Distance Learning Healthcare Degrees And Programs

. Its hardly a secret anymore that the healthcare sector is teeming with exciting employment opportunities. According to the latest report on the employment situation released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector added 28,000 new jobs in August 2010. (bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm)

If you want to be part of this booming sector, now is the time to start evaluating your options. The good news is that a lot of healthcare jobs require less than four years of college, which likely means lower expenses and a quicker transition to the workforce for graduates of healthcare degrees.

Even better news is that a lot of popular healthcare programs are now available at a distance, which provides students greater flexibility to pursue higher education in this field. Lets look at some of the popular distance learning healthcare degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The curriculum offered with a BSN degree is a combination of advanced theory and clinical practice to prepare graduates for the full scope of nursing duties. Many Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who enter the profession with an Associates degree or nursing diploma, return to school for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to boost their career.

Respiratory Therapy Program: Distance learning respiratory therapy degrees are available at both Bachelors and Associates levels. Graduates receive not just theoretical knowledge, but also hands on clinical training in respiratory patient care at a healthcare facility as part of their program. Most distance learning respiratory therapy programs prepare graduates for the licensure exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Students should know they need to pass the credentialing examination and obtain a license to practice in all the U.S. states except Hawaii and Alaska.

Allied Health Degree: An Allied Health degree is an umbrella program that covers a wide variety of healthcare-related courses, enabling graduates to choose a specific health service for further training or practice. Allied health professionals include medical assistants, paramedics, radiographers, lab technicians, physical therapists, etc. A distance learning allied health degree usually includes a wide range of general education and core allied health courses.

Healthcare Administration: A healthcare administration degree trains students in managing an entire healthcare unit or a part of it. A distance learning healthcare administration degree typically covers courses on non-clinical aspects of running a healthcare unit such as finance, economics, information systems, marketing, and communication. Although a Bachelors degree may suffice to break into the field, higher-level management roles generally require a Masters degree.

Public Health: This distance learning healthcare degree is ideal for individuals who want to work in the field of general societal health. As the name suggests, public health focuses on spreading awareness, eradicating and controlling disease, and promoting health & wellness in a community rather than to individuals. For those who are interested in this field, a Masters degree is the standard educational credential. Many universities and colleges offer an online Masters in Public Health degree, which makes it easier for working professionals to continue their education without drastically disturbing their current work/life balance.