Career roadmap
How to Become a Health Sciences Professor
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a health sciences professor, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a health sciences professor: (1) earn a health professional degree, (2) get licensed and practice, (3) teach or precept, (4) build research or teaching record, (5) get hired. Most people need about 8+ years. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a health sciences professor
Earn a health professional degree
MD, PharmD, DPT or similar.
Get licensed and practice
Clinical experience.
Teach or precept
Supervise students.
Build research or teaching record
Publish.
Get hired
Faculty role.
Education and training requirements
A doctoral or professional degree (MD, PharmD, DPT, Ph.D. and others) is typical, often with clinical licensure.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 8+ years |
Certifications and licenses
- Professional license: Medicine, pharmacy, therapy and others.
- Board certification: Specialty credential.
- Health professions education certificate: Teaching training.
- Research grants: NIH and others.
Skills to build now
Start with clinical expertise, curriculum design, and simulation teaching, and practice mentoring and communication. Learning the health sciences professor vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Clinical Instructor: Teach part-time.
- Assistant Professor: Faculty.
- Associate Professor: Senior faculty.
- Program Director or Dean: Lead programs.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Health Sciences Professor training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
What degree is needed?
A doctoral or professional degree is typical.
How long does it take to become a health sciences professor?
Most people need about 8+ years of training. A doctoral or professional degree (MD, PharmD, DPT, Ph.D. and others) is typical, often with clinical licensure.
Do you need a degree to be a health sciences professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
What certifications are available for health sciences professors?
Common credentials include Professional license, Board certification, Health professions education certificate, and Research grants. Faculty who practice need a license in their health profession.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1071 (Health specialties teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Health specialties teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.