Health Care Degrees & Certificates

Caring about people is a prerequisite for pursuing a medical, healthcare, or human services career. So, too, is having the skill to perform the highly specialized work in this profession.

This category covers a full gamut of occupations, from physicians, surgeons, and dentists, to registered nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists, EMTs, social workers, medical coders and billers, and more.

Healthcare is one of the most robust job markets in the U.S., projected to grow by 15% over the next decade. Human services will grow even faster at 17%.

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What You Will Learn

Just as the professions are varied, so, too, are the educational requirements. Some professions, such as dental hygienist or nurse, will require an associate or bachelor’s degree and will feature curricula heavy in science. Doctors, too, will study science in their undergraduate work, followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency.

What You Can Earn

$35,000-$200,000+: The median annual wage for healthcare professionals is $69,870, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Like educational requirements, salaries vary widely based. EMTs and paramedics earn a median annual salary of $36,650. Doctors earn upwards of $200,000 per year. The median annual salary in human services is $35,960.

What to Set Your Sights On

Because options are so varied, you may wish to talk to a career counselor who can help you make the appropriate choice.

The Origins of the Medical Profession

Greek physician Hippocrates is considered the Father of Medicine, having written the Hippocratic Oath with the famous passage to “do not harm.”

A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Professional

Your most meaningful time will be spent with patients or clients, using your skills and empathy to treat their illnesses, injuries, or provide the best resolution for their problems.

Caring from Afar

Telemedicine, a trend that exploded in 2020, will likely continue to grow in the future.