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The healthcare sector is a vast and rapidly expanding field, offering numerous career paths for professionals at all stages of their careers. For those drawn to making a tangible difference in people’s lives, healthcare careers often provide a deeply rewarding sense of purpose. It’s a field that demands significant dedication and training, indicating a genuine passion for service rather than solely financial gain. While entry-level positions exist, advancing in healthcare and accessing the most impactful roles typically requires a master’s degree, representing a substantial commitment to further education beyond a bachelor’s degree, and in some cases, even doctoral level studies.
However, this dedication unlocks a wide array of opportunities. Are you drawn to direct patient care in roles like occupational therapist, physician’s assistant, or physical therapist? Or perhaps you are more inclined towards leadership and organizational roles, such as medical practice manager or nursing home administrator? For those with a passion for broader impact, public health roles like epidemiologist or health policy analyst offer compelling avenues. These are all highly respected and impactful careers, and crucially, they generally require a health care graduate program.
Embarking on a health care graduate program is a significant decision. It requires a considerable investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Full-time programs mean foregoing income for a period, while part-time studies can extend the degree completion timeline to three to five years. This necessitates careful consideration and planning.
The initial hurdle is identifying the health care graduate program that aligns with your specific aspirations and professional goals. The sheer variety of programs available can make this choice overwhelming.
To simplify this process, we have compiled a list of seven of the best master’s degrees in healthcare, providing a concise overview of each to help you determine which program best supports your career ambitions. Our curated list includes:
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Master of Health Informatics
- Master/Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Public Health
The Value of a Master’s Degree for Health Care Professionals
While some healthcare positions are accessible with a bachelor’s degree, and some even with an associate’s degree or high school diploma, individuals without a master’s degree often face limitations. Firstly, the scope of available job roles is considerably narrower. Secondly, opportunities for career advancement are significantly restricted. This reality underscores the importance of Health Care Graduate Programs for career progression.
This isn’t reflective of the overall healthcare job market’s dynamism. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies healthcare as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US, with healthcare occupations making up five of the 20 fastest growing occupations between 2019 and 2029.
Many of these rapidly expanding roles, particularly those in leadership, demand a master’s degree. For example, becoming a nurse manager or director typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Similarly, advanced positions in healthcare administration, public health, occupational therapy, and direct patient services often necessitate a master’s degree followed by professional licensure. Most health care graduate programs integrate exam preparation into their curriculum to facilitate this transition.
Furthermore, a master’s degree significantly enhances earning potential. The highest-paying healthcare roles predominantly require either a master’s or a doctoral degree. While high-earning careers exist in other sectors without advanced degrees, healthcare compensation is strongly correlated with education level, reflecting the specialized training and expertise these roles demand.
So, which health care graduate program aligns best with your career goals? Let’s begin with the most popular choice: the Master of Science in Nursing.
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| University and Program Name | Learn More |
|---|---|
| Boston College: Online Master of Healthcare Administration | |
| Tulane University: Master of Health Administration |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurses are the cornerstone of the healthcare system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over three million nurses in the US, with projections indicating an addition of over 220,000 positions by 2029. This robust growth underscores the consistent demand for nursing professionals and the value of health care graduate programs in nursing.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing provides entry into the profession. However, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) significantly expands your skillset and career prospects. Lisa Kane, Associate Dean for Practice and Professional Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan, explains that an MSN empowers nurses to transition into “advanced practice roles or roles where you can look across various types of patients or systems of care and be able to contribute those ways as well.” This advanced training is a hallmark of top health care graduate programs.
An MSN degree can lead to roles such as:
According to the BLS, roles requiring an MSN—such as legal nurse consultant, nurse administrator, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)—command a median annual income of $115,800. This salary potential highlights the financial benefits of pursuing health care graduate programs in nursing.
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) or Master of Health Sciences (MHS)
Physician assistant is recognized as the ninth-fastest growing profession in the nation by the BLS. It also ranks among the highest-paying of the top twenty fastest-growing professions, making it a highly attractive career path for those considering health care graduate programs.
With a projected growth rate of 31 percent between 2019 and 2029, the physician assistant profession offers substantial opportunities. Becoming a physician assistant can be achieved through several master’s degrees: a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Health Sciences (MHS) in Physician Assistant Studies, or a Master of Clinical Health Services (MCHS). Accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is essential for program recognition. Furthermore, passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) is required for certification to practice.
Career options for graduates with an MS in PA studies are diverse and include:
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA): PAs are licensed professionals who practice medicine under physician supervision. Their responsibilities include patient examination, diagnosis of injuries and illnesses, treatment provision, and medication prescription. This is the core role for graduates of these health care graduate programs.
- Health Educator or Wellness Coach: These professionals promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through education in various settings, from individual consultations to community programs. They often specialize in areas like nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Health Information Technician: These technicians are vital for managing and organizing health data, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility of medical records, often utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding for billing and record-keeping purposes.
- Medical and Health Services Manager: Also known as healthcare administrators, these managers oversee healthcare facility operations, including hospitals and clinics, focusing on planning, directing, and coordinating health services. This role is a significant leadership position attainable through health care graduate programs.
- Medical Writer: Medical writers create scientific documents such as research papers and training materials for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare publications, translating complex medical information for diverse audiences.
PA graduate programs typically require two years of full-time study, potentially longer for those without a science background. The curriculum encompasses physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and medical ethics, with electives in specialized areas like family medicine and surgery. Programs balance academic learning with clinical experience. Online options are increasingly available from institutions like Yale University and the University of Pittsburgh, making these health care graduate programs more accessible.
According to PayScale, the average salary for professionals with an MS in PA Studies is approximately $101,588. With the growing demand for PAs holding master’s degrees, this career path offers both job security and strong earning potential, reinforcing the value of these health care graduate programs.
Master of Health Informatics (MHI)
Health informatics is a field at the intersection of healthcare, information technology, and data analytics, particularly Big Data. Health informaticists analyze healthcare data to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs, contributing to both patient well-being and healthcare efficiency. The HITECH Act of 2009, mandating electronic health records, significantly expanded opportunities in this field, highlighting the growing importance of health care graduate programs in health informatics.
Informatics requires expertise in data collection, analytics, statistics, and healthcare administration. A master’s degree is a highly effective way to gain and validate these specialized skills.
Students in health informatics master’s programs typically have backgrounds in computer science, healthcare administration, engineering, or data analytics. Coursework includes data analytics, digital health, financial management, legal aspects of record-keeping, healthcare business administration, and programming languages like Python. Many programs incorporate practical learning experiences such as capstone projects, theses, or practicums, integral components of robust health care graduate programs.
Many universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, offer flexible study options, including part-time, full-time, in-person, and online formats. This flexibility makes these health care graduate programs accessible to working professionals and those needing to balance education with other commitments.
Graduates with a master’s in health informatics often pursue careers focused on:
- Developing advanced medical record systems and healthcare protocols to improve data management and patient care.
- Assisting insurance companies in optimizing resource allocation and reducing expenditures through data-driven insights.
- Managing medical IT and billing departments, ensuring efficient and secure handling of healthcare information.
- Predicting patient risks, such as adverse drug reactions, using data analysis to enhance patient safety.
Similar to other healthcare fields, earning potential in health informatics significantly increases with a master’s degree. While entry into the field is possible with a bachelor’s degree, the average salary for those with only an undergraduate degree is around $61,022, compared to approximately $73,270 for those holding a master’s. Informatics consultants with a master’s degree can earn upwards of $200,000, according to ZipRecruiter, demonstrating the significant financial return on investment in health care graduate programs in informatics.
Master or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (MOT, OTD)
Occupational therapists (OTs or OTRs) assist patients in developing or regaining daily living skills after illness or injury. They work across diverse settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and schools, highlighting the broad applicability of skills gained through health care graduate programs in occupational therapy.
Currently, a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is the minimum requirement to practice as an OT. However, by 2027, the standard will shift to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), reflecting the increasing complexity and demands of the profession and the evolving landscape of health care graduate programs.
Many aspiring OTs have undergraduate degrees in biology, kinesiology, psychology, or sociology. Some universities, like The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Colorado Boulder, offer specialized pre-OT undergraduate programs, streamlining the path to health care graduate programs in this field.
An MOT program typically takes two years to complete, while an OTD program requires three. While it’s still possible to earn a master’s before the 2027 requirement change, it’s important to note that doctoral-level OTs will increasingly become the norm, potentially influencing career advancement and opportunities. Choosing between MOT and OTD health care graduate programs should be based on long-term career goals and professional aspirations.
Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physical therapists (PTs) play a critical role in patient recovery from illness or injury, focusing on restoring movement, strength, and pain reduction. PTs work in various environments, from hospitals and sports medicine clinics to private practices, illustrating the diverse career options available to graduates of physical therapy health care graduate programs.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) mandates that PTs must earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to practice. This doctoral requirement underscores the advanced level of education expected in this profession and the rigor of health care graduate programs in physical therapy.
DPT programs do not specify a required undergraduate major for admission, making them accessible to students from various academic backgrounds. These programs typically span three years, with approximately 20 percent of the curriculum dedicated to clinical practice, providing hands-on experience crucial for professional development. Some universities offer combined Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and DPT programs that can be completed in six years, offering an accelerated pathway. Institutions like Drexel University and Boston University are known for their excellent accelerated 3+3 DPT tracks, making these intensive health care graduate programs an efficient option for aspiring PTs.
Physical therapists can specialize in areas such as:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists is projected to grow by 18 percent between 2019 and 2029, which is four times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. The average salary for PTs is $87,930, with entry-level positions starting around $63,456. Highly experienced PTs can earn over $100,000, highlighting the strong career prospects and earning potential associated with health care graduate programs in physical therapy.
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
The American Hospital Association’s annual report indicates that US hospitals incur $1.16 trillion in annual expenses. Healthcare administrators are essential for managing these vast resources efficiently, while ensuring high-quality patient care and optimal health outcomes. They handle a wide range of responsibilities, from staff scheduling and budget management to regulatory compliance, making their role indispensable in the healthcare ecosystem and underscoring the importance of health care graduate programs in health administration.
A bachelor’s degree can provide an entry point into healthcare administration, but leadership positions typically require a Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA). Full-time MHA programs can be completed in approximately two years. Both on-campus and online options are widely available, offering flexibility for students with different needs and circumstances. Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is crucial for program quality assurance, ensuring that these health care graduate programs meet industry standards.
An MHA degree opens doors to diverse career paths within healthcare, including:
- Community Health: Community health professionals focus on enhancing the health and well-being of specific populations through health education programs and services, often working in public health and non-profit sectors.
- Consulting: Healthcare consultants provide expert advice to healthcare organizations on operational efficiency, financial management, and regulatory compliance, helping to improve overall performance.
- Health Insurance: Administrators in health insurance manage health plan design, policy development, claims processing, and customer service, playing a crucial role in the financial and operational aspects of healthcare coverage.
- Health Policy: Health policy professionals analyze existing policies and develop new ones to improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality, influencing healthcare systems at a systemic level.
- Hospital Administration: Hospital administrators manage the daily operations of hospitals and healthcare systems, overseeing strategic planning, budget management, and healthcare service quality.
- Long-term Care Administration: These administrators manage facilities providing long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living, focusing on operational management and quality of care for residents.
- Mental Healthcare Administration: Professionals in this area manage mental health services within healthcare facilities and community settings, overseeing program development and policy implementation to ensure effective mental health treatment delivery.
- Veterans Health Administration: This specialized area focuses on managing healthcare services specifically for military veterans within the Veterans Health Administration, addressing the unique healthcare needs of this population.
MHA coursework typically covers business management, accounting, human resources, healthcare facility management, information technology, ethics, and managerial skills, providing a comprehensive skill set for leadership roles. MHA graduates find opportunities in hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, and policy organizations across the healthcare spectrum. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32 percent growth in medical and health services manager jobs from 2019 to 2029, with a median income of $100,980, indicating strong career prospects and the value of health care graduate programs in administration.
Specialized roles attainable with an MHA include:
- Clinical director
- Clinical informatics manager
- Healthcare consultant
- Healthcare lobbyist
- Hospital administrator
- Hospital CEO
- Insurance director
- Nursing home administrator
Master of Public Health (MPH)
For those aiming to impact health outcomes on a population-wide scale, a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) is an ideal health care graduate program.
An MPH is a multidisciplinary degree providing training in five core public health areas:
- Behavioral Science: This field examines how human behavior influences health, focusing on designing interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases through understanding individual and community dynamics.
- Biostatistics: Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze public health data, design studies, and interpret results to understand health trends and the effectiveness of interventions, providing crucial data-driven insights.
- Environmental Health: Environmental health specialists assess and manage environmental risks to human health, addressing factors like pollution and chemical hazards to create healthier living conditions.
- Epidemiology: Epidemiologists study disease patterns and causes in populations, identifying risk factors and developing preventive measures, playing a key role in disease outbreak investigation and public health emergency response.
- Management: This area focuses on the leadership and administration of public health organizations, covering strategic planning, resource allocation, policy development, and program implementation to ensure efficient public health service delivery.
An MPH program typically requires two years of full-time study or three or more years part-time. Accelerated one-year programs, such as at George Washington University, are available for qualified students. Excellent online and hybrid programs are offered by institutions like Tulane University and Dartmouth College, making these health care graduate programs accessible to a wider audience. Accreditation from the Council for Education on Public Health (CEPH) is essential for program recognition and quality.
Some MPH programs require prior professional experience, and those without undergraduate coursework in biology, physiology, calculus, and statistics may need to complete prerequisites. Upon completing coursework and a capstone project, MPH graduates are prepared to take the Certified Public Health exam.
An MPH qualifies graduates for administrative and management roles in public health. Specializations and their MPH-level salaries include:
Choosing the Right Health Care Graduate Program
The array of health care graduate programs available offers both opportunity and challenge. Selecting the right path requires careful consideration of your personal and professional aspirations.
The most crucial step is to align your choice with your passions. What career vision excites you? Do you aspire to be a hospital CEO, an occupational therapist, or a nurse administrator? Identifying your passion within healthcare will guide you to the graduate degree that best facilitates your goals.
Consider also the level of commitment you’re prepared to make. All health care graduate programs involve financial and time investments. Finding a program that fits your life and resources is key to a successful educational journey.
Finally, evaluate the career and earning potential each health care graduate program offers. Do these align with your ambitions? Are there geographical preferences or specific career paths that certain degrees better support?
Choosing to pursue any of these seven master’s degrees is a significant undertaking. However, the enhanced career opportunities, increased earning potential, and the profound ability to positively impact lives make health care graduate programs a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, these programs empower you to become a vital part of the healthcare industry and make a meaningful difference.
(Updated April 25, 2024)
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About the Editor
Tom Meltzer spent over 20 years writing and teaching for The Princeton Review, where he was lead author of the company’s popular guide to colleges, before joining Noodle.
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