2021 Health Professions Degree Guide
The Health Professions field is a large field with many different occupations available to students. If you are interested in pursing a career where you can work with other patients, assist medical professionals, or provide unique medical services, consider majoring in one of this field's areas of specialization.
Students in the Health Professions field will take a variety of classes that focus on their area of study. In addition, almost any major in this field can expect to take classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, medical terminology, health care systems, public health, and medical law and ethics.
Within the Health Professions field are many unique specialties. One of the most popular fields is that of Nursing, a program where students are prepared to assist doctors in the diagnosis, treatment and healing of patients.
Students interested in assisting a dentist in dental work or oral surgery may major in Dental Support Services, while those more interested in the health of animals and pets can major in Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Services.
A major in the Allied Health Professions prepares students for a variety of careers in everything from cardiovascular technology, to physician assistant or athletic trainer.
Students who want a good preparation for further education can major in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences in order to become a pharmacist. Or, if your dream is to become a medical doctor, you can major in Health/Medical Prep which prepares students for medical school.
For students interested in alternative health, there are plenty of programs available in this field. Some of these include Alternative Medicine and Systems, Somatic Bodywork and Therapeutic Services and others. Explore all the majors available to find the one that is of most interest to you.
Featured schools near , edit
Health Professions Degrees On The Rise
Health Professions was the 2nd most popular major in the 2018-2019 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 662,844 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 14,507 over the prior year, a growth of 2.2%.
Approximately 2,796 colleges in the U.S. offer a health professions degree of some kind. This year's Best Colleges for Health Professions ranking compares 853 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom health professions rankings further below.
Health Professions Degree Requirements
Students who pursue a degree in Health Professions should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working closely with patients and must keep them relaxed and comfortable of your skills. Students who are successful in this field also have strong critical and analytical skills. As a medical professional, you must observe patients' symptoms and decide how to best treat them. Attention to detail will ensure you properly note all observations and help patients who are in pain or ill.
Depending on the career path you would like to pursue, you may have to receive an advanced education, certification, or licensing in your field. Students who intern, work summer jobs, or participate in summer field programs will be able to work closely with health professionals and learn what is required for a successful career in that field.
Getting Accepted Into a Health Professions Program
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic health professions program qualifications, to serve in some health professions careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Types of Health Professions Degrees
Health Professions degree levels vary. Health Professions programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest health professions degree you can get. The type of health professions degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to health professions, with approximately 21.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for health professions workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 21.5% |
| Master’s Degree | 17.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 16.6% |
| High School Diploma | 10.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 8.9% |
About 61.1% of workers in careers related to health professions obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in health professions have received.
The education level required is different depending on the health professions career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Health Professions Graduate
Health Professions graduates work in a variety of health related occupations. Many are employed at hospitals, while other work in clinics, medical centers, physicians' offices, nursing homes, schools, veterinary clinics, and in the armed forces. A degree in this field prepares students to aid the public and provide medical services to those who need it.
High Growth Projected for Health Professions Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your health professions degree? Health Professions careers are expected to grow 17.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to health professions.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 3,393,200 | 14.8% |
| Personal Care Aides | 2,793,800 | 38.6% |
| Nursing Assistants | 1,683,700 | 11.5% |
| Office and Administrative Support Worker Supervisors | 1,557,400 | 3.4% |
| Home Health Aides | 1,342,700 | 47.3% |
How Much Money Do Health Professions Grads Make?
Recently graduated health professions students earned an average of $44,034 in 2017-2018. Earnings can range from as low as $2,700 to as high as $231,200. As you might expect, salaries for health professions graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Health Professions Careers
Salaries for health professions graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers health professions grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $242,370 |
| Orthodontists | $225,760 |
| Family and General Practitioners | $211,780 |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $203,880 |
| Prosthodontists | $191,400 |
Getting Your Health Professions Degree
With over 21,829 different health professions degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased health professions school rankings to help you with this.
Health Professions Related Majors
Health Professions Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 297,747 |
| Allied Health Professions | 50,338 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 48,644 |
| Public Health | 34,192 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 30,460 |
View All Health Professions Related Majors >
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Purdue University
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Colorado Technical University (CTU)
CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology ... Learn More > |
College Factual provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© College Factual – All Rights Reserved.
