Healthcare is in high demand, offering numerous high-paying careers with considerable growth expected over the next decade. Whether you aim to become a healthcare administrator, earning a median salary of $110,680, or a registered nurse with a median salary of $86,070, accelerated online healthcare degree programs offer a fast track to these professions. Some students may advance to roles like nurse practitioners, with a median salary of $129,480, or physician assistants, earning a median salary of $130,020.
These programs typically take two to three years for undergraduate degrees and 18 months to two years for graduate degrees with full-time enrollment, enabling you to enter or advance in the healthcare industry quickly.
How to Choose an Accelerated Online Healthcare Program
Choose your area of study
The area of study you choose for any degree is important, but this is especially essential for healthcare degrees — as different majors or specializations can prepare you for different career paths. For example, at the undergraduate level, a major in nursing suits those enthusiastic about patient care, while healthcare administration is ideal for those interested in management and organizational roles. For graduate students, specializations like public health are perfect for students focused on community health initiatives, and health informatics is best for those drawn to technology and data management in healthcare.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen a specialization, researching schools and programs should be your next step. Consider asking:
- Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
- How does the coursework support my academic interests?
- Are there any on-campus requirements?
- How are clinical experiences arranged?
- What support services are available for online learners?
Most of this information will be readily available on program websites, but you can also find it by attending an information session or reaching out to an admissions counselor.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs, you can now turn your attention to test and application prep. Start by requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation early, as these materials often take time to gather. Draft your personal statement or essay responses beforehand to allow for thorough revisions. For programs requiring test scores, consider enrolling in a prep course – options include SAT or ACT prep for undergraduates and GRE prep for graduates.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Take a moment to revisit your initial research criteria and prioritize what matters most to you, such as curriculum relevance, flexibility in scheduling, and support services for online learners. Reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it with financial aid offers to ensure that your choice is affordable and economically feasible.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To finance your degree program, start by submitting the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid, grants, and work-study opportunities. Apply for scholarships, both from your chosen institution and external sources, as they can significantly reduce your costs. Depending on your degree level, consider assistantships, which provide financial support in exchange for teaching or research work.
In cases involving financial gaps, federal loans are generally preferable over private loans due to lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. Exploring all these avenues can help you minimize debt and effectively manage the cost of your education.
Best 50 Accredited Accelerated Online Healthcare Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online accelerated healthcare programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online accelerated healthcare programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Accelerated Online Healthcare Program?
An accelerated online healthcare degree program offers a fast-tracked path to a career in the healthcare industry. Depending on your specific field, these programs may cover anatomy and physiology, healthcare management, medical ethics, and healthcare technology. Students can expect to complete their degrees in as little as two to three years at the undergraduate level, while graduate programs often take 18 months to two years.
Regardless of the specific degree, coursework is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, providing practical knowledge and skills needed for different roles — including nursing, healthcare administration, and public health. By enrolling in an online program, you’ll gain additional flexibility to help balance your studies with personal and professional commitments, making these programs ideal if you’re looking to quickly advance or shift your career into this sector.
Potential courses you’ll take in an accelerated online healthcare program
- Anatomy and Physiology: This fundamental course covers the structure and function of the human body, including major organ systems, tissues, and cells. Students will learn how the body maintains homeostasis and how different systems interact to support life and health.
- Healthcare Management: Commonly found in healthcare administration degree programs, this course emphasizes developing skills necessary for effective decision-making and resource allocation in healthcare settings. Participants explore the principles of managing healthcare facilities, including leadership and strategic planning.
- Medical Ethics and Law: This course examines ethical and legal issues in healthcare, such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, and medical malpractice. Learners will study how to navigate ethical dilemmas and understand the legal framework governing healthcare practices.
- Health Informatics: In this course, students will study the use of information technology in healthcare, focusing on electronic health records, data management, and health information systems. Classes are designed to provide participants with the skills to improve patient care through effective use of technology.
What Can I Do With a Healthcare Degree?
The healthcare industry is booming, with 1.8 million new jobs projected over the next decade, attracting many to pursue careers in this field. Beyond this significant job growth, the industry offers above-average salaries and diverse career options, making it an appealing choice for those seeking stability and advancement opportunities.
Career outlook
- Healthcare Administrator — Graduates in this role oversee the operations of healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They are responsible for managing staff, developing and implementing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and improving efficiency and quality.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New jobs projected: 54,700
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse — Practicing APRNs are highly skilled nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services. They diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently or in collaboration with physicians.
- Median annual salary: $129,480
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
- Physician Assistant — A physician assistant works under the supervision of a physician to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative healthcare services. They perform physical exams, order and interpret tests, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and may assist in surgeries.
- Median annual salary: $130,020
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 27%
- New jobs projected: 12,200
Accelerated Online Healthcare Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs condense the standard curriculum into a shorter time frame by offering courses year-round, often with more intensive study schedules. In healthcare programs, students complete the same coursework faster but must still fulfill clinical and in-person requirements through concentrated, immersive experiences.
These programs allow students to enter the workforce sooner, but the fast pace requires significant time management skills. To explore the pros and cons of accelerated programs and determine if they’re the right fit for you, visit our page, which details this further.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated online healthcare degree?
Earning an accelerated online degree typically takes two to three years for undergraduate programs and 18 months to two years for graduate programs. The exact duration depends on the total number of required credits, which can vary by program. This variability is significant for graduate students, as their programs often have different credit requirements.
How much does an accelerated online healthcare degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate degrees and $20,513 for graduate degrees. However, tuition is just one part of the total expense. You’ll also want to budget for additional costs such as textbooks, technology fees, clinical supplies, and potential travel for in-person requirements.