Degree Programs in Health Care

The health care industry is one of the largest in our economy. From doctors, nurses and other health care providers to technicians, researchers and office managers, the professionals who keep the health care industry working number in the millions.

Are you ready to learn more about health care careers and degrees? Check out these basics:

How long does it take to earn a degree related to health care?

Depending on your career goal, you can get a certification in one year, or complete college all the way through your PhD. The health care industry includes a variety of professions and careers, so it’s up to you how far you want to go.

There are many technical and professional colleges that offer two-year Associate’s Degree programs or specialized certifications. Whether you’re interested in studying medical reporting or becoming a dental hygienist, phlebotomy or massage therapy, one of these programs might be good for you.

If you’re thinking about a field that requires more education and training, you’re likely going to need at least a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. You can also continue your education and study for a Master’s Degree in health administration, medicine or other fields.

Where could a career in health care take me?

So the question is not whether there will be jobs in healthcare (will there ever!), but which of the many diverse careers tracks in this category should you follow? And what educational opportunities are available that fit your time constraints and financial resources? You can find programs that will train you for nursing, patient care technician, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, massage therapy, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, surgical technologist, and many more.

The health care industry encompasses dozens of careers and professions, from people who work day-to-day with patients and the general public, to educators and analysts who work for national organizations that try to improve the overall health of humanity. Your studies in health care can take you from a dentist’s office to a think tank – where you end up depends on your education and your ultimate goals.

What types of health care degrees are available?

It’s important that you match your educational plans with your career goals. If you want to become a phlebotomist, for example, you could start work with an Associate’s Degree. Some states, however, might require a Bachelor’s Degree or some other certification. It’s really up to you how far you want to take your education.

You can earn these types of degrees for a career in the health care field:

• Certification: Often offered by technical colleges, certifications provide you with the fundamental coursework for technical disciplines like dental hygiene or medical transcription.
• Certifications: There also many certifications for health care workers who need basic training in a particular discipline, such as dental hygiene.
• Associate’s Degree: This two-year degree is offered by junior colleges or some technical colleges. Many healthcare assistants and techs have Associate’s Degrees.
• Bachelor’s Degree: The preferred degree program for many professionals who enter the health care field, such as audiologists or other therapists. Many health care workers earn Bachelor’s Degrees and then return to school for certification in their specialty.
• Master’s Degrees: Required for doctors and some specialties. Some specialists, like physical therapists or occupational therapists, earn their Master’s Degrees while they’re working.
• PhD/post-doctorate study: Doctors are the healthcare workers who primarily study beyond their Master’s Degrees. Some take extra training in specialties, such as cardiology.