructor certifications include Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS) and Medical Assistant.

What education do you need to become a health science instructor?

What degree do you need to be a health science instructor?

The most common degree for health science instructors is bachelor's degree, with 50% of health science instructors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 21% and associate degree degree at 19%.
  • Bachelor's, 50%
  • Associate, 21%
  • Master's, 19%
  • Doctorate, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a health science instructor?

You should major in nursing to become a health science instructor. 44% of health science instructors major in nursing. Other common majors for a health science instructor include business and psychology.

Most common colleges for health science instructors

Health science instructors often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Western Kentucky University, and Eastern Kentucky University. Here are the most common colleges for health science instructors in the US based on their resumes.
Health science instructor common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix11.54%
Western Kentucky University8.97%
Eastern Kentucky University7.69%
University of Florida6.41%
Webster University5.13%

Best majors for health science instructors

RankMajorPercentages
1Nursing43.8%
2Business6.5%
3Psychology5.5%
4Public Health5.3%
5Biology4.5%

Best colleges for health science instructors

The best colleges for health science instructors are Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

A health science instructor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for health science instructors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become health science instructors.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

2. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

3. Ohio State University

Columbus, OH • Private

In-state tuition

$10,726

Enrollment

45,769

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

7. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Enrollment

30,905

8. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Enrollment

34,564

20 best online courses for health science instructors

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1. Health for All Through Primary Health Care

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This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...

2. Health Care IT: Challenges and Opportunities

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A strong argument can be made that the health care field is one of the most information-intensive sectors in the U.S. economy and avoidance of the rapid advances in information technology is no longer an option. Consequently, the study of health care information technology and systems has become central to health care delivery effectiveness. This course covers the modern application of information technology that is critical to supporting the vision and operational knowledge of the health care...

3. Home Health Aide, Nurse Aide, Caregiver Certification Course

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4.6
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Become A Certified Home Health Aide, Personal Care Aide, Nurse Aide/ Caregiver At The End Of This Course. Enroll Now!!...

4. Health Coaching Certification Holistic Wellness Health Coach

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4.4
(3,299)

Health Coaching Practitioner Course Graduates Prepared Health Coaching Specialists in Holistic Wellness Health Coaching...

5. Sustainable Food Production Through Livestock Health Management

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Learn about the impact of infectious disease on sustainable animal-based food production by understanding the science of growth, immunity, and infection and by learning the problem-solving skills needed to advance animal health and food production through optimal management practices. There is a growing global need in agricultural production for a workforce that is capable of integrating knowledge of animal health and production with an understanding of consumer preferences in the context of...

6. Global Health Policy

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In this course, learners will become familiar with principles and theories of global health problems, and major challenges and controversies in improving global population health as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy. Topics will include health and foreign policy, health governance, acute disease surveillance, non-communicable diseases, burden of disease, universal health coverage, health systems strengthening, health...

7. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

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Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...

8. Mental Health First Aid Skills -

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This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...

9. Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice

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Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies. In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving...

10. Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems

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This specialization is intended for people interested in health systems and how they function. Participants will learn about the global health systems landscape and the challenges and opportunities to achieve better health outcomes. This specialisation is divided into three courses which are offered as massive online open access courses (Courses 1-3), and a fourth course which is offered as part of the Online MPH degree (capstone). The Health Systems Development specialisation is geared toward...

11. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Health & Wellness

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Learn about holistic health, wellness, key biomarkers, good sleep and ways to optimize your health...

12. Occupational Health & Safety Training

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Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...

13. Comparative Health Systems

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This course uses comparative analysis of health care systems to gain a better understanding of health care systems in several high-income, middle-income and low-income countries. One focus of analysis in this course will therefore be to develop a better knowledge of these health care systems. A second focus will be to use to this analysis to gain a better understanding of the health care system in the United States. This analysis is relevant for those who are directly interested in the United...

14. Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

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Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of learning how to utilize these factors in improving public health efforts. Through a set of experiential learning exercises, students will learn to apply the science of health behavior change in their own lives. The course is appropriate for students interested in health...

15. The 5 Element Theory: How to Enhance Health and Healing

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Learn How the 5 Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Enhance Your Health, Healing and Well Being...

16. Managing mental health issues in the workplace

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Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...

17. Health Care Delivery in Healthcare Organizations

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Have you ever needed health care and thought that there must be better ways to get or deliver health care? For example, have you found yourself thinking that there should be a way to get a diagnostic test or treatment at home? Or do you work in a healthcare organization and find yourself thinking that there must be better ways to deliver health care? If you have, this course is for you. Course content includes an overview of health care delivery including healthcare consumerism, the patient's...

18. Medical Terminology

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4.7
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Introduction to the meaning of various roots, terms and combining forms that are components of medical words...

19. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs

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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

20. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist

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4.4
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Health Information Technology HIT...

Top 10 most affordable universities for health science instructors

The most affordable schools for health science instructors are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for health science instructors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for health science instructors.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

5. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

8. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for health science instructors

The hardest universities for health science instructors to get into are Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

Some great schools for health science instructors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for health science instructors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

4. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

6. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,471

9. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for health science instructors

The easiest schools for health science instructors to get into are D'Youville College, barry university, and mount saint mary's university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a health science instructor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for health science instructors.

1. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

4. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

5. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

6. Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,059

7. AdventHealth University

Orlando, FL • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,016

8. The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,035

9. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

Average health science instructor salary by education level

According to our data, health science instructors with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $92,593 annually. Health science instructors with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $75,113.
Health science instructor education levelHealth science instructor salary
Master's Degree$75,113
Doctorate Degree$92,593

Health science instructor education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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