The healthcare industry is growing at an exceptional rate. There are opportunities available for spiritual and clinical specialists, and workers with degrees at every level. Likewise, since medical breakthroughs and technology continues to grow at an equally high rate, new opportunities are created daily. Since there are numerous jobs available in this industry, the most difficult part of beginning a healthcare career is selecting the right specialty.
Health Degrees from A to Z
Many healthcare jobs can be obtained with an associate’s degree or professional certificate. Many technician, massage therapy, and nursing jobs are filled with individuals who’ve completed a year to 2 years of training. Jobs requiring specialized skills, such as therapist and social worker positions, are usually filled by individuals with bachelor’s degrees. Surgeons, doctors, and other medical professionals with highly specialized skills are required to earn graduate degrees. Healthcare professionals are also needed to fill administrative, research, policy, and regulatory positions. Some administrative jobs can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, but most healthcare organizations prefer to fill these positions with individuals holding graduate degrees.
Depending on specialty, most students pursuing healthcare careers are required to complete courses in nutrition, physiology, anatomy, chemistry, biology, medical ethics, business administration, psychology, and public policy.
Online Degrees in Health
Students earning degrees through online programs determine when and where to complete courses. Many schools offer online healthcare degree programs in healthcare administration, nursing, and massage therapy. However, practitioner jobs are usually only available on campuses since extensive hands-on training is required. Certain classes in doctor training programs are occasionally available online, but those completing these programs should be prepared to study on campus and complete onsite residencies.
Career Options within Health
Through 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates growth in the healthcare industry to increase by more than 20 percent, two times the national growth average in other professions. In other words, healthcare is among the top growth industries nationwide. Improvements in medical technology and knowledge is one factor contributing to this growth, in addition to aging populations reaching retirement age requiring more medical services. Therefore, aspiring healthcare professionals intending to spend 2 to 10 years in school will find numerous job opportunities nationwide.
In addition to job opportunities, high growth rates in the healthcare industry will contribute to rising wages for medical specialists. For example, annual median earnings for nurses currently exceed $57,000, while those for anesthesiologists often exceed $250,000 annually. It’s projected as demand increases for medical services annual earnings for medical professionals will also continue to rise.
Online Degrees in Health Care
Online degrees in health care and health sciences provided by accredited universities and colleges:
| Laboratory | Online Associate, Bachelor Degree, Masters, Ph.D. Degrees and Online Certificate Programs |
| EMS & Paramedic | Emergency Medical Science, Paramedic Science, Emergency Health Services and more |
| Health & Medical Sciences | Online Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D. Degree Programs in Health and Medical Sciences |
| Physician Assistant | Online Associate Degree, Bachelor and Masters Degree Programs in Physician and Medical Assisting |
| Radiologic Science | Radiologic Technology, Radiography, Medical Imaging and more |
Online Degrees in Nursing
Online nursing degree programs provided by accredited colleges and universities:
| Nursing | Online Master of Science in Nursing, Forensic Nursing Certificate and more |
| RN to BSN | Online Degree for the Registered Nurse leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Online Degrees in Health Care Management & Administration
Online degrees in health care management and administration provided by accredited colleges and universities:
| Gerontology | Applied Gerontology, Geriatric Health Management, Retirement Facility Administration and more |
| Health Care Administration | Online Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate Degrees, and Online Certificate Programs |
| Health Information Technology | Medical Records, Health Information Administration, Info Coding and more |
| MBA for Physicians | Executive MBA and Administration Programs |
Online Degrees for Allied Health Professionals
Online degrees in allied health professions provided by accredited colleges and universities:
| Alternative Medicine | Herbology, Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine and more |
| Nutrition | Dietary Management, Nutrition and Dietetics and more |
| Quality Control and Safety | Loss Prevention and Safety, Industrial Technology, Hazardous Materials Management and more |
| Pharmacy | Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy Technician and more |
| Social Work | Clinical Social Work, Community Services, Native Human Services and more |
| Sports and Fitness | Athletic Performance, Injury Management, Sports Medicine and more |
Online Degrees in Therapy
Online degrees in health therapy provided by accredited universities and colleges:
| Communication Disorders | Online degrees in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and more. |
| Occupational Therapy | Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D. Degree Programs in Occupational Therapy. |
| Physical Therapy | Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D. Degree Programs in Physical Therapy. |
| Respiratory Therapy | Certificates, Associates, Bachelors and Masters Programs in Respiratory Therapy |
Online Degrees in Dental Health
Online degree programs in dental health provided by accredited colleges and universities:
| Medical and Dental Assistant | Online Bachelor Degrees in Dental Hygiene and Assisting |
Featured Health Programs
 | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments. Learn More > |
| Purdue University Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online. Learn More > |
| Westwood College You have a dream, and we'll put you on the fast track to achieving it. Our degree programs provide you with the knowledge, tools and support you need to earn your associate degree in as little as 17 months, your bachelor's degree in as little as three years, or your master's degree in just over a year. By offering year-round classes focused on the most critical skills needed to start or advance your career, you can complete your coursework in less time than students at traditional schools. Learn More > |
| Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) At Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) we specialize in healthcare education in a supportive atmosphere that promotes student success. We educate future allied health professionals through our online classroom and at our campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida. Since 1994, UMA has educated thousands of students for careers in the healthcare industry. Learn More > |