2022 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.
Rapid Growth in Health Professions Degrees Awarded
In 2019-2020, health professions was the 2nd most popular major nationwide with 934,088 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 271,244 over the prior year, a growth of 29.0%.
The United States has 3,062 different schools where you can get a degree in health professions. This year's Best Health Professions Schools ranking compares 2462 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of health professions programs later in this article.
Best Health Professions Schools by Degree
Featured Health Professions Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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BS in Healthcare Administration
Become a leader in healthcare by earning an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Southern New Hampshire University. Learn More > |
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BS in Nursing - RN to BSN
With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule. Learn More > |
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BS in Public Health
Make a meaningful impact and improve quality of life with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn More > |
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Health Professions
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. Once you obtain your degree, additional health professions certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Health Professions Degrees
Health Professions degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in health professions to something that takes less time like a . Health Professions programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| 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% |
Most workers in health professions have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in health professions have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the health professions career you are seeking.
Health Professions Careers
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 People With a Health Professions Degree 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 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 35,478 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.
Top Ranking Lists for Health Professions
Related Programs
Learn about other programs related to Health Professions that might interest you.
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BS in Health Sciences
Take your associate degree in an allied health field to the next level with this specialized transfer friendly online bachelor of science from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn More > |
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MBA in Healthcare Management
Fit your healthcare career goals into your personal life when you earn a healthcare management master's from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn More > |
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MS in Healthcare Administration
You've set your sights on a leadership role in the healthcare field. Southern New Hampshire University's master's in healthcare administration online is specifically geared to professionals like you, and we're ready to partner with you to reach your career goals. Learn More > |
Study Areas in Health Professions
Health Professions Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 313,362 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 86,912 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 81,317 |
| Allied Health Professions | 81,167 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 77,593 |
View All Health Professions Related Majors >
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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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 > |
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