Health Care Education

Health Care programs cover a wide spectrum of training that prepares students to work in the sizeable field of health care. Many of the programs are specialized and lead to a certificate or an associate, bachelors, professional, or graduate degree. For occupations such as dental hygienist or radiologic technologist, a two-year degree is the standard minimum training qualification. On the other end of the scale, occupations such as physician, surgeon, optometrist, and podiatrist require many years of training and education. Some jobs in nursing or residential care facilities do not require more than a high school diploma.

Among the many specializations within the health care industry are chiropractic, clinical services, community health, dental laboratory, dentistry, health aide, medical assistant, medical office, mental health, ophthalmology, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, public health, rehabilitation, and veterinary. Many employers provide on-the-job training in addition to formal education. Some hospitals provide employees with training and tuition assistance.