According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare and social assistance industry is expected to create about 28% of all new jobs in the U.S. economy from 2010-2020. This industry is expected to grow by a whopping 33% over the next several years and is expected to create nearly 6 million new jobs. With advances in medical technology, increased life expectancy, and an aging population, the healthcare industry may be one of the most stable industries today from a career standpoint. There may be a bevy of professions available to students who earn a degree in Healthcare across a wide variety of industries. Some of these industries include Mental Health & counseling, Dietetics and Nutrition, Dentistry, Nursing, and Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
CURRICULUM
The curriculums for healthcare degrees vary widely based on the specific major chosen, the degree level, and various other factors. Typically, a student can expect to fulfill all required general education classes including Math, Science, English, and others. Beyond pre-requisites, courses are typically specialized based on the major being pursued. The student has the advantage of ranging degree levels as well, which can range from certificate or diploma all the way up to a Doctorate. You can also choose a specialty if one wants to, which can range in the degree levels themselves, and can include Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and much more. Whatever the major being pursued, it should be noted that Healthcare and Nursing degrees are heavily focused on science and technology.
CAREERS
The healthcare field offers an incredible amount of career choices that a student can pick from. A student can decide to go into the administration side of healthcare or stay in the action and become a Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist. You have a wide range of careers that you can pick from, you just have to decide which one piques your interest more, and which field you see yourself doing.
DEGREES
Healthcare is an evolving landscape, continually reinvented through data usage, medical and technological breakthroughs and quality sustainable care. Healthcare degrees may be available at all levels and could be earned via just about anyone’s lifestyle. The degrees can range from a certificate or diploma all the way up to a Doctorate. You also have the choice of going further into a more specialized field of study such as a doctor or surgeon if you choose to do that. Make sure to specialize your degree focusing on an area of study that most interests you.