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The Best Healthcare Degrees: Facts and Projections
05/22/2023•20 minute read
The healthcare industry offers a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities. Whether you're passionate about patient care, technology, research, or administration, there's a healthcare degree out there that aligns perfectly with your interests and strengths.
In this blog, we’ll discover the best healthcare degrees, as well as the expected growth and salary range of different degrees in healthcare. We’ll also talk about each healthcare degree and some of their specialization options.
Note: This blog will discuss healthcare degrees besides medicine.
What are healthcare degrees?
Healthcare plays a critical role in maintaining and improving our well-being. It encompasses a broad spectrum of services, from direct patient care in hospitals and clinics to research and development of cutting-edge medical technologies.
It's an ever-evolving field where dedicated professionals work tirelessly to save lives, promote wellness, and improve the overall quality of healthcare.
There’s a vast array of career opportunities available in the healthcare industry. This is just a glimpse into the roles that come with a healthcare degree:
- Nursing: Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.
- Allied Health Professions: This category encompasses a wide range of roles such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, radiographers, and respiratory therapists.
- Healthcare Administration: A fulfilling career in managing healthcare facilities, overseeing operations, and ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare systems.
What are the best healthcare degrees?
When determining the best healthcare degrees, it’s important to consider several factors to assess their value in terms of career prospects and earning potential. This includes analyzing job growth projections, median salaries, job satisfaction rates, and potential for advancement. Let's take a closer look at the healthcare majors that excel in these areas:
Best Healthcare Degrees
| Degree | Salary Range (Yearly) | Growth Projection (2019-2029) | Specialization Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Administration | $60,000 to $150,000 | 32% | Hospital administration, health information management, healthcare finance, healthcare policy |
| Physician Assistant Studies | $90,000 to $120,000 | 31% | Family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology |
| Healthcare Informatics | $70,000 to $120,000 | 8% | Electronic health records (EHR) management, data analysis, health information systems implementation, health informatics consulting |
| Occupational Therapy | $70,000 to $100,000 | 18% | Pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, hand therapy |
| Nursing | $60,000 to $100,000 | 7% | Pediatric nursing, critical care nursing, psychiatric nursing, geriatric nursing |
1. Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration offers a unique blend of leadership and management skills in the healthcare industry.
As a healthcare administrator, you'll oversee the efficient functioning of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. With the increasing complexity of healthcare systems, the demand for qualified healthcare administrators is on the rise.
Salaries in this field vary depending on the level of responsibility and experience, ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 per year. Healthcare administration also offers excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement.
2. Physician Assistant Studies
Physician assistant studies provide an exciting career path for those looking to practice medicine under the supervision of physicians.
PAs perform various tasks, such as diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and providing patient education. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, physician assistants contribute to bridging the gap in patient care.
Salaries for PAs typically range from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the specialty and location. As healthcare demands continue to evolve, this field offers exceptional job growth and ample opportunities for professional development.
3. Healthcare Informatics
Healthcare informatics is an emerging field at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Professionals in this field utilize data analysis and information systems to improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. With the ever-increasing reliance on electronic health records and technology in healthcare, the demand for healthcare informatics specialists is on the rise.
Salaries in this field vary based on the specific role and level of expertise, with average earnings ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 per year.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals overcome physical, mental, or developmental challenges to engage in meaningful activities and improve their overall well-being.
With an aging population and increased awareness of the importance of rehabilitation services, the demand for occupational therapists is growing rapidly. Salaries for occupational therapists typically range from $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and specialization.
The field of occupational therapy offers job satisfaction, the potential for advancement, and the rewarding experience of making a positive impact on people's lives.
5. Nursing
Nursing consistently ranks among the top healthcare degrees in terms of career opportunities and job stability.
The demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, offering abundant employment options across various healthcare settings. Whether you choose to work in hospitals, clinics, or community health centers, nursing provides a competitive salary and the potential for career advancement.
Salaries for registered nurses (RNs) typically range from $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with opportunities for specialization and higher earning potential.
Why get a degree in healthcare?
From making a positive impact on people's lives to enjoying diverse career opportunities, the world of healthcare offers countless reasons to choose this vital profession.
Here’s a few reasons as to why why a degree in healthcare could be your perfect fit:
1. Making a Positive Impact on People's Lives
One of the most significant reasons to pursue a degree in healthcare is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As a healthcare professional, you have the privilege of directly impacting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Whether you're a nurse providing compassionate care, a physician diagnosing and treating illnesses, or a therapist helping someone regain their independence, the work you do as a healthcare professional has the power to transform lives and bring hope and healing to those in need.
If you’re not sure what degree works best for you, speak with one of our expert strategists to help you determine the best degree based on your goals and needs.
2. Fulfilling and Meaningful Work
A career from a degree in healthcare offers immense fulfillment and meaning. Every day, you'll encounter unique challenges and opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to solve complex problems.
The satisfaction that comes from helping others, witnessing their progress, and being part of a team dedicated to improving lives is unparalleled. Knowing that your work has a profound impact on the well-being and quality of life of your patients brings a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction that few other professions can match.
3. Diverse and Rewarding Career Opportunities
The healthcare industry is vast and diverse, providing a plethora of career opportunities across various disciplines. Whether you're interested in direct patient care, healthcare administration, research, technology, or policy, there's a healthcare career that aligns with your passion and strengths.
From becoming a nurse, physician, pharmacist, physical therapist, healthcare administrator, or medical researcher, the options are virtually endless. This diversity allows you to explore different paths, specialize in areas of interest, and continuously grow and evolve throughout your career.
4. Job Stability and Growth
In an ever-changing job market, healthcare offers a high level of job stability and growth. The demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise as the population grows, ages, and requires more comprehensive healthcare services.
Regardless of economic fluctuations, healthcare remains an essential field, ensuring a consistent need for skilled professionals. With a degree in healthcare, you can have confidence in the long-term stability and security of your career, providing peace of mind and financial stability.
5. Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving with advancements in medical technology, research, and treatment methods.
Pursuing a degree in healthcare means committing to lifelong learning and professional development.
From continuing education to advanced certifications and specialized training, there are endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. This continuous learning not only keeps you at the forefront of your field but also promotes personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of professional accomplishment.
What's the Best Healthcare Degree for You?
Choosing the right healthcare degree is a crucial step in your academic and professional journey. With so many options available, how do you determine the best healthcare degree for you?
It's essential to consider various factors that align with your personal interests, skill sets, work-life balance, and future market demands.
1. Personal Interests and Passions
When selecting a healthcare major, consider your passions and interests. Reflect on what aspects of healthcare excite and inspire you the most. Are you drawn to direct patient care, research, technology, administration, or policy?
Identifying your areas of interest will guide you towards a major that aligns with your intrinsic motivations and allows you to thrive in your chosen field.
2. Skill Sets and Strengths
Assess your skills and strengths to determine which healthcare major best complements your abilities. Are you a natural caregiver with strong interpersonal skills, making nursing or occupational therapy a great fit?
Alternatively, if you possess analytical and problem-solving abilities, healthcare technology or informatics may be more suited to your strengths. Understanding your skill sets will help you select a healthcare major that leverages your talents and allows you to excel in your chosen career.
3. Research and Evaluate
Take the time to research and evaluate potential healthcare majors thoroughly. Look into the curriculum, career paths, and job prospects for each major you're considering.
Reach out to professionals in the field, attend career fairs, and consider job shadowing or internships to gain firsthand experience and insight. This process of exploration will allow you to gather valuable information and ensure that your chosen healthcare major aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations.
If you’re still unsure what healthcare degree works best for you, speaking to an admissions expert could be a great way to help you narrow down your options based on your particular goals and needs.
Crimson strategists help students every step along the admissions process, from determining their ideal degree and university all the way to submitting their application. Crimson students are 7x more likely to gain admission to their dream university.
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