by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 3,729 U.S. colleges awarded 1,037,460 degrees and certificates in Health Professions. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 26% of graduates. College Factual ranks 3,336 schools in its 2027 Best Health Professions Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $57,224 one year after completing, rising to $68,762 after four years.
The Health Professions field is a large field with many different occupations available to students. If you are interested in pursing a career where you can work with other patients, assist medical professionals, or provide unique medical services, consider majoring in one of this field's areas of specialization.
Students in the Health Professions field will take a variety of classes that focus on their area of study. In addition, almost any major in this field can expect to take classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, medical terminology, health care systems, public health, and medical law and ethics.
Within the Health Professions field are many unique specialties. One of the most popular fields is that of Nursing, a program where students are prepared to assist doctors in the diagnosis, treatment and healing of patients.
Students interested in assisting a dentist in dental work or oral surgery may major in Dental Support Services, while those more interested in the health of animals and pets can major in Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Services.
A major in the Allied Health Professions prepares students for a variety of careers in everything from cardiovascular technology, to physician assistant or athletic trainer.
Students who want a good preparation for further education can major in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences in order to become a pharmacist. Or, if your dream is to become a medical doctor, you can major in Health/Medical Prep which prepares students for medical school.
For students interested in alternative health, there are plenty of programs available in this field. Some of these include Alternative Medicine and Systems, Somatic Bodywork and Therapeutic Services and others. Explore all the majors available to find the one that is of most interest to you.
A degree in Health Professions involves the study of Health Professions And Related Programs. Instructional Programs That Prepare Individuals To Practice As Licensed Professionals And Assistants In The Health Care Professions And Related Clinical Sciences And Administrative And Support Services.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, health professions draws strong interest, with 1,037,460 degrees awarded annually. 3,729 colleges award health professions degrees, an average of 278 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 14,923.
By level, the 1,037,460 awards include 148,531 certificates, 196,696 associate degrees, 257,356 bachelor’s degrees, 268,330 master’s degrees and 91,464 doctorates.
Women earned 82% of health professions degrees and certificates in the latest year (849,122 of 1,037,460). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (474,348) and Hispanic or Latino (209,009), and international students earned 17,006.
College Factual ranks 3,336 schools in its 2027 Best Health Professions Schools ranking, including 1,448 for associate degrees, 1,353 for bachelor’s degrees, 1,009 for master’s degrees and 568 for doctorates. It also ranks health professions schools within 53 states. In all, 3,729 colleges offer health professions programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Health Professions Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common health professions credential is the master’s degree: 268,330 of the 1,037,460 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to health professions call most for Active Listening, Speaking and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of English Language, Medicine and Dentistry and Customer and Personal Service, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension and Written Comprehension.
Students who pursue a degree in Health Professions should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working closely with patients and must keep them relaxed and comfortable of your skills. Students who are successful in this field also have strong critical and analytical skills. As a medical professional, you must observe patients' symptoms and decide how to best treat them. Attention to detail will ensure you properly note all observations and help patients who are in pain or ill.
Depending on the career path you would like to pursue, you may have to receive an advanced education, certification, or licensing in your field. Students who intern, work summer jobs, or participate in summer field programs will be able to work closely with health professionals and learn what is required for a successful career in that field.
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How long a health professions degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 148,531 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 196,696 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 257,356 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 268,330 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 91,464 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to health professions, at 22.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 22.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 18.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 15.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 11.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 8.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 6.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 5.1% |
| Some college courses | 2.8% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
30 occupations are related to Health Professions, with an average median salary of $113,111; the strongest outlook belongs to Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, at 14.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Instructor, Lecturer, Assistant Professor and Associate Professor.
Health Professions graduates work in a variety of health related occupations. Many are employed at hospitals, while other work in clinics, medical centers, physicians' offices, nursing homes, schools, veterinary clinics, and in the armed forces. A degree in this field prepares students to aid the public and provide medical services to those who need it.
The occupation related to health professions with the most projected jobs is Registered Nurses, at 3,793,806.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 3,793,806 | 10.2% |
| Midwives | 3,466,294 | 7.7% |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 3,384,397 | 13.3% |
| Patient Representatives | 3,368,169 | 4.8% |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 3,206,816 | 12.2% |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | 3,155,854 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | 3,105,142 | 1.0% |
| Music Therapists | 3,083,788 | 4.9% |
Health Professions graduates earn a median $57,224 one year after completing their program, $68,762 after four years and $62,764 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $57,224 |
| 4 years | $68,762 |
| 5 years | $62,764 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to health professions is Dentists, General, with a median salary of $157,602.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentists, General | $157,602 |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | $155,908 |
| Cytotechnologists | $155,812 |
| Cytogenetic Technologists | $155,361 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $153,940 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | $153,819 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $147,651 |
| Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses | $143,854 |
Health Professions includes 31 concentrations that together award 1,037,460 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (318,053), Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (110,132) and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (98,474). Browse the full list of college majors.
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