Healthcare touches the lives of nearly every individual in the United States, as there is a constant need for medical, emotional, and physical care. Every day, babies are being born in hospitals, children are getting sick or breaking bones, adults are filling prescriptions, and elders are moving into residential care. More than likely, you, too, have been affected by healthcare in some way.

That may even be why you are here. Like thousands of other aspiring professionals, you may have a deep connection to the healthcare field and feel called to become a part of it. You may have a passion for helping others, an interest in medicine, and a draw towards the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of the field.

However, the thought of committing to medical school can feel daunting. You may be juggling a career or responsibilities at home and require flexibility. Or, you’re looking for a program that will get you into the workforce fast, without a long or major investment in school. This begs the question: Should you pursue an online healthcare degree?

Online healthcare degrees offer an efficient and convenient path towards a medical career. And with technology having such a strong role in higher education today, online healthcare classes are actually not that uncommon to find. At Goodwin University, we offer a range of online courses within our many healthcare majors — including online coursework in nursing, health science, medical billing, medical assisting, and more.

Of course, online healthcare programs are not right for everyone. While there are clear benefits, it’s important to evaluate your career goals, your scheduling needs, and your learning style. For example, not all healthcare careers can be prepared for online — many require in-person, hands-on practice first.

Interested in learning more? Let’s explore the benefits of online learning, the many online healthcare degrees available, and the questions to ask before diving in.

Should you pursue an online healthcare degree?

There are many reasons to consider an online healthcare degree. Online programs offer flexibility, convenience, and even affordability. Plus, distance learning has come a long way! With advanced technology and more students pursuing online degrees than in years past, online education has become a normal (and credible) pathway for college students.

Healthcare degree programs are a unique breed, however, so it’s important to examine online options closely. Since healthcare is a very hands-on field, it’s generally recommended that you pursue a program that blends online coursework with practical training experiences. These experiences may come through internships, clinical rotations, or short-term immersion weekends, but are typically in-person. When a program blends online learning with in-person components, it’s called a hybrid format. Hybrid students have the flexibility of studying online while still receiving hands-on training in key clinical areas.

Learn about the many Healthcare programs available at Goodwin!

Another consideration to keep in mind is whether or not you, personally, will benefit from an online degree format. Online degree programs are great for people balancing a career, family, or other responsibilities, or who require flexibility in their class schedule. These programs are also best for those who have strong time management and project management skills, and are motivated to complete work at their own time and pace.

What are the benefits of an online healthcare degree?

1. Flexibility

The biggest draw to online healthcare degrees is that they are flexible, allowing you to work while earning an education. Unlike traditional programs, online students are not limited by their location or time restraints. If you choose to take online healthcare classes, you can stay where you are (wherever you are), without disrupting the other happenings in your life. For example, you will not have to leave your shifts early to make it to class. In fact, many students choose online healthcare degrees so that they never have to miss a day of work.

At Goodwin, we’re all about flexibility and convenience, and can help you build a class schedule that meets your needs. Here, due to our flexible formats, most students can work full-time or part-time while completing their degrees.

2. Fast-paced or self-paced

Many online healthcare programs are faster-paced or shorter-term than their traditional classroom counterparts. For example, many online programs can be completed within months (versus years), with concentrated coursework and a streamlined schedule. Some healthcare programs are also offered at an accelerated pace, allowing students to finish their degree fast.

At Goodwin University, students also have the potential to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years when taking classes full-time. We offer three academic sessions per year for faster degree completion.

Of course, part of the beauty of online programs is that they can be self-paced, too! Online courses allow you to create your own learning environment and work at your own pace/agenda. At home and online, you have flexibility in terms of the times you begin your coursework. If you are a night owl, you can set aside the evening hours for your online courses. If you prefer to study in the morning hours, you will also have that option. When taking online healthcare courses, you can find and develop your ideal, balanced learning environment.

3. Resources at your fingertips

In an online healthcare program, you will have resources right at your fingertips, including the option to meet with your professors live and virtually. Plus, being plugged in, you will always have a library of resources available from your desktop. The Internet is full of studies, medical journals, and other information that will be useful in your healthcare program. And, though you may not expect it, you will also have teaching aids available online as well. Online healthcare programs typically have resources readily available for students — whether via email, online chats, or video conferences.

The beauty of a hybrid healthcare program (online and on-campus) is that you can have face-to-face time with your instructors and peers, while still enjoying online flexibility. This allows you to ask questions, get clear answers, and gain hands-on training in a practical learning setting.

These are just some of the many perks of an online healthcare degree. Discover many more benefits of online learning here!

Online Healthcare degree programs available to you

Goodwin University is a leading healthcare school in Connecticut, with a variety of programs available to online learners and students at farther distances. Some of our healthcare degrees are offered fully online, while many are available in hybrid online/in-person formats.

Below are some of the online healthcare degrees available through Goodwin today.

Fully online Healthcare programs:

Medical Billing and Coding (certificate)

Medical billers and coders work behind-the-scenes in healthcare, helping process medical records, create and file insurance claims, and invoice patients for the services received. In turn, this allows providers to get compensated for their work and keeps the healthcare system afloat. At Goodwin, the Medical Billing and Coding certificate takes 16 to 20 months to complete. Courses can be taken entirely online, with the exception of one hybrid capstone course.

Health Science degree (associate or bachelor’s)

A Health Science degree is a great option for those looking to explore their career options in the health and medical field. They might explore pathways in healthcare administration, epidemiology, health education, mental health counseling, or research-based roles, to name a few. At Goodwin University, students have the option to pursue either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. Both programs are offered 100% online, with accelerated and standard timelines available. Learn more here.

Funeral Service degree (associate degree)

Funeral directors, morticians, and service providers play a key role in helping grieving families. To secure a position in this caring field, an associate degree in Funeral Service is typically required. This can be completed online or on-campus. Following that award, your state may also require you to complete an apprenticeship in person to qualify for licensing.

The Funeral Service degree at Goodwin can be completed in 16 months full-time, either online or in-person. The online program is taught by active funeral directors and can be taken at a pace that works for you. Courses are available entirely online, with just one on-campus immersion weekend required in the final semester. This immersion weekend provides critical hands-on training in restorative art, embalming, and other funeral procedures.

RN-to-BSN degree (bachelor’s degree)

An RN-to-BSN is a specialized degree program designed for licensed nurses looking to broaden their competencies and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Because these nurses have typically completed some college and are actively working in the field, the RN-to-BSN degree is meant to be flexible: offered online, part-time, with the ability to complete courses quickly.

At Goodwin University, RN-to-BSN students can benefit from fully online coursework in a part-time format. They can continue working (and growing!) their nursing career while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. This online degree program can be completed in just 12 months.

APRN (master’s degree or post-master’s certificate)

Advanced practice registered nurses, much like their title entails, are upper-level nurse practitioners who have completed additional time in graduate school. They have expanded their knowledge and skill sets, and therefore have grown more autonomous in their field of work. While APRN programs will differ school-to-school, they typically have specific focal areas.

At Goodwin, APRN students can become a Family nurse practitioner (FNP) or a Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Both tracks can be achieved through a fully online master’s degree program (designed for those who do not yet have a graduate degree) or through a 100% online post-master’s certificate program (meant for those who already have a master’s in Nursing). Explore these online options here!

Public Health (master’s degree)

Another graduate-level online healthcare degree available is a master’s in Public Health (MPH). This program is a great pathway for students looking to make an impact on healthcare policy, community health, and/or global health. At Goodwin University, the MPH program is available 100% online, with no in-person requirements. It can also be completed on an accelerated timeline, within 12 to 15 months, for those looking to grow their career fast.

Hybrid online Healthcare classes:

The following healthcare programs at Goodwin University are offered in hybrid formats. Students can enjoy the convenience of online learning and still receive valuable, hands-on training experiences throughout their development.

Medical Assisting (certificate or associate degree)

Medical assistants are essential to the inner workings of healthcare, ensuring that offices, clinics, and hospitals operate smoothly. They have fewer patient care responsibilities than nurses, but enjoy a blend of clinical and administrative work. To become a medical assistant, a postsecondary certificate or associate degree is typically recommended. These can take between 12 and 24 months to complete.

At Goodwin University, medical assisting students can complete the majority of their courses online. However, three courses and an internship are required in-person.

Dental Hygiene (associate degree)

Dental hygienists are core to the dental office, ensuring patients sustain good oral health, regular cleanings, and preventive care. To become a dental hygienist, an associate degree is typically required in combination with hands-on experience.

At Goodwin, we recognize the value of hands-on training for the dental hygiene profession. That’s why our students get the chance to actively practice in our on-campus dental clinic, with real patients! However, we understand flexibility is also important, which is why many dental hygiene courses are offered online or in hybrid formats.

Accelerated BSN (bachelor’s degree)

The accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree is a unique program option tailored to those who are pivoting their career to nursing. It’s designed for aspiring registered nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in another non-nursing major — enabling them to tap into their previous course credits to complete their nursing degree fast.

These students, because they are generally more established in their lives and careers, require added flexibility, which is why Goodwin offers many ABSN courses online. However, hands-on and practical training is incredibly valuable for new nurses, so online courses are balanced with on-ground classes, clinicals, and laboratory experiences.

Key considerations when choosing an online healthcare degree program

As you evaluate potential online healthcare degrees, remember that not all programs are created equal. Be sure to ask yourself (or the admissions team) the following questions before committing to a program for good.

Are there clinical requirements in-person?

In healthcare, most careers are geared towards patient care. If you are pursuing one of these direct care professions, your degree program will likely require hands-on practice through something called “clinicals.” Clinicals, or clinical rotations, are designed to give you practice working in real-life healthcare settings, with real patients in need, under the supervision of licensed professionals. They are extremely valuable for aspiring healthcare providers in that they allow you to practice and perfect your skills before launching a career. Often, this level of hands-on experience is also required for licensure.

Is the online degree program accredited?

When seeking an online healthcare degree, accreditation is extremely important. Accreditation means that a program meets high academic standards in terms of its curriculum, faculty, and career preparedness. It is a voluntary process that schools will take to guarantee the quality and legitimacy of their programs. Therefore, many healthcare employers (and licensing organizations) now require that candidates graduate from an accredited program. If you’re considering future education or changing schools, also note that many universities will only transfer credits from accredited programs. So, be sure to do your research — not all online healthcare programs are accredited.

How flexible is the online program?

While “online” may seem straightforward enough, online healthcare degrees are offered in many different formats and at different paces. So, as you research potential programs, it’s important to find one that fits with your lifestyle and needs. For example, some programs are “synchronous,” meaning you have to attend virtual classes live. Others offer “asynchronous” courses, which you can complete on-demand and at your own pace.

Additionally, online healthcare degrees may also be offered in full-time or part-time formats. If you’re working or juggling other responsibilities, a part-time program might be a better fit. If you’re looking to earn your degree fast, a full-time program might be the preferred choice.

What services are available to online students?

While the program itself is important — robust curriculum, leading faculty, flexibility — it’s also important that the school you’re attending supports other facets of your life. For example, at Goodwin University, both online and on-campus students receive an array of career services to help them find success. These involve resume and cover letter workshops, career placement services, networking events, interview preparation, and more. Students also have access to services like tutoring and exam prep, counseling, financial aid, and more.

Explore online healthcare programs at Goodwin!

Whether you are stuck on the idea of an online healthcare degree or have found a program that aligns with your interests right here at Goodwin, we’ve got you covered! Call Goodwin University at 800-889-3282 or learn more about our healthcare degree programs online today.