Affordable Online Health Science Degrees

Multiple occupations including chiropractor, paramedic, and home health aide comprise the healthcare field. Highly trained professionals in these and related roles possess a unique skill set and work directly with patients and their families. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for healthcare workers to increase 15% in 2019-2029. The BLS reports median annual salaries for these professionals ranging from $28,470-$68,190.

Bachelor’s in health science programs emphasize the healthcare field’s many disciplines, including public health, disease prevention, and nutrition. This interdisciplinary major provides the academic foundation for an RN or MD program. Other graduates use the degree to pursue an entry-level position as a community healthcare worker or healthcare policy analyst.

A bachelor’s in health science appeals to individuals with and without healthcare experience. Associate degree-holding healthcare professionals benefit by learning the management skills needed for high-paying jobs. An asynchronous online program allows these degree-seekers to continue working, applying new skills on the job.

For recent high school graduates, health science bachelor’s degrees emphasize transferable skills applicable to nearly all career paths. These degrees may feature one or more specialization options aligning with a career or graduate school. Online degree-seekers may work while learning, helping them avoid student debt.

Prospective students looking to save on a degree should consider public in-state institutions. These schools charge the most affordable tuition rate. Individuals planning to attend an out-of-state public institution should expect to pay more for their education. However, some public schools offer the same tuition rate to all online degree-seekers.

Online learning presents numerous financial benefits. Students do not pay for a meal plan or on-campus housing. Learners also save money by not commuting. Degree-seekers with young children may benefit the most, as they need not seek expensive childcare.

Although an online degree may save students money, degree-seekers should research any school fees specific to a bachelor’s in health science. Organic chemistry and microbiology lab courses sometimes charge extra fees to cover the cost of materials. Learners should contact their school’s financial aid office to learn more about these and other fees.

The answer depends on whether bachelor’s in health science majors go on to the workforce or a graduate program. Recent graduates working as health educators earn a median $46,910 annual salary. Occupational therapy assistants earn a median $59,200 annual salary. The BLS projects the need for both positions to grow significantly in 2019-2029.

Workers with advanced degrees explore additional job opportunities, including physician assistant, occupational therapist, and pharmacist. These and other positions require a graduate degree, and workers earn significantly more than their peers with only a health science bachelor’s degree.

Besides an advanced degree, professional development courses help health science professionals learn new skills and improve their employability. Course topics may include phlebotomy technician, pharmacy technician, and first aid disaster responder. Other options feature coursework covering different software suites healthcare professionals use on the job.

Bachelor’s in health science programs emphasize the knowledge and skills students need for entry-level healthcare positions. Courses may include research methods for health sciences, environmental health, and advanced health informatics. Many programs feature a senior-year capstone course where learners complete an independent research project.

The following sample curriculum highlights three typical courses bachelor’s in health science programs require. Course titles and curriculum requirements vary by program. Please visit a program’s website or contact an admissions counselor to learn more about courses and the student experience.

Healthcare professionals may need a license or certification, depending on their job title. Other workers obtain a credential to increase their employability or earn a raise. The following credentials appeal to recent bachelor’s in health science graduates and professionals with an advanced degree.

Although online health science degrees attract learners with lower costs than on-campus programs, many degree-seekers still struggle with student debt. Learners avoid debt by applying for private scholarship opportunities. Scholarships accept applications one or more times annually and do not require repayment as long as recipients remain in good academic standing.