Healthcare is, and will continue to be, a critical field—even in a post-pandemic world. This industry touches the lives of nearly every person globally, as there is a never-ending need for medical, emotional, mental, and physical care. Between the outbreak of COVID-19, babies being born, elderly patients facing chronic conditions, and everything in between, there is no shortage of patients or cases in the healthcare field. With this constant demand for these services, it’s easy to understand why more professionals are looking to break into the healthcare field. And, more specifically, why there is an increasing demand for online healthcare training and education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare is expected to grow 16 percent between 2020 and 2030, with 2.6 million new jobs being added to the field. This is much faster than the average for all occupations in the United States. However, for most medical and healthcare professionals, a postsecondary degree is required.
If you are interested in making an impact, but are looking for a degree program that fits within your schedule, you may be researching online options. Online healthcare degrees are increasing in popularity. They enable students to earn their degree at their own time and pace, and from the comfort of home. These programs allow for convenience, flexibility, adaptability, and even safety during a global pandemic. Online medical degrees also allow you to maintain your current career, or other obligations, while still obtaining a quality education. The question is, “Which healthcare degrees can you get online, and which require hands-on, in-person training?”
The answer to this question will vary by school. Some healthcare schools will offer fully online programs, while some may offer hybrid on-campus, online programs. Inherently, new healthcare providers can benefit from practical training and clinical experiences, so a fully online program is not always feasible.
At Goodwin University, a career-focused university, many online courses are offered within the popular healthcare majors, such as:
- Nursing
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical assisting
Goodwin University offers a variety of online or hybrid healthcare degree programs. Some of these programs are offered fully online while the hybrid programs require a combination of online and on-campus training in Connecticut. Read on, as we break down the different online healthcare program options available to you.
Online Healthcare Courses Available at Goodwin University
Dental Hygiene
The associate degree in Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare students for careers as dental hygienists. The program is offered primarily in-person, but also contains some online components. The on-campus portion of the program is important for the hands-on nature of this career path. Students train in a state-of-the-art dental laboratory, with equipment that students can use to perfect their skills. However, semesters of this program also include online and hybrid formats. Students can enjoy this flexibility and variety in education within a 6-semester time frame, so you can get trained and working in the field in as few as 24 months.
Health Science
The bachelor’s degree program in Health Science is designed to prepare students for a variety of healthcare professions. Students can design their programs to meet their career goals through four different tracks: Environmental Health, Health Care Administration, Bachelor’s Degree Completion, and Health Care Career Exploration. These courses are available on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format – so you can choose what works best for you.
Medical Assisting
Medical assistants play an important role in healthcare today. These professionals act as the liaison between the physician and patients, as well as handle everyday tasks like scheduling appointments, taking patient vital signs, prepping patients for examination, updating medical records, and occasionally performing EKGs. The Medical Assisting program at Goodwin may be completed in as few as 12-18 months, with flexible options including day and evening courses. Also a hybrid program, the Medical Assistant training courses are a blend of online, as well as on-campus with access to lab equipment.
Medical Billing & Coding
Much like medical assisting, this role is another important cog in the healthcare wheel. The Medical Billing and Coding program may also be completed in 12-18 months, with classes offered online and in-person.
Public Health
Public Health is all about safeguarding the overall health and wellbeing of our communities. The professionals who tackle public health emergencies – such as COVID-19, SARS, and ZIKA virus – are often those who have pursued public health degrees. At Goodwin, the public health programs are taught by industry content experts and designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to stand out in this critically important field. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health can complete their coursework online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.
Online Healthcare Degrees at Goodwin University
Master’s in Public Health
As noted above, the bachelor’s degree in Public Health is offered in a hybrid, on-campus and online format. However, for those looking to advance their public health knowledge, who already have a bachelor’s degree in hand, a fully online option is available. The master’s in Public Health (MPH) program can be completed entirely online. In addition, the MPH program is offered in an accelerated format, so that you can complete your online public health degree in as few as 12 to 15 weeks.
RN-to-BSN Degree
If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) and looking to advance your nursing skills, earning potential, and/or career prospects, a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) can an incredible choice. Many healthcare employers are starting to require RNs to earn a bachelor’s level education, or prefer it among job candidates. A BSN can help you stand out and can be completed online, from the comfort of your own home. This is possible through an online RN-to-BSN program. Online RN-to-BSN degrees are designed for the already working nurse who needs added flexibility in his or her schooling. You can maintain your career as a nurse while going back to school to advance your nursing education.
Master’s in Nursing
There are many online nursing courses available at Goodwin University, not solely limited to the RN-to-BSN degree. The Master’s in Nursing degree programs at Goodwin are also offered entirely online. If you are looking to specialize in Population Health or advance towards a leadership position, the online MSN program can be a great fit. Or, if you are looking to branch into Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, or become a Family Nurse Practitioner, we also have specialized master’s degrees available online:
- Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-APRN) degree
- Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-APRN) degree
Online Healthcare Degrees Bring Flexibility & Focus
While many of these specialties require some in-person learning, there are many options for those interested in online healthcare degrees. You can find much of this flexibility offered at Goodwin University, with online courses available in addition to the lab or clinical work that is needed. With a blend of on-campus and online learning, you can enjoy the best of both worlds while pursuing your healthcare education.
With millions of healthcare jobs expected to be added over the decade – now is the time to advance or start your healthcare career. Call Goodwin University at 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.