Online Health Science Degrees in Florida: Review & Compare

Profiles of Online Health Science Programs in Florida

Each online health science program is different. Some are 100% online, while others are mostly or partially online. Your exact number of online classes will depend on the program and your area of specialization. The amount of flexibility you have will vary, too: Some students have almost complete control over how and when they take their classes, while others have more structure in completing their academic requirements. You’ll find health science online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. The right program for you depends on your career timeline and interests. Let’s take a closer look at programs that stand out.

Popular Questions About Online Health Science Degrees

Choosing the right health science program involves sifting through a lot of details. We’ve gathered the questions that prospective health science students in Florida typically ask and compiled the answers for you below.

How much does a health science degree cost in Florida?

The short answer is, it depends. Typically the most cost-effective option is to attend a Florida community college for your associate degree and then to move on to a bachelor’s program. Florida community college tuition is around $120/credit. If you knock out your associate degree you can then apply to a degree completion program, such as the one at Seminole State College of Florida. Many Florida bachelor’s programs offer financial aid and scholarships.

Is accreditation important?

Yes, you’ll want to look at schools that have institutional accreditation. In Florida, accreditation is typically granted by SACSCOC. When you see that accreditation seal, you’ll know that the program meets quality standards. Accreditation is also important for financial aid eligibility, transferring credits, career licensing, and certification. Potential employers may not place equal value on a health science degree from a school lacking proper accreditation.

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

If healthcare is a field of interest and you like variety, a health science degree in Florida could be the right fit for you. Health science programs provide a strong foundation in healthcare that prepares you to head in lots of directions. You can focus on clinical classes, such as the Clinical Science or Respiratory Therapy and Clinical Leadership specializations at Seminole State, or nonclinical classes, such as Healthcare Policy and Management and Leadership in Healthcare at Florida Gulf Coast University. Electives allow you to customize your degree to match your goals.

Is a bachelor’s degree in health science my only option?

No, a full range of degree options are available for health science students. If you’re just starting your academic career, a health science certificate or an associate degree are great starting points. You can then transfer your credits for a bachelor’s degree — or, if you prefer, you can complete your entire bachelor’s program at the same school. And if you want to keep going, master’s and doctorate programs are available as well. Many programs are available online. Each level of education provides new opportunities and new levels of responsibility in a quickly evolving field.

Do I need a license to work in the health science field in Florida?

You won’t need a license for many health science jobs in Florida. For example, if you work as a healthcare administrator, community educator, or medical device sales representative, no license is needed. But if you pursue specialized training, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or certified respiratory therapist, you’ll need to follow Florida licensing regulations.

Career & Salary Trends for Health Science Graduates in Florida

Earnings and the potential for professional growth are major considerations when choosing among the many career options available to graduates of online health science degree programs in Florida. To give you an idea of what to expect, we've gathered career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for community health workers employed in the state and listed it in the tables below. In terms of growth, job openings for community health workers are expected to increase by 14% in the U.S. overall and 24.2% in Florida between 2022 and 2032. These are particularly impressive figures when you consider that the projected growth for all jobs in all occupations in the U.S. combined for the same period is only 2.8%.

The current median annual salary for community health workers in Florida is $42,980, with salaries varying substantially within the state (from $28,080 to $91,990) depending primarily on geographic location and work experience level. Keep in mind that working in community health is just one career choice for health science degree graduates, so these figures may not apply to the career you choose. Remember that as a health science degree holder, you'll likely be able to command higher pay than job applicants without a degree.

Top-Rated Online Health Science Programs in Florida

With so many factors to consider, how do we rank the top online health science programs in Florida? There’s a lot that goes into it. First, we eliminate any school that doesn’t have institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. After that, we ensure the program offers online courses along with academic and career counseling services. Finally, we weigh factors such as the number of online programs, tuition, and student/faculty ratios. Click on the “About the Rankings” box to get more details.