Online Health Care and Health Sciences Degree and Certificate Programs

Looking for a health sciences program that aligns with your career goals? Prepare to become a contributing member in rapidly evolving health professions and the communities they serve. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the health care industry, looking to advance within your role, or specialize in a particular area of study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Health Sciences.

Our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs combine real-world knowledge with hands-on clinical training, and are continually evaluated by experts in their fields. And because your classes are 100% online, it’s easy to create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

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Online Health and Wellness Programs

With a growing emphasis on preventive care, there’s never been a better time to enter the health and wellness field. Study the various approaches to health and wellness, including the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Support, encourage, and educate people to live healthier lives and prevent illness or injury. Gain the skills to work in health care settings such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, fitness centers, and more.

COURSE EFFORT
15–18 hrs/week
CREDITS REQUIRED
180
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
4 years

    Online Health Care Administration Programs

    Health care administrators sit behind the scenes, managing the operations of health care facilities while regularly interacting with doctors, nurses, surgeons, and technicians. Graduates in this field have a direct impact on the lives of patients.

    This program prepares you to manage, operate, and oversee health care facilities as it relates to budgeting, employment strategy, and more. Customize your degree by focusing electives on a particular area of study.

    COURSE EFFORT
    15–18 hrs/week
    CREDITS REQUIRED
    180
    AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
    4 years

      Earn the same Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree, but faster and for less tuition. If you have previous college credit or experience in the field, our self-paced ExcelTrack® option could be a great learning experience.

      COURSE EFFORT
      You Control Your Pace
      CREDITS REQUIRED
      180
      COURSE LENGTH
      10-Week Terms

        This program prepares you for leadership roles managing and overseeing health care facilities, building the advanced skills required for a master's degree. By program's end, you will be ready to enter fields in the public and private sector.

        COURSE EFFORT
        15 hrs/week
        CREDITS REQUIRED
        52
        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
        1.5 years

          Learn the skills needed to submit medical claims, code medical diagnoses, operate computerized billing systems, maintain medical records, and more. You'll complete a 40-hr practicum and sit for a certification exam.

          COURSE EFFORT
          15–18 hrs/week
          CREDITS REQUIRED
          44
          AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
          11 months

            Online Health Education and Promotion Programs

            Health educators work to promote health and prevent disease through development of individual and community strategies and scholarly research. Graduates of these programs work in fields such as schools, corporations, health care, and more.

            Learn to plan, implement, and evaluate health programs at the community level. By program's end, you'll be prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist® exam. This program includes an accelerated master's degree path.

            COURSE EFFORT
            15–18 hrs/week
            CREDITS REQUIRED
            180
            AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
            4 years

              Design, implement, and evaluate health programs. Earn the skills and training in the eight areas of responsibility for health education specialists, as published by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

              COURSE EFFORT
              15 hrs/week
              CREDITS REQUIRED
              48
              AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
              1.5 years

                Online Health Information Management (HIM) Programs

                Today’s health care system is reliant on data. Health information management works to protect digital and traditional medical information. Graduates of these programs work in roles such as clinical data manager, compliance officer, and more.

                Learn to plan information systems, develop health policy, and identify health information needs. By program's end, you'll gain the skills needed to integrate technology into patient care and meet the growing demand for HIM professionals.

                COURSE EFFORT
                15–18 hrs/week
                CREDITS REQUIRED
                180
                AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                4 years

                  Gain the skills needed to manage clinical information, resources, and workflows. By program's end, you'll be competitive for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, HMO offices, insurance providers, and long-term care organizations.

                  COURSE EFFORT
                  15 hrs/week
                  CREDITS REQUIRED
                  48
                  AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                  1.5 years

                    Online Health Informatics Programs

                    Health informatics works to connect health care data to those who use it to advance medicine. Graduates work in a variety of roles reporting data to government agencies, conducting population-based research, and predicting health trends and outcomes.

                    Explore the processes and tools used to record, store and analyze health care information. Coursework covers leadership, epidemiology, health care data analysis and health information systems.

                    COURSE EFFORT
                    15 hrs/week
                    CREDITS REQUIRED
                    48
                    AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                    1.5 years

                      Online Health Sciences Programs

                      Health science is a broad area of study with a variety of career outcomes. Programs build on overall concepts, applications, and research methods with an emphasis on preparing you for the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of health care in America.

                      Pursue advanced roles in the military or prepare for entry-level careers upon return to civilian life. By maximizing your allied health occupation and prior medical training, you can shorten the time needed to complete your degree.

                      COURSE EFFORT
                      15–18 hrs/week
                      CREDITS REQUIRED
                      90
                      AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                      2 years
                      • Preprofessional

                      Lay the groundwork for future bachelor's-level programs and roles such as physician assistant, physical therapist, medical doctor, and more with health science courses that build upon your training.

                      COURSE EFFORT
                      15–18 hrs/week
                      CREDITS REQUIRED
                      90
                      AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                      2 years
                      • Preprofessional

                      Improve patients' health and quality of life. This program blends online instruction with an optional on-the-job internship under the mentorship of a faculty Advisor. Graduates work in a variety of roles and settings within the health care field.

                      COURSE EFFORT
                      15–18 hrs/week
                      CREDITS REQUIRED
                      180
                      AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                      4 years
                      • Military Physician Assistant Preparation (MPAP)

                      Prepare to drive change and address challenges in fields related to health, health care, and public health. The program focuses on professional practice and allows you to personalize your degree with health science micro-credentials.

                      COURSE EFFORT
                      15–18 hrs/week
                      CREDITS REQUIRED
                      88
                      AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                      2.5 years

                        Online Medical Assisting Programs

                        As a large part of the population enters older age, the need for medical assistants will continue to rise. Purdue Global’s programs prepare you to work in a variety of health care settings, including offices, clinics, hospitals, and more.

                        Medical assistants work directly with patients and assist in their care. Curriculum combines online courses with hands-on, industry-related medical equipment training. By program's end, you will be prepared to sit for various certification exams.

                        COURSE EFFORT
                        15–18 hrs/week
                        CREDITS REQUIRED
                        58
                        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                        1.5 years

                          Online Nutrition Programs

                          Nutritionists educate and provide counseling to individuals and communities related to food and health. Graduates work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, local health departments, school districts, research settings, sports organizations, and more.

                          Explore the principles and pharmacology of nutrition and how dietary choices affect lifestyle. Prepare for various certifications and credentials. This program also includes an accelerated master's degree path.

                          COURSE EFFORT
                          15–18 hrs/week
                          CREDITS REQUIRED
                          180
                          AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                          4 years
                          • Holistic Nutrition

                          Online Public Health Programs

                          In the wake of unprecedented health care events, public health professionals are needed now more than ever to monitor the health of populations. Prepare for roles creating legislation, managing health care facilities, serving as a consultant, and more.

                          Acquire the practical skills training and fieldwork experience to enter leadership roles within the public health field. Customize your degree by focusing electives on a particular area of study.

                          COURSE EFFORT
                          15 hrs/week
                          CREDITS REQUIRED
                          56
                          AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
                          1.5 years

                            Industry Partnerships, Accreditations, and Designations

                            AHIM Accredited

                            AHIMA PCAP Approved Program logo

                            The Purdue Global Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP).

                            CAAHEP Accredited

                            CAAHEP Logo

                            Purdue Global’s Medical Assistant Certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.CAAHEP.org).

                            CAHIIM Accredited

                            CAHIMM Accredited Program

                            The Health Information Management accreditor of Purdue Global is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

                            HIMSS Approved Education Partner

                            HIMSS Approved Education Partner Logo

                            Purdue Global, which offers the Master of Health Informatics and Master of Health Information Management programs, is recognized by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) as an Approved Education Partner (AEP).

                            What Are the Admissions Requirements?

                            To get started as a Purdue Global student, you must meet certain academic requirements and complete an enrollment application. Here’s what you’ll need to begin:

                            For Undergraduate Programs

                            • GED or high school diploma for associate's and bachelor's degrees

                            For Graduate Programs

                            • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for master's degrees and certificate programs

                            Want to Know If Online Learning Is Right for You Before You Enroll?

                            Watch a virtual campus tour to learn more about the online experience.

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                            Understanding Your Investment

                            Use our online calculator to estimate when you’ll finish your program—and see how your prior credits and experience can save you time and money.

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                            Ready to Enroll?

                            Purdue Global makes the process easy. You can apply online today or contact us to walk you through the process.

                            Upcoming Start Dates

                            We offer rolling start dates throughout the year. Choose the one that works best for your schedule.

                            Which Program Is Right for You?

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                            Discover your interests and set your goals for success. Take our Career Assessment and chart your ideal path.

                            Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

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                            Experience an undergraduate program with no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

                            Health Sciences Industry Resources

                            Explore health sciences career outcomes and industry trends, and choose the program that best suits your needs.

                            Job oppportunities in medical billing and coding continue to grow. Learn more about this career path.

                            This niche market is gaining interest in personal health. If you’re considering the profession, there are some crucial things you’ll want to think about first.

                            Health care roles are in high demand—discover the areas with the highest growth, and the various paths to meet the demand.

                            Prepare for Certification

                            Sit for key certifications and credentials in various fields and experience hands-on learning in dynamic, real-world environments.

                            Online Health Sciences Programs

                            Why choose Purdue Global for your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master's degree in health sciences?

                            Expert Faculty Offer In-Depth Industry Experience

                            Featured Faculty—Ann Dickerson, MPH

                            Our faculty are health sciences experts who present you with real-world scenarios to develop your skills.

                            Frequently Asked Questions

                            • Yes. You can definitely earn a health science degree online. 

                              Whether you choose to study at a university or at an online college of health science, it’s not only possible to earn your health sciences degree virtually—it’s smart. Learning online can help you save on tuition costs and give you greater control of your time.

                              Most of today’s online health sciences degree programs are widely accepted, well-respected sources for beginning a career in health care, advancing your current credentials, or keeping your skills up-to-date. Whatever level of the profession you’re in, there’s an online path for you.

                              While online health sciences programs deliver coursework fully online, many health science careers require a live clinical or practicum experience where you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom. Purdue Global degrees allow you to complete these practice experiences where you work, under the mentorship of a Faculty Advisor, or at a participating health facility in your community.

                              See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

                            • Health sciences is a broad field with many subject areas. When considering a program, it can help to review your goals with yourself and the potential outcomes of a particular degree. Are you looking to enter into the field of health care or earn a role within a corporate or community organization? Do you already have a career and are looking to make a shift? Are you aiming for a leadership role or special certification? Once you can define for yourself where your objectives lie, you’ll be better able to choose the field that’s right for you.

                              The different levels of health sciences degrees offered by Purdue Global include the following:

                              • Associate’s: An associate’s degree qualifies you for entry-level health science careers and typically takes two years to complete. We offer military-friendly associate’s degrees in health science.
                              • Bachelor’s: A bachelor's degree is designed to provide you with a more well-rounded foundation. It sets you up with hands-on skills for your relevant job market and starts you on a career path. We offer bachelor’s degrees in health and wellness, health care administration, health education and promotion, health information management, health science, and nutrition.
                              • Master’s: A master's degree can help you advance your career. We offer master’s degrees in health care administration, health education, health informatics, health information management, and public health.
                              • Certificates: Certificates are shorter-term credentials that will often transfer in for master's degree credits or prepare you for entry-level careers in health science. Certificate programs offered by Purdue Global include medical assistant, medical billing and coding, and medical office administration.

                              Different fields in health science require varying levels of patient interaction. Depending on whether you want to be patient-facing or behind the scenes, you can choose from the following paths:

                              • Patient-facing fields in health science: medical assistant, medical billing and coding, medical office administration, health information management, nutrition, and health and wellness.
                              • Behind-the-scenes fields in health science: health care administration, health informatics, health education and promotion, health science, and public health.

                              See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

                            • You might have some questions about going to class online. Our programs were built to be tailored to you, with direct support available whenever you need it. Whether by connecting with expert faculty or engaging with other students, you’ll never be alone in your studies.

                              Purdue Global is dedicated to providing the best online platform for effective learning. There are two major components to online learning with us:

                              • Live Seminars: these are the interactive, real-time portion of your education, led by a faculty member.
                              • Online Classroom: this is where you complete your work and take quizzes and tests. You can also connect with peers and faculty in this space. You’ll find all the resources and tools you need, including your course syllabus, grading rubrics, checkpoint activities, the classroom discussion board, assignment drop box, and reading materials.

                              While online health sciences programs deliver coursework fully online, many health science careers that are patient-facing require a live clinical or practicum experience where you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom. Purdue Global allows you to complete these practice experiences where you work, under the mentorship of a Faculty Advisor, or at a participating health facility in your community.

                              Purdue Global also offers plenty of academic support for round-the-clock assistance:

                              • Tutors for writing, math, science, technology, and business
                              • The ability to submit a paper or ask a question about writing, math, science, and business
                              • Time management help
                              • Plagiarism information
                              • Webinars
                              • Numerous writing workshops on topics such as:
                              • Professional writing
                              • Grammar and mechanics
                              • Thesis development
                              • Citations

                              Our health sciences faculty not only hold advanced degrees but also have significant work experience in their fields. That means they’re knowledgeable about the current health care landscape—and they bring that knowledge into the classroom. You’ll learn from these experts no matter which class you’re taking, and can take advantage of their expertise during office hours.

                              Field Experience, Practicum, Externship, and/or Clinical Requirements: The field experience/practicum/externship/clinical provides the student with a supervised onsite learning experience in conjunction with an online course. The student is responsible for identifying an appropriate field experience/practicum/externship/clinical site, submitting all required documentation, and obtaining approval from the appropriate school staff.

                            • Yes, many online health sciences school programs are accredited, including those offered by Purdue Global. Still, you must do your due diligence and research the accreditation status of each institution you are considering. As an institution, Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

                              Purdue Global’s online Medical Assistant Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.CAAHEP.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Accredited online medical assistant programs must pass a rigorous qualification process. Our CAAHEP accredited program is assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that it meets the Standards and Guidelines of the profession.

                              Additionally, the Purdue Global Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP). This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer-review process using a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions to be acknowledged as offering an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program.

                              The Health Information Management accreditor of Purdue Global is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

                              Purdue Global and our Master of Health Informatics and Master of Health Information Management programs are also recognized by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) as an Approved Education Partner (AEP). As a HIMSS AEP, Purdue Global has met HIMSS’s rigorous standards for delivering world-class, effective health care and health IT education. HIMSS-approved educational programs provide advanced knowledge in health information and technology or health care and prepare candidates to sit for the CAHIMS or CPHIMS exam.

                            • Health sciences is a rapidly evolving field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for jobs in health care occupations from 2021 to 2031 is 13% (much faster than the average for all occupations). Demand for health care services is expected to increase due to an aging population, evolving public health situations, and greater demand for preventive health care services.

                              Careers in health science require strong communication, analytical problem-solving, and ethical skills. Graduates receive a well-rounded education that’s valuable in a variety of settings and jobs with health science degrees within hospitals, community organizations, schools, corporate settings, and more.

                              So, what can you do with a health science degree? Here are some health science career pathways you may qualify for, depending on your program:

                              Medical and Health Services Manager

                              Health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of health care providers. Their employment is expected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031.

                              Medical Assistant

                              Medical Assistants maintain medical records and perform clinical tasks, often interacting with patients, doctors, and technicians. Employment is expected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031.

                              Dietitian or Nutritionist

                              Dietitians and nutritionists plan and evaluate nutritional programs to help people live healthier lives. Their employment is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations from 2021 to 2031.

                              Home Health and Personal Care Aide

                              Personal Care Aides monitor the conditions of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Employment is expected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031.

                              See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

                            • The length of time it takes to complete your health sciences degree depends on the type of degree you’re studying for and your previous experience. Many students enroll at Purdue Global with a range of prior learning credits and experiences. Our student body includes everyone from professionals looking to advance their careers to career-changers who are new to the health sciences field. To make things easy, we provide a graduation date calculator to help you determine your expected graduation date based on your unique situation.

                              There are many health care careers you can launch in 2 years or less. Depending on the degree, average completion times vary from student to student. Undergraduate health sciences programs take an average of 4 years.

                              For weekly time commitments, we estimate Purdue Global students should plan for the following:

                              • For students enrolled in 10-week terms: ~15-18 hours per week, per course
                              • For students enrolled in 12-week terms: ~20-25 hours per week, per course

                              (These estimates include time spent in the online classroom in addition to offline study. Advanced courses may require additional time.)

                              We offer various ways to shorten your path to a health sciences degree. For example, our various Exceltrack™ programs allow you to control your pace and the number of courses you take at a time, allowing you to earn the same degree, but faster and for less tuition.

                              See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

                            NOTES AND CONDITIONS

                            100% Online: Some Purdue Global programs are not 100% online; some programs require you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world work environment. Contact an Admissions Advisor for additional information.

                            Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition is designed to prepare graduates academically to pursue a variety of nutrition-oriented careers and advanced education. However, the program was not designed to meet any state-specific requirements for licensure or certification, is not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and does not qualify an individual to sit for the examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). In addition, some states will not permit individuals to become licensed in nutrition and/or dietetics if they do not possess the RD credential. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

                            Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

                            Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

                            Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

                            ExcelTrack® Degree Pace: ExcelTrack® is designed to advance your progress based on existing knowledge; however, degree pace and time and cost savings will vary by individual. Students must enroll in a minimum number of credits per term to remain eligible for financial aid. Refer to the Financial Information section of the University Catalog for additional information.

                            Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

                            Job Growth Projections: Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare Occupations, Dieticians and Nutritionists, Home Health and Personal Care Aides, Medical and Health Services Managers, and Medical Assistants. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

                            Medical Assistant Certification: Certification and licensing boards in Washington and South Dakota have specific educational requirements for a program to lead to certification as a medical assistant, which is a precondition for employment in those states. This program meets the educational requirements to obtain certification in Washington and South Dakota. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

                            Residents of all states are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.