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Healthcare is a fast-growing field that offers many opportunities for individuals interested in helping others by promoting and supporting health and wellness. Whether you’re interested in providing care directly to patients as a registered nurse, physician assistant, or dental assistant or focusing on administrative tasks like medical coding or health informatics that keep healthcare facilities running, there are plenty of opportunities for a fulfilling, high-paying career in healthcare.

The specific healthcare job you’re interested in will determine which type of degree you should pursue. Many jobs can be obtained with an undergraduate degree, such as an associate or bachelor’s, while others require advanced degrees.

Read on to learn more about various healthcare jobs and degrees and to get answers to frequently asked questions about nursing and healthcare.

What You Can Do With A Nursing or Healthcare Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations will grow much faster than average through 2033. The agency predicts that there will be an average of 1.9 million new job openings each year during that time.

Healthcare occupations are generally categorized as practitioner roles, such as physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, nurses, and dental hygienists, and support or administrative roles, such as medical transcriptionists, health services managers, and pharmacy technicians.

Individuals who go into the healthcare field can work in various settings, including medical and psychiatric hospitals, physician’s offices, urgent care centers, community health clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. There is a wide variety of medical specializations, including primary care, acute care, dentistry, radiology, physical therapy, exercise, and nutrition.

Career outlook

  • Registered nurses: Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
    • Median annual salary: $86,070
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 6%
    • New jobs projected: 194,500 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • Nurse practitioners: Also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), these healthcare professionals work independently or with physicians to coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
    • Median annual salary: $129,480
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 40%
    • New jobs projected: 31,900 per year
    • Degree required: Master’s degree in nursing
    • Median annual salary: $130,020
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
    • New jobs projected: 12,900 per year
    • Degree required: Master’s degree
  • Medical and health services managers: Plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.
  • Dietitians and nutritionists: Evaluate the health of their clients through nutrition assessment and diagnostic laboratory testing and advise clients on behavior modifications and intervention plans, including which foods to eat and avoid to improve their health.
    • Median annual salary: $69,690
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 6,100 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or nutrition science

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing and Healthcare

What are the different levels of nursing?

In the U.S., multiple levels of nursing require different types of education and vary in scope of practice, including:

Nursing Level Description Required Education
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Also known as nursing assistants or nursing aides, CNAs typically work in home care and long-term care facilities and help with patients’ daily routines, including bathing, dressing, eating, and administering medication. High school diploma or GED and state-approved CNA certification program.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) These nursing professionals work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They perform various patient support duties, including monitoring patients’ health, taking blood pressure, changing bandages, inserting catheters, and starting IV drips. High school diploma or GED and a state-approved Practical Nursing Program. Individuals must also pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain a state-issued license.
Registered Nurse (RN) RNs administer active, hands-on patient care, including recording patient medical history, administering medication, monitoring symptoms, establishing or contributing to a treatment or care plan, performing diagnostic tests, and monitoring medical equipment. They work in various medical settings and typically collaborate with doctors, physicians, and other specialists to coordinate patient care. Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To obtain a state-issued license, Individuals must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) In addition to performing many tasks as RNs, nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and diagnose health problems. They can provide primary and specialty healthcare and may work independently or in coordination with physicians and specialists. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Individuals must also pass a national certification exam through a national certification board such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

 

Can I become a nurse if I already have a bachelor's degree in a different field?

Yes. Many schools offer accelerated BSN degree programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field. Although specifics may vary, these programs typically allow students to transfer a maximum number of general education credits from their previously earned degree and apply them to their BSN. Students can then focus their studies on nursing coursework and clinical experiences. An accelerated BSN program can typically be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study.

Before enrolling in an accelerated BSN program, students should confirm that it is accredited by a recognized accrediting body and that it meets educational requirements for the NCLEX exam.

What type of healthcare careers can I pursue if I don't want to work in direct patient care?

For individuals who want to work in healthcare settings but don’t necessarily want to provide direct care to patients as nurses, assistants or physicians, there are a number of administrative roles to choose from, including:

Should I earn a nursing or healthcare degree online or in-person?

Quality programs in nursing and other healthcare fields exist both online and in traditional classroom settings. The decision to attend school online or on-campus is a personal one that depends on an individual student’s needs and learning preferences.

Students who are considering online nursing programs should note that clinical experience is a key component of nursing education, as it allows students to gain experience working directly with patients in a supervised setting. Clinical rotation requirements must typically be fulfilled in person, even if students complete coursework online. Before selecting an online program, students should verify the clinical expectations and locations, to ensure they can complete these requirements.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Nursing and Healthcare

Associate

Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.

For students seeking their RN license, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is the minimum education required.

Other common associate degrees for healthcare-related fields include an Associate of Science (AS) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

Associate degrees prepare individuals for entry-level jobs and can be used as a stepping-stone towards a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students typically complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

Nursing students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while individuals interested in other healthcare fields can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA), depending on their specific field of study.

Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for entry- and mid-level positions with core coursework in their area of study and general education courses. Most bachelor’s degree programs include an experiential learning component, such as clinical rotations for BSN students or internships for students in other healthcare fields.

Master’s

Master’s degree programs typically require anywhere from 36-90 credits, depending on the specific area of study. Completion time varies based on credit requirements and the pace at which a student progresses through the program, with most programs lasting 1-3 years.

The most common master’s degree for nurses is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which prepares RNs for advanced practice nursing roles. Other common master’s degrees in the healthcare field include a Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Physician Assistant (MPA), and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

Doctorate

A doctorate is the most advanced degree an individual can earn in their field. Credit requirements and completion time vary based on the area of study.

Some common doctorate degrees that individuals can earn in nursing and healthcare include:

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
  • Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Alternative educational paths

Certain careers within nursing and healthcare can be prepared for with a post-secondary certificate. These programs are typically shorter than full degree programs, with completion times ranging from 6 to 24 months. Certificate programs typically cover basic entry-level skills for a particular job, such as medical billing, sonography, and dental assistance. These types of programs can be ideal for individuals looking to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.

Online Nursing and Healthcare Degree Programs

Certificates

Associate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Traditional Nursing and Healthcare Degree Programs

Certificates

Bachelor’s

Master’s

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