Top Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare
Discover the top online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
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If you’re looking for a stable, rewarding career then healthcare might be right up your alley. Healthcare professionals come in all shapes and sizes, and with all manner of roles and responsibilities. But what unites them all is the desire to help people and make the world a better, safer place. Maybe you’ll be a nurse, caring for patients day in and day out. Or, maybe you’ll work in a lab researching new medicine. Whatever your goals, a bachelor’s degree in healthcare is the first step.
We put this article together to set you on the right path toward your online degree. Here, we’ll highlight top healthcare undergraduate programs, explain what to expect from your online healthcare degree, and share some examples of how you can put your degree to use. Stick with us and we’ll cover everything you need to know to get you started on your college search.
Benefits of Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Online
Online healthcare degrees are extremely popular, and rightly so. Studying online lets you choose from hundreds of specialized programs without having to pull up stakes and move in order to attend school. Instead, you can attend your dream program from the comfort of your own home. But that’s just one of the many benefits of earning your healthcare bachelor’s degree online. Below, we’ll talk about a few of the other big advantages of opting for an online classroom.
Top Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare
If you’re like most healthcare professionals, you’re probably motivated by the idea of helping others and a passion for your field. But you’re investing your time and money in your education, so it is important to be practical about your choices as well. Fortunately, there is no shortage of exciting online healthcare degree programs that let you pursue your interests and improve your career prospects at the same time. These are some of our top picks for the best online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare.
Bachelor of Science in Biology
A bachelor’s degree in biology will prepare you for several prime career paths in the healthcare field. Many students in this area complete their bachelor’s degree and then move on to more specialized study in graduate school. A biology degree can ready you for additional studies in areas like medicine, chemistry, genetics, pathology, zoology, agriculture, and more. Whichever path you choose to go down in healthcare, a bachelor’s degree in biology will give you a base of knowledge that will serve to be valuable through the span of your career.
Online Component
Students in a Bachelor of Science in Biology program can expect to complete most of their required coursework online, including general education credits and most major-specific classes. Common classes for this major include applied physics, cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and integrated principles of biology. Any hands-on lab work will likely need to be completed in-person at an approved facility or on-campus.
Healthcare Careers for Biology Majors
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Physician Liaison: These professionals typically work to develop and enforce a marketing or sales plan that will help their employer expand referrals from physicians and healthcare providers. On average, physician liaisons earn approximately $60,467 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 32% increase in similar occupations in medical and health services management.
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Biological Technician: These technicians often carry out laboratory procedures and assist medical and biological scientists with various tests and experiments. The majority of these professionals work in research and development institutions, often in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Biological technicians make an annual median wage of $48,230. BLS projects a 5% job growth by 2029.
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in healthcare prepares you for administrative roles in medical facilities. These professionals play a vital role in the day-to-day functions of clinics, hospitals, and research facilities. You’ll develop essential skills in communication, mathematics, financial planning, and healthcare management operations.
Online Component
Students pursuing an online bachelor’s in business administration in healthcare management can typically complete requirements entirely online. Some programs require an in-person internship that takes place at an approved healthcare facility. Additionally, students may need to complete a healthcare management capstone project that could include some in-person components, depending on the school.
Healthcare Careers for Business Administration Majors
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Healthcare Administration: Sometimes referred to as health services managers or healthcare executives, these professionals make plans and coordinate operations across the medical field. They may control operations at entire medical facility or within a specific department or clinical area. The majority of these professionals work in hospitals at the state, local, and private levels. Healthcare administrators can expect to earn a median annual wage of $100,980 per year. BLS projects a 32% job growth by 2029.
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Administrative Services Managers: Professionals in these roles handle a wide variety of administrative services and duties. Many of their responsibilities include maintaining facilities and supervising medical staff and their workflow. These managers may also help create or revise policies and procedures to improve facility operations and functions related to medical supplies inventory and record-keeping. Managers in these roles can expect to earn a median annual wage of $120,960 per year. BLS projects available positions in this area to increase by 9% by 2029.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A online BSN program allows you to build upon previous work experience and knowledge in the field and develop a specialization area. Professionals with a BSN are able to pursue a wide variety of careers in nursing, including pediatric nursing, public health nursing, case management, health education, and critical care nursing. For RNs currently working in the field, online RN to BSN programs can help bridge the gap in their knowledge and get them the education they need to advance their careers. Those new to nursing should research campus-based and online nursing programs at the bachelor’s level to see which might be right for them.
Online Component
You’ll be able to complete the majority of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program online. Depending on the program, you may also be able to find nursing programs that are entirely online with no required in-person clinical components. Required classes in this area may include health assessment for registered nurses, healthcare informatics, and pharmacotherapeutics.
Healthcare Careers for Nursing Majors
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Registered Nurse: An online BSN is the perfect degree if you want to become a registered nurse. RNs typically educate patients and the public about health care issues, provide and coordinate care for patients in medical facilities, and provide emotional support and medical advice for patients and their families. The majority of RNs work in hospitals and ambulatory healthcare services. According to BLS, RNs make an annual median wage of $73,300 and can expect a job growth of 7% by 2029.
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Clinical Research Nurse: Research nurses conduct specialized scientific research in areas such as pharmaceuticals, health treatment plans, illnesses, patient care methods, and more. The data produced by their work is used to improve healthcare services and patient outcomes more generally. These professionals typically are registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Clinical research nurses typically make $72,199 per year. Professionals in this area can expect a 7%-10% job growth by 2029.
Bachelor of Public Health
Professionals with online public health degrees work with local communities to develop wellness programs, create public policies to fight health issues around the globe, and strive to protect the health of populations on a large scale. Bachelor’s in public health programs will help you develop the necessary skills to devise effective health programs, identify health disparities among small and large populations, promote social justice issues, and develop excellent communication skills.
Online Component
Bachelor’s degrees in public health can usually be completed entirely online with no in-person obligations. Required classes in these programs usually include courses on global health, public health ethics, health promotion programs, chronic diseases, and qualitative research methods.
Healthcare Careers for Public Health Majors
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Dietitian/Nutritionist: Dietitians and nutritionists help promote healthy lifestyles and offer public education on managing diseases and illnesses. They specialize in helping people lead healthy lifestyles and achieve specific health goals. Dietitians and nutritionists can expect approximately an 8% growth in available positions by 2029. According to BLS, these professionals typically make a median annual wage of $61,270.
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Health Educators and Community Health Workers: These professionals help create and implement strategies for improving community health and often serve as a liaison between community members and healthcare professionals. They often work directly with the members of specific populations and communities, collecting data and educating the public on health concerns. The BLS projects a 13% increase in available positions for these workers by 2029. On average, these professionals make a median annual wage of $46,910.
Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy
A degree in recreational therapy helps students understand how leisure activities, recreation, and physical activities promote community engagement, health improvements, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adaptation. Coursework for this major also focuses on disease prevention for specific populations with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Online Component
Colleges and universities with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy program offer entirely online or hybrid programs, depending on their curricula. Required courses for the major typically include client assessment and evaluation techniques, principles of parks, recreation, and sport management, liability and law in leisure, medical terminology, and abnormal psychology. Depending on the program, you may need to complete an internship either remotely or in-person.
Healthcare Careers for Recreation Majors
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Recreational Therapist: These professionals develop and coordinate treatment plans for people with illnesses, injuries, and disabilities through recreation-based activities. They can specialize in a variety of areas to carry out this work, including sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, aquatics, community events, and more. Recreational therapists today earn a median annual wage of $48,220. BLS expects available positions in this area to increase by 8% by 2029.
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Health and Physical Science Teacher: With a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, you can also take on roles as a health and physical educator in public and private school systems. Depending on your interests and training, you can find employment as a health or physical science teacher at the middle school and high school levels. Teachers in high school settings typically make a median annual wage of $61,660. They also will see a 4% gross employment by 2029.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
An online exercise science degree program offers a good balance of instruction in preventive healthcare, fitness education, and professional development. You’ll also get the latest knowledge in finance, legal issues, and marketing in relation to sports organizations and physical fitness entrepreneurship. Upon completion of these programs, you’ll be able to sit for personal trainer certifications, including training and speed coach certifications.
Online Component
In most cases, requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science can be completed entirely online with no in-person obligations. Most programs require specialized courses such as ethics in sport management, sports nutrition, functional kinesiology, legal aspects of sport, and wellness and fitness for aging populations.
Healthcare Careers for Exercise Science Majors
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Physical Therapy Assistant: Often referred to as PTAs, physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. They assist professionals who work with patients who are recovering from illnesses or injuries to regain regular motion and manage pain. The majority of PTAs work in physical, occupational, or speech therapist offices. BLS projects that available positions in this field will grow by 33% by 2029. PTAs also earn a median annual wage of $58,790.
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Fitness Trainers and Instructors: These trainers and instructors provide leadership and motivation for groups and individuals in physical fitness endeavors. This includes strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises. They may work as personal trainers, group fitness instructors, specialized fitness teachers, or directors of health clubs. They earn a median annual wage of $40,390. By 2029, BLS projects professionals in this area of the exercise science field will experience a 15% job growth.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Online Bachelor of Science in Chemistry programs help students develop a strong foundation in the study of the chemical processes of living things. Students in this area often pursue further study beyond their bachelor’s program, including graduate studies in the hard sciences, medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. There are, however, many positions available for bachelor’s degree-holders in chemistry who wish to enter the job market upon graduation.
Online Component
The majority of your requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry can be completed online. Most programs today, however, require chemistry students to participate in in-person accelerated laboratory courses on campus. Remote coursework typically consists of classes such as general biochemistry, analytical biochemistry, and organic chemistry, along with general education classes.
Healthcare Careers for Chemistry Majors
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Forensic Science Technician: These technicians help law enforcement work on criminal investigations, mainly by analyzing evidence collected from crime scenes and laboratory analyses. The majority of forensic science technicians work for local and state government entities. They earn a median annual wage of $59,150. Job outlook for forensic science technicians looks bright, with a projected 14% increase in available positions by 2029.
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Food Scientist: Food and agricultural scientists conduct research and explore ways of improving products and agricultural establishments. They often work to improve food products, including processing, packaging, and delivery methods. They may also study plant grass, soil, and environmental factors in agriculture. These professionals make a median annual wage of $65,160. BLS projects a 5% job growth by 2029.
Bachelor of Medical Technology
Sometimes referred to as a Bachelor of Medical Technology and Laboratory Science, these programs help undergraduate students develop a strong background in chemistry, physics, biology, and scientific analysis. Bachelor’s in medical technology programs can also provide you with the skills you’ll need to pursue a career to work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals, especially in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases.
Online Component
Depending on the program, students in online medical lab technician programs may need to complete an in-person clinical rotation for graduation. Rotations typically consist of both formal classes and hands-on laboratory training. Required coursework is available online in most programs. Typical classes in this area include organic chemistry, quantitative chemical analysis, biochemistry, and elementary analysis and statistics.
Healthcare Careers for Medical Technology Majors
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Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician: Clinical or medical lab technicians collect samples and perform a variety of tests in order to meet certain goals. They may work with blood transfusions, tissue samples, cell abnormalities, and bodily fluids. They usually work in medical facilities and diagnostic laboratories. The professionals make approximately $50,120 per year. According to BLS, available positions for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians should increase by 7% by 2029.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Also referred to as diagnostic imaging workers, these sonographers or ultrasound techs create images using specialized medical equipment and carry out a variety of tests. They typically work closely with physicians and surgeons leading up to and following medical procedures. Sonographers may also work directly with patients by preparing them for diagnostic testing and updating patient records. They may also provide summaries of a patient’s test results for physicians. The majority of these professionals work in hospitals at the state, local, and private levels. BLS projects that diagnostic medical sonographers will experience a 17% job increase by 2029. These professionals also make a median annual wage of $74,320 per year.
