Top Online Programs
Online Schools
& Programs
Learn how the right online or blended program can make earning an accredited certificate or degree both convenient and affordable.
Financial Aid &
Scholarships
Get the inside scoop on financial aid and scholarships for medical professionals. See if you’re eligible and learn how to apply.
How to
Become a…
Read step-by-step walk-throughs on how to become a nurse, a medical assistant, a physical therapist, and more.
Find Online Degrees by Subject
The eight edition of the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) report released in late 2023 highlighted the growing acceptance, demand, and importance of online learning among both traditional and nontraditional students. 90% of all students now find online programs effective in preparing them for their careers and 77% of adult students believe online programs meet their needs as well as, or better than, a traditional on-campus education — a 20% increase from 2017. What does this mean for enrollment? From 2021 to 2022, more than half of the fully online programs surveyed saw an increase, outpacing the 19% growth of in-person programs.
But does online and blended learning work in the medical field? Absolutely. For healthcare-related careers with no patient interaction, such as medical billing or coding, numerous fully online programs exist. The same goes for continuing education programs where the learning focus is mostly conceptual. But for careers where patients are a major part of the day, blended programs are becoming the norm, with academic courses taken online and clinicals and internships performed on campus or at a third-party facility. Want to learn more? Look inside online and blended programs in each of the following healthcare professions:
Did you know?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates “much faster than average” growth for these entry-level medical professions through 2032…
27%
Physician Assistants
23%
Occupational Therapy Assistants
7%
Dental Hygienists
14%
Medical Assistants
19%
Physical Therapist Assistants
Discover Careers in Healthcare
The medical profession offers tremendous opportunity for students across the United States. One of today’s fastest-growing career fields, healthcare is expected to add 1.8 million jobs to the economy every year through 2032, more than any other industry sector. More good news? These opportunities cover all experience levels, from certified nursing assistants and medical billers to registered nurses and occupational therapists.
Many healthcare occupations also come with fast-track education programs designed to get students well-trained and working quickly. These programs can include career-focused certificates and diplomas — some of which can be completed in a matter of weeks or months — to more extensive career-building associate and bachelor degrees that can take two to four years. The end goal? To find a program that works on your timetable, and leads to a career that meets your financial needs. Here’s a look at a few of the medical field’s quickest training programs, as well as the entry-level healthcare careers with the best starting salaries.
Want to learn more? Visit our guide to fast-track training programs and our detailed look at the timelines for entering some of healthcare’s most popular careers.
Step-by-Step
Many of today’s most popular medical careers have more than one way to get there. Whether a 9-month certificate, a 2-year associate degree, or 100% on-the-job training. And then you have campus-based programs, online programs, blended programs, part-time study, full-time study, and continuing education.
If you have a healthcare career in mind, learn what it takes to get started, dive into the various paths you have available, and see how program graduates transition from certificate, diploma, or degree holders to full-fledged medical professionals. Learn how to become a medical assistant, an occupational therapist, a dental hygienist, and more.
Why Become a Healthcare
Professional?
- A New Career
FastMany careers in medical support require between 4 and 24 months of education and hands-on training. Explore today’s fastest-growing, highest-paying, and quickest-to-enter careers in healthcare.
- A Healthy
SalaryThe medical and healthcare industry has some of the highest salaries for occupations that require an associate degree or lower. In 2022, dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $81,400 compared to the others with an associate degree who had median earnings of $46,124. Learn about top salaries for medical professionals.
- Flexible
EducationMany certificate, diploma, and degree programs can be taken partially, mostly, or even fully online. Start by exploring today’s best hybrid and online schools and programs helping medical professionals start or advance their careers.
- Upward
MobilityMedical professionals can advance their careers through continuing education within their occupation or bridge programs to new ones. Learn how to use education to keep your career growth on track. Read about LPN-to-BSN programs.
- To Make a
DifferenceEvery day, medical professionals save lives, connect with patients, and improve health and well being in their communities. Read how some of today’s nurses, physical therapists, and medical assistants “Make a Difference in Medical.”
Resources
Continuing education is commonplace in the medical and health field. Many nurses, for example, use education to move from practical nurses to registered nurses, or to leverage their knowledge and skills to earn a BSN or MSN. Similarly, medical billers and coders may take additional courses and earn new certifications for their workplace. Part of continuing education learning where to get the extra training, how to pay for it, and, perhaps most importantly, what you need to know before you take your first steps.
Check out these guides and resources on continuing education.