Non-Medical Careers in Healthcare: Opportunities in Public Health, Global Health, & Clinical Science

By Sophie Odgers-Roe ?????? , Careers Consultant, University of London Careers Service

Healthcare offers a wealth of career paths beyond becoming a doctor or nurse. Public Health, Global Health, and Clinical Science are vital fields that focus on improving population health, shaping policy, and advancing medical knowledge.??

??Why Choose These Fields??

Many individuals transition into non-medical healthcare roles from diverse backgrounds, finding meaningful work in improving health outcomes. Studies suggest that career changers often report increased job satisfaction.

Whether you are early in your career or considering a shift, these non-medical healthcare fields offer dynamic and rewarding opportunities to drive change and improve lives globally.?

??Public Health?

Public Health aims to protect and improve the health of populations. It is commonly divided into six key areas:?

• Health Improvement – Encouraging healthier lifestyles through initiatives such as smoking cessation, sexual health awareness, and nutrition campaigns.?
• Health Protection – Managing infectious diseases, vaccination programmes, environmental safety, and emergency health responses.?
• Academic Public Health – Conducting research and educating future public health professionals.?
• Health and Social Care Quality – Enhancing healthcare services and ensuring patient safety and satisfaction.?
• Strategy and Policy – Developing, implementing, and evaluating health policies at local, national, or global levels.?
• Public Health Intelligence – Collecting and analysing data to identify health trends and inform decisions.?

Careers in Public Health include epidemiologists, health policy advisors, environmental health officers, and community health educators.?

??Listen to this Global Careers Calls Podcast episode featuring 英国伦敦大学 alumna, Branishka Lewis, RN, MSPH, PMP , to learn more about her professional journey in the healthcare industry—from working as a nurse to becoming a Public Health Officer:

??Global Health?

Global Health addresses health challenges that transcend national borders, such as pandemics, health inequalities, and access to care in low-resource settings.

Professionals in this field may work with international organisations (e.g., World Health Organization , 联合国儿童基金会 ), NGOs, or government agencies. Roles include global health consultants, humanitarian aid coordinators, and policy analysts, often requiring cross-cultural collaboration and adaptability.?

??Clinical Science?

Clinical Science focuses on supporting medical research, diagnostics, and patient care through laboratory-based and analytical roles. Key areas include:?

• Medical Research – Investigating diseases and potential treatments in academic, pharmaceutical, or government settings.?

• Healthcare Technology & Innovation – Developing medical devices, health informatics, and AI-driven diagnostics.?

• Diagnostic Science – Conducting lab-based testing in genetics, pathology, and biochemistry to assist patient care.?

Careers in Clinical Science include clinical researchers, biomedical scientists, and healthcare data analysts.?

??University of London Students & Recent Graduates! What's Next?

• Hear from Industry Professionals: Kirsty Lazarus, Ruvimbo Chiswo , and Vaishalee (Tina) Patel will talk about future trends and opportunities to help you be efficient in planning your future career in this sector. Sign up via Careers Connect.

• AI & Healthcare Sector Roles? Find out more by attending our Impact of AI: Healthcare Sector Roles (27 March 2025 at 10am & 3pm UK time) event.
• Explore & Apply for Jobs! Check out healthcare sector opportunities tailored to UoL students and recent graduates through our Vacancies Board.

Other Panels Coming Up

*Please note, speakers are subject to change prior to session dates, please check the Careers Connect event listings for accurate and up-to-date speaker information

• 20 March 2025, 1pm (UK time): Corporate Careers (Register now)

Featuring Gehan Wijesinghe , Harun Ulgen , Nobel ?la? , Serena Wu , and Thanh Holmes .

• 25 March 2025, 1pm (UK time): Human Rights/Refugee Protection/Charities/NGO Panel (Register Now)

Featuring Dominic Courage , Joanna Kucharczyk - Jurgielewicz , Rawan Taha , and Sylvester Chapotera .