Online Healthcare Degree Programs

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Online Degrees In Healthcare

Introduction to Healthcare Studies

Healthcare career opportunities are currently exploding, with seven of the top 20 fastest growing occupations coming from this exciting and rewarding job sector. As of 2006, the United States Department of Labor estimates that approximately 14 million people have found employment within the healthcare industry.

Earning an online degree in healthcare is a valuable first step toward becoming a physician, registered nurse, dental assistant, veterinary technician, social worker or other healthcare professional. Start your path towards success today by learning more about a specialized online healthcare degree.

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Healthcare Online Degree FAQ

The level of education required to enter the healthcare industry depends largely on the intended job position. Many service occupations simply require an online associate's degree in healthcare. These online degree programs typically require the completion of 60 credits of coursework from an accredited institution. Popular healthcare programs are offered at a variety of online colleges, including the University of Phoenix, Everest College, Ashford University and DeVry Institute.

Professional healthcare occupations typically require the completion of a four-year college program. An online bachelor's degree is an appropriate first step for students wishing to become a dentist, physician, social worker, registered nurse or physical therapist. The majority of these programs require approximately 120 credits, with classes that cover healthcare-related topics, business management, public relations and strategic planning and marketing. For higher paying healthcare positions, a master's or doctoral online degree may be necessary.

What are the job prospects for those with an Online Healthcare Degree?

Earning a degree in healthcare leads to a variety of exciting entry-level positions. Popular job titles offered to individuals with an associate's degree in a healthcare field include:

  • Dental Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing Aide
  • Office Manager
  • Home Health Aide
  • Veterinary Technician

With a little more schooling, an online bachelor's degree opens the door to additional employment opportunities in healthcare, including:

  • Nursing Home Director
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Health Services Administrator
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Clinical Services Representative

What Can I Do With a Healthcare Degree?

It is estimated that the healthcare industry will generate three million new jobs between 2006 and 2016. This number is more than any other job sector in the United States. Graduates of an online healthcare program can look forward to finding employment in a variety of work environments.

Offices of privately practicing physicians account for approximately 36.7 percent of total healthcare positions. Dentist offices are the second-most viable employer, with 20.7 percent of healthcare positions found there. Nursing and residential care facilities account for 11.5 percent of total industry employment, while hospitals employ 1.3 percent of the sector.

While salaries vary depending on the healthcare position, those with an associate's degree in a related healthcare field can expect to earn between $12 and $17 per hour for an entry-level position. Those who have earned a bachelor's degree can expect much higher salaries. Some healthcare positions, such as healthcare administration, allow graduates to potentially earn an annual salary between $60,000 and $100,000.