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A bachelor’s degree in healthcare can create a world of possibilities. The term healthcare is often open to interpretation, particularly regarding career opportunities. Generally speaking, many individuals who pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare are interested in management and administration rather than science-based careers in medicine. However, this is not always the case.

Once you complete a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, you can continue your education to specialize in a specific field. Or, you can begin to work in the healthcare sector immediately. The types of degrees and concentrations in healthcare you can consider are extensive including healthcare administration, healthcare management, health sciences, public health, informatics, medical ethics, public health, and more. At the end of the day, you must choose the path that’s right for you.

Healthcare Degree & Career Paths

PROS

• The benefits of completing a bachelor’s degree — in healthcare include the possibility of a more stable future and increased financial security. Whether you are in pursuit of a career in medicine, administration, research, technology, or another health-related field; a healthcare bachelor’s degree can be the first step to great opportunities. A bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement for most jobs in healthcare that are not medical personnel positions. This degree is also essential if you wish to pursue any career advancement opportunities.

• Such opportunities may also require continued education — in the form of certificates or advanced degrees. To gain these, a bachelor’s degree is necessary. Additionally, individuals who complete a bachelor’s degree typically earn between $10,000 and $15,000 more a year than someone who has not yet completed this degree. This can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. And, if you wish to seek out promotions, you can move up the proverbial ladder much faster with a bachelor’s degree than without one.

CONS

• If you are thinking of stopping your education — at a bachelor’s degree, you may want to rethink this. Many managerial, supervisory, and promotional positions will require a master’s degree. Without an advanced degree, you are limiting your career and earning potential. It will take you significantly longer to achieve promotions and pay raises over people with a master’s degree or a PhD, especially as you may not be able to complete various certificate specializations and skill developments for better positions with only a bachelor’s degree.

Certificate Vs. Bachelors

Certificates and bachelor’s degrees serve quite different purposes. First, certificates are available at a variety of levels throughout your educational journey and career path. Some certificates can be earned before you complete a bachelor’s degree; whereas, other certificates may require a master’s degree and you’re more likely to earn these later in your career. You can also pursue skill-based professional certificates offered by leading industry organizations. Certificates may take a few months or up to a couple years to complete based on the program and specialization.

Bachelor’s degrees, on the other hand, are often a prerequisite to even apply to most entry-level positions within healthcare careers in non-medical positions.

What Healthcare Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

The primary types of bachelor’s degrees in healthcare-related fields are a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS). It is also possible you might find a bachelor of applied sciences (BAS) at some colleges or universities. The primary difference between a BA and BS is that a BA will require that you take more liberal arts courses, whereas a BS will require that you take more science and math courses. A BA will spread your focus to non-technical information; a BS will be more clinical and technical, which is more suitable for future doctors and medical staff.

Many people choose a BS in healthcare so that they have a greater understanding of science; this is especially important given that you will be working in the medical field and quite possibly with medical professionals. If you are working in IT, administration, management, etc., it is a good idea to have a balance of both liberal arts and the sciences.

Admission Requirements to Enter a Bachelor’s Healthcare Degree Program

A bachelor’s degree program in healthcare will have some prerequisites. Depending on the exact focus of your degree program, you will have to complete various math and science credits. Many people have the opportunity to complete these courses in high school as college credit for free. You may also need to complete various prerequisite courses at your college or university before you are permitted into the healthcare program. These requirements will vary greatly based on the type of healthcare degree you are pursuing and your higher learning institution. If you know what degree you are interested, you should make sure to check with the department at each school you are considering so you know what will be expected for entry into their specific program.

How long does it take to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare?

A bachelor’s degree should typically take around four years to complete. It is important to look at the graduation times at the college or university of your choosing. Some higher learning institutions work hard to ensure students graduate in four years, while at others, students are likely to take longer to complete their studies. The longer it takes, the higher the cost and the longer you will be delayed in entering your career path and reaching your earning potential.

Components of A Successful Career In Healthcare

Not every person is made to work in the healthcare industry. It takes someone who has compassion, patience, and dedication to excel in the field. You have to have the ability to deal with extreme stress and heartbreak in most healthcare fields. You are seeing and interacting with many people at their worst and helping them make life changing decisions. As you learn and grow in your career, you will find opportunities to develop leadership skills, which can, in turn, help you make lasting impacts in your workplace, and even in your own personal growth.

If you believe you possess these qualities, your first step is to obtain a degree in a health-related field. From there, the opportunities are limitless.

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries, and that makes a career in the field both highly desirable and readily available. There is such a wide range of careers in healthcare to choose from. Some offer great compensation, while others tend to be more mediocre on the pay scale. For those students who want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry but also maintain a high paying salary at the same time, it is important to evaluate your degree and career choice. Earning 20,000 less could be the difference between having an Associate's Degree instead of a Bachelor's Degree.

Associates Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $19,000 - $34,000

Students seeking to obtain an associate degree in healthcare will learn a wide array of invaluable tools, which will prepare them for a clinical setting in the field of healthcare. Students will have a chance to learn about healthcare technology, medical terminology, as well as administrative skills. The associate degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level administrative jobs, but it doesn't equip students with the tools to take on leadership or management roles as a bachelor's or master's degree would.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES:

  • Medical Terminology

  • Health Records Management

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Introduction to Diagnostic Coding

  • Principles of Marketing

  • Basics of Accounting

  • Introduction to Healthcare Law

THOSE WHO GET THEIR ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE OFTEN HAVE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING:

  • Healthcare Informatics

  • Patient Safety and Quality

  • Healthcare Finance

  • Healthcare Policy

Bachelor Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $50,000 - $85,000

Bachelor’s degrees help form a solid foundation for those wanting to enter the field, as well as providing the educational background to pursue more advanced degrees. Since a bachelor’s degree means taking more courses and spending more time studying, there is greater opportunity to engage with course content more deeply.

A Bachelor's Degree is also essential if you plan on continuing your education with a Master's Degree in healthcare.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES:

• Ethics in Healthcare Management

• Healthcare Economics

• Quality Assurance Risk Management

• Healthcare Marketing and Strategic Planning

• Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management

• Healthcare Information Management

• Evidence-Based Healthcare Management

• Cultural Competence in Healthcare

Bachelors Healthcare Concentrations: Healthcare Management, Healthcare Information Administration, Patient Safety and Quality, Lifespan Management, Healthcare Law and Policy, and Healthcare Informatics

Masters Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $40,000 - $75,000

If you are a student who is interested in earning a graduate degree in healthcare, then the master’s degree is where you will start. The master's level program will emphasize adaptability and the value of change, while equipping students with the tools to apply the most relevant business skills in making decisions that affect healthcare management.

MASTER'S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

  • Laws and Ethics

  • Financial Management

  • Healthcare Police

  • Entrepreneurship and Marketing

  • Strategic Management

Master’s healthcare concentrations are often very similar to the bachelors concentrations available, such as: Administration, Education, Informatics, Gerontology, Operations, Health Policy, Management Operations and Leadership, Health Policy Analysis, Health Financial Management, Health Information Technology, and more.

Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Healthcare Major Graduates

Salaries by Degree level

As you can see from the chart below, there is a significant difference in annual salaries with higher-level degrees as well as a rise in tuition costs. With an associate degree you can earn an average annual salary of $57,100, but with a bachelor’s you can earn, on average, $22,700 more. However, holding a masters would earn you almost $8,000 more per year than holding a bachelor’s degree. Considering the amount of income you could make in just one year, you could actually pay off the tuition for a whole degree program and still have money left over (if you didn’t have to pay for rent or food, etc.). The point remains, you will make significantly more with a masters than you will with an associates.

Healthcare Occupations

  • Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other clinical types of organizations. They’re responsible for ensuring that the facilities, services, programs, staff, and budgets function properly.

  • Dietitian and Nutritionists are experts when it comes to utilizing foods to promote nutrition and disease management. They evaluate patients and advise on how to lead healthier lifestyles and achieve specific health related goals.

  • Registered Nurses are extremely important in providing quality patient care in hospitals and doctor's offices, and other health organizations. They coordinate care, administer medicines, educate patients about their health conditions, as well as provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members through difficult times

  • Recreational Therapists utilize their skill sets to help uplift patients who are suffering from depression, stress, or anxiety. They also help patients recover basic physical and mental abilities. Recreational Therapists will often coordinate arts, crafts, music, dance, sports and games, to help maintain or improve a patient's physical, social, and emotional well-being.

  • Nurse Practitioners [also called advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)] specialize in certain areas of medicine. Nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses as well as prescribe medications (depending on the state, they may have to prescribe under the care of a doctor). At the same time, they carry out some of the same functions as a registered nurse: coordinating patient care.

  • Veterinary Technicians are able to perform tests necessary to assist in diagnosing injuries and illnesses of animals. They are under the complete supervision of a Veterinarian.

  • Radiation Therapists are able to help treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments to patients.

To come to be a treatment manager, students need at the very least a bachelor's in healthcare management or a bachelor's in health care management. Some trainees pursue a bachelor of scientific research study in wellness and wellness monitoring, or a BSHA degree. Sometimes firms prefer candidates with a master's degree, however. Graduate programs commonly contain monitored job experience that may supply graduates a headstart in the location.

The goal of the Healthcare Monitoring Program away State University is to provide the highest-quality clinical industry education and also knowing, infatuated the advancement of important reasoning, solution expertise, as well as useful abilities, to motivate our graduates to seek effective as well as also considerable tasks. Include a collection of straightforward along with lawful demands right into decision-making for the healthcare sector.

Assess as well as also suggest services to intricate reality managerial problems. Incorporate solution evaluation and also expertise right into a framework for service analytical as well as likewise forecasting. Use modern technology as well as also reveal discussion abilities required to finish as well as additionally prosper in service globe. Show the interpersonal abilities needed to function as an effective team member in specifying checking problems, determining choices, achieving agreement along with assessing end results.

One of the most important factors you can do when you work as a healthcare manager is make sure the center you take care of is well dealt with. Not simply is it in the most reliable interest of your individuals, it's in the most reliable interest of your group also. This bachelor's degree program educates the supervisory capabilities you need for correct surveillance as well as likewise administration in any kind of sort of system of therapy be it severe, area, or lasting.

Medical care spending collections you back greater than $3 trillion a year in the U.S.A. and also accounts for basically 18 percent of the country's gross residential thing (GDP). While doctors need to go to people, someone needs to lead the funds, employees, strategies, as well as significantly intricate day-to-day operations of the facilities in which they operate.

Core undergraduate coursework focuses on giving a strong foundation of both company as well as also healthcare understanding. Common courses include health care financing, human resources, healthcare policy, interactions, health care informatics, lasting treatment, and likewise preliminary pharmacology.

A great deal of programs can be completed within 4 years, as well as also a bachelor's in health services keeping track of is normally adequate to get started running in the industry. Graduate-level education and learning is happening a considerably prominent alternative for those with levels in health solutions administration. While several entry-level tasks in the sector simply require a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in healthcare administration, public strategy, or likewise business administration with a healthcare emphasis can offer the specialized ability required to handle the a lot more complicated and additionally higher responsibility placements out there.

Health services administration is an in-demand market, along with a bachelor's degree can unlock to a variety of profitable as well as additionally meeting job possibilities. However the doors that open will absolutely rely upon that you plan to serve as well as likewise exactly how. Continue analysis to discover concerning ten careers that you can go after with a degree in wellness solutions administration.

A Bachelors in Healthcare is a very popular option for people who are seeking employment after graduation. This is because there are many hospitals, medical centers, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities that need qualified individuals who are knowledgeable in various areas of healthcare. These hospitals and other healthcare facilities provide an excellent education to their students so they can gain valuable skills that will be helpful in the future.

There are many benefits that are offered to individuals who are interested in pursuing a health care career. Some of these benefits include pay raises, job security, higher level of job satisfaction, and better job opportunities. If you are a person who wants to make a difference in the world around you and who wants to work with other people who share the same values as you, then Bachelors in Healthcare is the perfect choice for you. You will be able to work at a prestigious and well-respected institution and become a part of a highly respected field.

In order to get the most out of your program, you should take some time to review the curriculum. It is important that you choose a program that is accredited by the American Association of College and University (AACU) and that has a strong reputation in the community. You want to make sure that your program meets the standards that are set by the AACU. There are many different health care programs online, but only a few are approved by the AACU. When you research programs that are approved by the AACU, you will have a much better chance of being happy with your chosen Bachelors in Healthcare program.

There are many different Bachelors in Healthcare Degree programs that you can consider when you decide that a career in healthcare is right for you. If you are interested in becoming an administrator or a nurse practitioner, then you should consider a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is another good option that you may want to look into.

There are many different kinds of programs available to you if you are interested in pursuing a Bachelors in Healthcare degree. One of the best Bachelors in Healthcare degree programs is the Masters in Health Care Administration. The Masters in Health Care Administration degree can be obtained from any accredited college, university or a community college. This program will allow you to train under an experienced professional healthcare administrator, which will give you much more job security than you would have if you pursued a Bachelors in Nursing degree programs.

The Masters in Health Care Administration degree program will teach you how to administer the many different parts of a hospital. such as day to day operations, financial operations and other areas of clinical management. The program will also help you to gain leadership and managerial skills in the health care industry. This program can be completed in two years or less. If you are interested in the Master's of Health Care Administration program, you will want to take the time to review all of the different options that are available to you in order to get the best Bachelors in Healthcare program possible.

A great deal of programs can be completed within 4 years, as well as also a bachelor's in health services keeping track of is normally adequate to get started running in the industry. Graduate-level education and learning is happening a considerably prominent alternative for those with levels in health solutions administration. While several entry-level tasks in the sector simply require a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in healthcare administration, public strategy, or likewise business administration with a healthcare emphasis can offer the specialized ability required to handle the a lot more complicated and additionally higher responsibility placements out there.

Health services administration is an in-demand market, along with a bachelor's degree can unlock to a variety of profitable as well as additionally meeting job possibilities. However the doors that open will absolutely rely upon that you plan to serve as well as likewise exactly how. Continue analysis to discover concerning ten careers that you can go after with a degree in wellness solutions administration.

A Bachelors in Healthcare is a very popular option for people who are seeking employment after graduation. This is because there are many hospitals, medical centers, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities that need qualified individuals who are knowledgeable in various areas of healthcare. These hospitals and other healthcare facilities provide an excellent education to their students so they can gain valuable skills that will be helpful in the future.

There are many benefits that are offered to individuals who are interested in pursuing a health care career. Some of these benefits include pay raises, job security, higher level of job satisfaction, and better job opportunities. If you are a person who wants to make a difference in the world around you and who wants to work with other people who share the same values as you, then Bachelors in Healthcare is the perfect choice for you. You will be able to work at a prestigious and well-respected institution and become a part of a highly respected field.

If you prefer to complete your Bachelor's in Healthcare degree in four years, then you can pursue a Master's degree in Nursing, which can take two years. During this time, you will have the opportunity to complete clinical training as well as clinical internships. You can complete a Bachelors of Science in Nursing or a Bachelors of Health Care Administration. The program will focus on areas like patient care, leadership, administration and other areas of general management.

You may want to consider a Master's degree or even a PhD if you want to specialize in a particular area. There are several different ways to earn your Bachelor's of Science in Healthcare degree. You just need to decide what you want to achieve with your future career and then take the time to explore all of the different options that are available for you.

Healthcare Scholarships

  • Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship offered to students through the Tylenol organization. The scholarship requires that students send in their resume, as well as draft answers to two, 500-word essay questions. Students should write their essay on the career path that they want to follow. The acceptance committee will subsequently review the application materials and pick a handful of students who stand out in the areas of leadership and academic excellence, and who overall have a genuine passion for their careers. Tylenol awards scholarship money to those students who meet and exceed their expectations of what an exemplary student should be. A maximum of $10,000 will be awarded per recipient. All application materials must be turned in before the Spring deadline.

  • Health Resources and Service Administration Bureau of Health Professions Scholarship

The BHPr Scholarship is offered to students through the United States Public Health Service. This scholarship is made specifically for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and who exhibit the need for financial aid. In addition to these specifications, students must also choose a major that is in the field of healthcare. They must be a resident of the United States, or otherwise be classified as a permanent resident or national. Any other scholarship requirements are set by participating schools. The maximum scholarship amount awarded is $15,000. The deadline for applying for this scholarship is June 30th.

  • Sharps Scholarship Program

The Sharps Scholarship Program is offered by Sharps Compliance. This scholarship is only available to students who are residents of the US or Canada and who are currently enrolled, or have the intention to enroll in, an accredited university. In order to be considered for this scholarship, the student must be registered for school for either the fall or spring semester following the application deadline and must choose a program in healthcare. Students will be required to answer a 1,250-1,500 word essay on the subject of "how to prevent accidental needle stick injuries." Applicants selected will be based off the quality of their essays (due October 31st). Winners will be awarded a $750 - $1,500 award.

  • National Institute of Health Scholarship Program

The National Institute of Health offers its scholarship program to students who, not only come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but who also aspire to pursue a career in either social, biomedical, or behavioral science. This scholarship awards students with a maximum of $20,000 per year in tuition, education, and living expenses. The scholarship is renewable up to 4 years. Those who apply must be a U.S citizen, registered as a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited U.S. college or university, and maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher OR be in the top 5% of students in their class, and be in exceptional financial need. March 3rd is the application deadline, and March 31st is the deadline for letters of recommendation to be submitted.

In order to get the most out of your program, you should take some time to review the curriculum. It is important that you choose a program that is accredited by the American Association of College and University (AACU) and that has a strong reputation in the community. You want to make sure that your program meets the standards that are set by the AACU. There are many different health care programs online, but only a few are approved by the AACU. When you research programs that are approved by the AACU, you will have a much better chance of being happy with your chosen Bachelors in Healthcare program.

Choosing an Accredited College

When you are choosing a college there are many aspects to consider including affordability, academic excellence, and program choice. Accreditation is an extremely important aspect that you should consider for a variety of reasons, especially since it will affect the financial aid you can receive and even the job that you could get upon graduating. Accreditation is one element of your college decision that you should not take lightly. If the institution you attend does not have the proper accreditation, then you could be subject to several disadvantages, including:

  • Disqualification from employer tuition assistance

  • Inability to transfer credit

  • Lack of prerequisites for graduate school

  • Disadvantages for employment

Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid

Since we are living in the age of technology, it is only natural that there are options to take your college courses online. But don't forget that there's still the brick-and-mortar campus option, or even a hybrid option that combines the best of both worlds. Now, if you are just graduating from high school, then you might be more comfortable in an on-campus type setting where you will be able to have face-to-face communication with your instructors and ask questions. This affords you the option to live on campus, or if you happen to already live near campus, you can live at home while attending on-campus classes.

If you work part-time, or have a family to take care of, online classes may be a better option for you. Online classes give you the flexibility you need to juggle your busy life and earn your degree at the same time. Online courses are often cheaper, and you also get to save money on room and board, all while choosing when you want to study and where.

A hybrid is a unique program that offers both options. In this program, you will mainly be studying online, but you will still be required to visit the campus for residencies, testing, and networking opportunities.

Additional Questions

Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

Many colleges offer career services and job placement programs to help you get on the fast track to employment. Although you may assume that all colleges offer this service, some don't provide as much assistance as you are led to believe. The best programs for post-graduate assistance include help with job placement both before graduation and continued support as you advance in your career. These programs can also assist you in preparing your resume so it maintains a competitive edge on the job market, work with you as you prepare for job interviews, and advise you on your job performance.

Why You Need to Consider How Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

Did you know that your salary is not always just based on what level of degree you received, but it also could be based on what school you attended? Many employers actually have their own rankings and rating systems of schools. That is to say, if you received your degree from a college that was accredited by a low rated agency, your salary may actually be decreased by a certain percentage where a high-ranked, well-known, accredited school, can raise that mark significantly.