What Careers Are Open to Me With an Implementation Science Certificate? 

If you’re already working in health science, you might have heard the term ‘implementation science’ while conversing with colleagues. While serving as a crucial link between new research-based interventions and everyday clinical practice may seem enticing (and trust us, it is), you might be wondering what types of careers you can pursue once you’ve acquired a skillset in implementation science. 

A graduate credential in implementation science, whether it’s a certificate or degree, opens the door to several career paths, which we’ll explore today. 

Research Scientist 

The primary responsibility of a research scientist lies in the title itself: research. They improve human health by performing clinical trials and gathering and analyzing data to determine which interventions will be useful in different real-world settings. 

With a graduate credential in implementation science, research scientists are equipped to do much more than simply research. They apply their unique skills in multiple ways to advance their discipline in healthcare, including: 

• Designing studies 
  Before beginning their research, research scientists often design studies to determine which factors impact the issue they’re trying to address. 

• Collecting and analyzing data 
  By collecting data through surveys, focus groups and observations and communicating with stakeholders, research scientists can ensure they have relevant and up-to-date data. They use a range of analytical techniques to interpret their findings, look for trends and draw conclusions that will help them implement their proposed interventions. 

• Publishing findings 
  Many research scientists publish their results in academic journals. This allows the scientific community to evaluate and potentially use their objectives, methods and results in their own research endeavors and implementation. 

• Collaborating with stakeholders 
  When it’s time to implement their interventions in a practical setting, research scientists collaborate with stakeholders including healthcare providers, community organizations and patients to make sure their research correlates with the needs and priorities in the community they’re seeking to help. Research scientists also talk these stakeholders through the research process and help them successfully integrate interventions. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a research scientist is approximately $99,930. Additionally, the job outlook for this occupation is projected to grow by about 10% through 2032: a rate much faster than average. 

Academic Faculty 

Implementation science is rapidly expanding across various areas of health science, prompting many universities to actively seek qualified professionals to educate like-minded individuals on the principles, methodologies and applications of the discipline. 

University educators use their knowledge of implementation science to complete many responsibilities, such as: 

• Teaching and mentoring their students and teaching assistants. 

• Conducting research on implementation science-related topics. 

• Writing grants and proposals for research funding. 

• Providing consulting services to the scientific community and healthcare organizations. 

According to the BLS, university educators earn a median annual salary of $80,840. The job outlook for this role is expected to grow by 8% throughout 2032. 

Other Implementation Science-Related Careers  

Your career options don’t end there! Numerous other roles utilize implementation science in the course of everyday responsibilities, including: 

• Registered nurses, who make an median annual salary of $81,220. 
• Physicians, who earn approximately $229,300 yearly. 
• Healthcare administrators, who earn a median average salary of $104,830. 
• Quality improvement specialists, who make approximately $144,440 per year. 

Bridge the Gap Between Your Current Role and the Next Level 

Not only will implementation science training enable you to bridge the gap between recent evidence-based research and its real-world applications, it can also help you advance your career by introducing new roles that align with your distinct skillset. 

That’s where UF comes in. Our Graduate Certificate in Implementation Science is entirely online, allowing you to continue in your current role as you complete the 11 credit hours required to earn your credential. Through your courses, you’ll acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct research and play an integral role in facilitating communication between researchers, physicians and other professionals in the community. 

Browse our program offerings to determine if this is the right next step for your career. Once you’re ready, apply to the program and let the next chapter in your career unfold. 

Sources: 
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.html 
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm#tab-1