by our College Data Analytics TeamThe 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. Read on to learn the key facts every health professions student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering health professions programs.
Across the country, health professions draws strong interest, with 994,689 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Health Professions Schools ranking analyzes these 3,763 schools to determine the best overall colleges for health professions students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of health professions programs later in this article.
Coursework for Health Professions develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations health professions graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set emphasized by a health professions program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a health professions major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several health professions degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 144,546 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 186,752 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 253,795 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 256,537 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 89,612 |
People currently working in careers related to health professions tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in health professions careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in health professions prepares you for a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to health professions.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to health professions.
| 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% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of health professions graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $56,500 |
| 4 years | $53,248 |
| 5 years | $61,168 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for health professions graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers health professions grads often go into.
| 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 |
With 3,763 different health professions programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased health professions school rankings to help you.
Those considering health professions, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
