Inside California's Online Health Science Degrees

Inside Online Health Science Programs in California

Health science programs blend sciences and humanities to give you a well-rounded perspective on healthcare. You’ll take hard-core science classes such as human anatomy and chemistry, humanities courses such as healthcare ethics and healthcare communication, and electives that allow you to put your own stamp on your studies. Except for labs, most health science programs can be completed online. A health science program is a great option if you’re interested in healthcare but aren’t sure exactly which aspect you want to pursue, if you already have a certificate or associate degree and want to take your education to the next level, or if you want a broader healthcare education in preparation for graduate school.

Health Science Program FAQs

A health science degree might feel like the right fit for you, but you probably still have some unanswered questions. Below we’ve compiled the questions students typically have — and provided the answers that will help you take the next step toward your online health science degree.

Does it matter if the health science program I choose is accredited?

Yes, accreditation matters.Accreditation is a seal of quality granted to a school or program by a sanctioned accrediting agency. It ensures that your education meets certain standards. Accreditation also affects whether your credits will transfer and if you can access federal financial aid. There are two types of accreditation, programmatic and institutional. Health science programs don’t have programmatic accreditation, so you’ll be looking to make sure the school you attend holds a solid institutional accreditation. The foremost regional accreditation agency in California is the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

How much do health science degrees cost in California?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. First, are you pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree? Second, do you have college credits from a certificate program or previous studies to apply to your degree? If you’re going for an associate degree, community colleges offer the biggest bang for your buck. California community colleges have the lowest community college tuition in the nation, at $46 per unit.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my health science degree in California?

Yes, you’ll have a variety of financial aid options to choose from. Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans are available to help make tuition affordable. If you’re already working in healthcare, check to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Minimizing the amount of time you spend in school — and the corresponding expenses for parking, meal plans, and activity fees — cuts expenses too. Look for fast-track programs designed to get you out of school quickly.

What types of classes will I take in a health science program in California?

The topics covered in a health science degree are wide-ranging. Most programs cover the basics, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and psychology. You’ll also probably take at least one math class, such as introduction to statistics (and if you end up in a field like health informatics, you’ll be glad you did). Electives give you the opportunity to customize your health science program to match your interests. For example, if gerontology appeals to you, then courses such as Aging Issues in Contemporary America or Strategies for Optimal Aging will be appealing.

What can I do with a health science degree?

A health science degree gives you lots of choices. Once you’ve graduated, you may need to obtain licensure or certifications. A license is a credential required by a governmental entity to work in certain professions. Most require prospective practitioners to pass an exam and submit an application for licensure. Certification proves you have expert knowledge in your field. To become certified, you must pass an exam facilitated through a third party. Heading into the workforce and attending graduate school are strong options as well.

Career & Salary Outlook for Health Science Graduates in California

When considering the various career options available to you as a health science degree holder, it’s important to factor in earnings and job growth potential. Start with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for community health workers provided in the two tables below. The first table shows long-term (2022-2032) job growth projections for California and the U.S. overall. The estimates of 19.8% and 14.0%, respectively, can be described as very positive, particularly when compared to the 2.8% growth estimate for all jobs in the nation combined for the same time period. Annual salaries for community health workers in California (second table) range from $39,160 (10th percentile) to $83,480 (90th percentile).

Salary figures within the state vary substantially due primarily to higher costs of living and earnings in specific communities or regions. Median annual salaries, for example, range from just under $40,000 on the lower end to just over $82,000 on the upper end. Salaries for top-level community health worker jobs can be found in the upper five-figures and even lower six-figures. Two things to keep in mind when considering these numbers: first, community health worker is just one of several occupations filled by health science degree holders. Second, simply having your health science degree will likely mean higher earnings within the salary range compared to job seekers without a college degree.

Top Online Health Science Programs in California

In a state as large as California, a quick search will show you dozens of health science degree programs in the state. How can you possibly investigate them all and find the one that’s right for you? That’s where our rankings come in. Our system takes into account the most important criteria, starting with accreditation, online components, and the availability of academic counseling and career placement services. Drilling down further, it also factors in the number of online programs and student participation, tuition, graduate rates, financial aid, and student-to-faculty ratios. What you see below is the result of all that data collection and analysis — a quick and convenient way to see which California health science programs rise to the top.