The healthcare industry in the US is among the fastest growing industries for a variety of reasons. With an increase in population, and specifically a rise in the number of older individuals, there is a dire need for competent professionals who can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare. As a result, degrees in various healthcare areas are becoming increasingly popular among students. From programs in nursing to dentistry, radiology to pharmacology, the number of choices and specialties available is plentiful.
What Kinds Of Healthcare Degrees Are Available?
Typically, students may choose an associate's degree or a Bachelor of Science at the undergraduate level. The former is a two year long program which focuses on training you in the specific skills needed for the healthcare industry. These types of degrees are offered at community colleges or technical schools. The latter is offered at four year colleges or universities, and it is a more holistic approach, which combines learning in healthcare with topics in humanities and social sciences. Through this combination, the students are able to sharpen their critical thinking and analytic ability, and their leadership skills are also groomed. Those who wish to become doctors and dentists will have to complete an undergraduate degree (it may be in any major) before entering medical or dental school. Depending on your choices, the duration of your studies may vary significantly. Other factors influencing the duration of your degree include whether you are attending as a full-time or part time student.
Healthcare Degrees Online
Because of the high demand on the education sector to provide competent doctors and nurses, universities are now offering healthcare degrees online, which may be completed by any students who meet admission criteria. Why should you choose an online program? There are multiple reasons for choosing this type of program. For starters, an online program often costs less than their campus-based counterparts. This is because you save money on tuition and not needing to relocate to a new region in order to attend the school.
Furthermore, these programs are highly flexible in the way they are structured. Since all the material is online, you are able to access it from anywhere you want, and complete your coursework at your own pace. This helps you to gain a more thorough grasp of the material. Lastly, online programs are easier to accommodate into your schedule. Some people may wish to transition into the healthcare industry, but their current job schedule makes it impossible to manage along with trying to attend school on a full-time basis. With online healthcare degrees, you could work through lectures during your lunch break!
Is There A Catch?
There are some disadvantages however. Though a number of schools offer healthcare degrees, not all of them are accredited by their respective states. The licensing exams you need to take in order to practice professionally often require state accreditation in order to grant you permission to take the test. Another thing to consider is that online programs often do not contain a provision for completing the practical training component. While you may be theoretically sound, a doctor or healthcare professional is nothing without practical skills. It is recommended that you conduct some thorough research into an online program's options for internships/placements to gain experience before enrolling.
See the jb growth rate of some medical related fields:
