We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Online Healthcare Degree Programs?

By A. Reed
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,661
Share

Healthcare degrees train students for work in various fields concerned with the wellness. Different types of online healthcare degree programs are available for interested individuals in a variety of areas, including nursing, medical transcription, and holistic medicine. Certain specialty schools provide medical training in complementary healthcare, offering degrees in naturopathy and herbology. While naturopathic medicine involves the study of all methods of natural medical treatment, herbology concentrates on learning about the use of herbs specifically. For those considering administrative careers overseeing hospital operations or managing departments, master's degree programs in healthcare administration are obtainable online as well.

Online healthcare degree programs in nursing permit students to complete a nursing education without ever attending campus courses, but completing clinical rotations may also be necessary, particularly as part of certain pre-licensure programs. Courses offered online in nursing are typically for those with prior nursing experience either as a nursing assistant or practical nurse, for example. Most online nursing degree programs award a two-year associate's or four-year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Credit is often available by either challenging an examination or taking an online course. Advanced practice nursing online programs are also offered to registered nurses who have already completed an accredited BSN.

​There are many online healthcare degree programs in medical transcription offered by colleges. Medical transcription training programs teach students how to convert voice recordings of healthcare professionals such as doctors and physician assistants into typed documents, including patient health summaries and histories. Depending upon the school, programs in medical transcription may last anywhere from a few months to approximately two years, and a typical course of study might include courses in medical terminology, transcription, and anatomy. Most students are prepared for employment after completion of the certificate or degree and may qualify to receive additional certification after a period of obtaining relevant work experience.

Schools offering online healthcare degree programs in alternative medicine provide training and education in areas such as holistic health, naturopathic medicine, and herbology. Awarding healthcare certificates, as well as both undergraduate and graduate degrees, holistic health programs cover nutrition, Oriental medicine, and spirituality. Naturopathy deals with making the whole person well, including mentally, physically, and even spiritually, which might encompass several alternative methodologies like homeopathy, massage therapy, and healing touch. Qualifications in herbal medicine generally require completion of courses in chemistry, bacteriology, and botany.

Degrees in healthcare administration prepare graduates for a wide variety of positions, including ward clerk, hospital administrator, and hospital officials such as chief executive and financial officers (CEO and CFO). Undergraduate qualifications are available through online healthcare degree programs, but the Master's in Health Administration degree (MHA) provides the most versatility as it qualifies students to assume hospital officer positions as opposed to that of hospital clerks. Master's degree curriculum requirements include research methods and courses in healthcare policy and economics.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-online-healthcare-degree-programs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.