Getting a master of medicine and healthcare offers graduates multiple career paths that lead to higher paying wages, occupational security, and more leadership positions than an undergraduate degree in the field. Graduates can train to become physician assistants, occupational therapists, epidemiologists, or nurse practitioners.
The BLS projects healthcare occupations to grow 15% from 2019-2029, a much faster rate than average compared to all other professions. Healthcare practitioners had a median annual wage of $68,190 in May of 2019, which is much higher than the median of all U.S. occupations.
Getting a degree in medicine and healthcare online can benefit students who have other obligations aside from being students. Depending on a student's circumstances, it can take an average of 2-4 years to complete one of these programs. Most online programs include virtual classes using web cameras, 1-on-1 guidance from experienced professors, and immersive field practice.
20 Online Master's Programs in Medicine and Healthcare
Physician Assistant
Pursuing this job requires a master's degree, which takes approximately two years to complete. The BLS projects a 31% job growth between 2018 and 2028, meaning that up to 37,000 new jobs might be created in the coming years.
The position also offers a substantial salary, with professionals earning a median salary of $112,260 in 2019, according to the BLS. Earners in the top 10% of highest pay received in excess of $157,120 during the same timeframe. There are many affordable master of physician assistant programs in 2020, making it possible for students to pick the one that works best for their needs.
- Employment Outlook: +31%
- Salary: $112,260
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
These master's degree-credentialed professionals must hold an MSN with a specialization in family nurse practitioner, along with an active and unencumbered RN license.
Jobs for these specialized workers are projected to grow 26% between 2018 and 2028. Average pay topped $115,800 in 2019, with the top 10% of earners commanding more than $184,180 each year. There are plenty of online MSN programs, several of which are cheap or offer the best value for the price.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,800
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Students who already possess their RN licensure — either through an associate or bachelor's degree — can apply to an MSN program if they want to boost their knowledge and earning potential.
These programs emphasize the development of leadership and managerial skills, review advanced practice topics, and prepare learners for roles like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse educator. Degree-seekers who already possess a bachelor's degree in nursing can finish an online MSN in two years, while graduates of an associate degree in nursing usually need three years for completion.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,800
Nurse Anesthetist
Like a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetists must possess at least a master's degree in nursing alongside an RN license and completion of all supervised experience requirements. These professionals assist anesthesiologists by preparing patients prior to surgery, monitoring during procedures, and aftercare. They may also administer anesthesia.
The BLS projects an increase of 26% in available positions between 2018 and 2028.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,800
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives aid OB-GYNs in supporting women's reproductive health by assisting with births, performing annual gynecological examinations, writing prescriptions, and giving counsel. They must complete an MSN with a specialization in nurse midwifery to quality in addition to holding a valid RN license and meeting supervised experience requirements.
Nurses with a passion for supporting and championing women's health can thrive in these roles. An online nurse midwifery certificate or degree can help students get started toward this career.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,8000
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners work with children from birth through adolescence. They conduct annual physicals, diagnose medical issues or illnesses, and prescribe medications when needed. Pediatric NPs need an MSN with a pediatric care specialization. These programs take 2-3 years to complete, depending on previous educational credentials.
Jobs for these professionals are projected to grow 26% from 2018-28. The 2019 average salary was $115,800. Many online MSN programs offer best value in the price.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,800
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a gerontological NP requires pursuing an MSN with a gerontology acute/primary care specialization, taking part in required clinicals, and holding an active RN license. Students should plan to spend 2-3 years enrolled in their MSN program. Many schools offer online master's in gerontology nursing degrees.
- Employment Outlook: +26%
- Salary: $115,800
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators help the next generation of LPNs, RNs, APRNs, and other nursing professionals gain the knowledge and competencies needed to provide excellent care. They typically have their MSN, doctor of nursing practice (DNP), or Ph.D. in nursing. They may work in hospitals, community colleges, or four-year institutions.
Most employers expect nurse educators to possess at least a few years' worth of experience working as a nurse before transitioning to the classroom. Students can choose from several top online master's in nursing education programs to reach their goals.
- Employment Outlook: +11%
- Salary: $74,600
Psychology
Psychology offers a wide spectrum of opportunities at the master's level, with potential jobs as a school psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, and marriage and family therapist. Students select from specializations in their overarching psychology program to build knowledge.
Learners who want to work in clinical psychology programs must earn a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology, but a master's can help these students on their way to a doctorate. Many online master's in psychology programs exist for degree-seekers who need the flexibility of on-the-go learning.
- Employment Outlook: +14%
- Salary: $80,370
Public Health
Online master's in public health (MPH) programs are a great option for learners who want to address public health crises, pandemics, and other illnesses and diseases affecting populations. These programs typically take around two years to complete and coursework can often be done entirely online. Programs requiring a practicum usually require these to take place at an approved healthcare facility near the student's place of residence.
Many graduates find work as epidemiologists, while others continue on to a doctorate to pursue research and/or academic roles.
- Employment Outlook: +5%
- Salary: $70,990
Healthcare Management
A popular subfield, healthcare management programs give graduates the skills needed to lead and oversee clinics, long-term healthcare facilities, hospitals, and other medical sites. Some positions allow candidates to possess only a bachelor's degree, but many seek master's level credentials.
Individuals in these roles focus on macro-scale initiatives, including big picture goals. Students who need to balance professional and/or personal responsibilities while enrolled often choose one of the many online master's in healthcare management programs now available throughout the country.
- Employment Outlook: +18%
- Salary: $100,980
Healthcare Administration
While healthcare management programs instill skills related to big picture initiatives, online master's in healthcare administration degrees focus on giving learners the competencies needed to manage the day-to-day running of medical and healthcare facilities.
These programs usually take two years to complete, although more schools now offer accelerated programs, requiring 12-18 months of full-time enrollment. Professionals in these roles earn substantial salaries: the BLS reports that health service managers brought home average salaries of $100,980 in 2019.
- Employment Outlook: +18%
- Salary: $100,980
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists support patients recovering from illness, injury, or disease by helping them recover mobility and maintain their skills. These professionals must complete a master's in occupational therapy to practice, which usually takes two years. They must also receive a license from the state in which they plan to practice.
In 2019, the BLS reported that occupational therapists earned a median annual salary of $84,950.
- Employment Outlook: +18%
- Salary: $84,950
Speech Language Therapist
Also known as speech-language pathologists, individuals in these roles help individuals who struggle with clear speaking due to communication complications, swallowing disorders, or other afflictions. They can work with patients across the lifespan but usually concentrate their efforts on a particular population, such as schoolchildren or stroke victims.
Students should plan to spend two years enrolled in their program and to seek licensure in their state before they start practicing.
- Employment Outlook: +27%
- Salary: $79,120
Dietician and Nutritionist
Dieticians and nutritionists help clients harness the power of food and nutrition to support healthy outcomes, including weight management, helping control a specific illness, and living an overall healthier lifestyle. Some positions allow for a bachelor's degree but many now seek candidates with master's level credentials. Many schools offer online master's in nutrition programs.
Some may work for food companies or at a specific clinic or practice, while others may work in a freelance capacity or start their own business.
- Employment Outlook: +11%
- Salary: $61,270
Health Information Management
Also known as health informatics, this growing field of the industry focuses on ensuring all patient records and data remain properly secured. They may also work to extrapolate data in ways that contribute to improved patient outcomes and teach healthcare staff ways of offering better care.
Online master's in health informatics exist in their own right, as do master's in healthcare administration with health informatics concentrations. Regardless of the path, most learners take 18-36 months to graduate, depending on whether they enroll in an accelerated, full-time, or part-time option.
- Employment Outlook: +18%
- Salary: $100,980
Clinical Trials Manager
These professionals typically work in research labs and facilities to oversee clinical staff running trials. They frequently serve as project managers by overseeing trial budgets, managing timelines, and ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are followed.
Many clinical trial managers decide to pursue a master's in healthcare administration as this gives them both knowledge of healthcare and medicine alongside the business skills needed to manage the more administrative side of things.
- Employment Outlook: +18%
- Salary: +18%
Master of Social Work
Many social workers possess only a bachelor's degree, but professionals who want to work in licensed clinical roles must possess a master's degree in social work (MSW). Many of these programs offer specializations in areas of child and family services, school social work, or healthcare social work.
To qualify for advanced social work roles, professionals must receive licensure in their state. Students should plan to spend approximately two years working towards their degree, though part-time and accelerated options can be found in traditional and online formats as well.
- Employment Outlook: +11%
- Salary: $50,470
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists work in the public health sphere, using their understanding of disease epidemiology, biology, and community health to research potential and current diseases and illnesses. They frequently work in research positions, directing studies and clinical trials, analyzing patient data, and educating policymakers.
Students who want to become epidemiologists typically pursue a master's in public health with a concentration in epidemiology. These roles typically do not require licensure at this time.
- Employment Outlook: +5%
- Salary: $70,990
Family and Marriage Therapist
Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to help them address relational conflicts, develop coping strategies, and find ways of coexisting harmoniously. Many of these professionals complete an online master's in marriage and family therapy. These programs usually take two years to complete after baccalaureate work.
All marriage and family therapists need a license. They must also complete supervised experience before qualifying for licensure. Some professionals work at counseling organizations or government agencies, while others own their own practice.
- Employment Outlook: +22%
- Salary: $49,610
Applying to Online Master's Programs in Medicine and Healthcare
To get an online healthcare master's degree, applicants must meet the necessary educational prerequisites. These programs will typically require an undergraduate degree within a relevant field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. Several programs that lead to a more technical career path will have different requirements; for example, someone applying to become a family nurse practitioner will need an active nurse license and aspiring public health workers will need a certain number of practice hours.
High school students or applicants who havent received their bachelor or associate degrees can see if their program offers an accelerated track to get a medical master's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest paying careers for graduates with a masters in medicine and healthcare?
According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners receive the highest paying wages for graduates with a master of medicine and healthcare. They had a projected median pay of $115,800 in 2019. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners provide specialty and primary care to patients.
Is an online degree as reputable as an in-person degree?
An online degree from an accredited institution should meet the same standards and have the same reputation to employers as an in-person degree. A healthcare masters program online will provide the same or similar coursework, educational rigor, and time commitment as traditional programs.
How long does it take to complete a masters degree?
A masters degree typically takes 1-3 years to complete after getting an undergraduate degree. It may take longer for students balancing work and school life. Many schools also provide an accelerated program that condenses the necessary curriculum needed to receive a degree.
What is accreditation and why is it important?
Accrediting bodies give accreditation if it meets the organization's educational and curriculum standards. The accreditation process evaluates higher education institutions and programs to ensure they offer students a valuable education that properly prepares them for their degree.