Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. In fact, from 2018-2028 it is projected to grow the healthcare industry will add more jobs than any other—nearly 3.4 million more.1 As the industry grows, the nation will need an increasing number of non-clinical healthcare professionals and health educators to ensure individuals and communities remain healthy. How can you get into this important and growing field? Earning an online healthcare degree in one of the following disciplines can help.
- Healthcare Administration Degrees
Often offered at the master’s and doctoral level, healthcare administration degrees are a great option for those seeking to advance their careers as a manager or executive in a healthcare organization. The industry’s increasing focus on efficiency and patient outcomes requires strong management at every level, from doctors’ offices to hospitals to insurance agencies. Because of this growing need for administrators, The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects healthcare administration jobs to grow by 18% between 2018 and 20282. - Public Health Degrees
An online public health degree can equip you with the knowledge and experience you need to work in a wide variety of health-related careers. Whether earning your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate—such as a PhD in Public Health or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)—these types of degree programs can increase your understanding of a wide range of issues impacting population health and healthcare systems, including environmental health, disease prevention, health informatics, global health, ethics, and behavioral and cultural issues. A public health degree can help you find employment in both the public and private sector as an analyst, consultant, policy advisor or administrator.3 - Health Education and Promotion Degrees
If you want to help others better understand their healthcare options and how they can improve their health, an online education and promotion degree program focused on public health is a great choice. At the master’s and PhD level, health education and promotion degrees can give you the tools you’ll need to identify community health risks—and develop more effective solutions. The U.S. will add more than 137,900 health educator jobs between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.3 These jobs will likely be with nonprofit organizations focused on specific and general health issues, government agencies such as health departments, and private businesses seeking to maintain a healthy workforce. - Informational Technology - Health Informatics Degrees
As one of the newest online healthcare degrees, a degree focused on health informatics can prepare you to work in the rapidly expanding field of electronic medical records (EMRs). Newer regulations like the Affordable Care Act have greatly expanded the use of technology in medicine. Those in the health informatics field work in a wide range of areas from ensuring regulatory compliance to designing EMRs to analyzing data with the goal of improving operational efficiency and patient outcomes. If you have a mind for numbers and systems, a health informatics degree is an excellent choice. - Nursing
The world will always be in need of nurses and with our country’s emphasis on preventative care, growing rates of chronic illness and the aging population, the need grows even greater. Registered nurses can expect to see a job growth rate of 12% between 2018 and 20284, where as nurse practitioners can expect job growth of 3126% during that same timeframe.5 Earning a bachelor of science in nursing or an MSN degree can position you to work as a nurse in a number of different environments.
As the industry grows, the U.S. will need an increasing number of healthcare professionals and health educators to ensure individuals and communities make the best choices for their health and overall well-being.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering online healthcare degree programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/employment-by-major-industry-sector.htm
2Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
3Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
4Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
5Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.