Online healthcare programs are available in a variety of subcategories, most of which teach students how to care for patients and work well with others in the medical field. Individuals who benefit the most from these types of programs should be analytical, detail-oriented, technical, and have excellent communication skills. Healthcare degree programs are available online at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Select schools may offer a career diploma as well as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate certificate option.

Graduates of online healthcare programs may pursue employment within the healthcare industry, whether it involves administrative duties or working exclusively with patients. These online programs may provide students the necessary skills and training needed to obtain a career as a nursing aid, pharmacy technician, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, or physician assistant.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

Online healthcare diploma programs may provide students with the basic skills and training needed to find entry-level employment. Individuals may learn about precautions pertaining to patient care, as well as how to effectively communicate with patients and their families.

An online certificate program in healthcare may provide students a strong foundation in the industry through coursework focusing on medical terms and compliance in the healthcare field. These programs are ideal for those who have limited experience in the field but wish to gain training in the business side of healthcare, such as management or administration. Students may also have the opportunity to transfer credits into a degree program upon completion.

Students interested in online associate degree programs in healthcare may obtain the training to pursue entry-level employment through a comprehensive curriculum. Coursework for these two-year programs may focus on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical procedures. In addition to major-specific courses, these programs provide students with general education coursework and training. Graduates may opt for entry-level employment opportunities or further their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate-level program in healthcare.

Bachelor’s degree programs in healthcare may provide students advanced training in their area of focus in addition to a comprehensive education. Coursework may expound upon anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health information management. Graduates of these programs may decide to continue their studies by enrolling in graduate-level healthcare programs, such as public health, optometry, or chiropractic medicine.

Master’s-level programs in healthcare may provide students the skills and training needed to obtain upper-level employment. These programs may focus more on the business or administrative aspect of the ever-evolving healthcare industry, including courses on the healthcare system, legal considerations in healthcare, and managed care. These programs are typically more research-heavy than undergraduate healthcare programs.

Online doctoral-level programs in healthcare typically involve more research than master’s-level programs. Students may focus their research on healthcare ethics, strategic planning, healthcare law, or human resource management. Students may gain the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a leadership, managerial, or educational role after graduation.

Career Options

Online healthcare programs may provide students the skills to work in the healthcare industry in a variety of capacities; employment opportunities depend upon the specific healthcare program they choose. Graduates of online healthcare programs may know how to assist others in the medical industry, take care of patients, deal with administrative issues, and adhere to compliance issues. Their responsibilities depend upon the size of the practice, specialty, and location.

Possible career fields include:

• Medical Assistant
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Nursing Aid
• Pharmacy Technician