Obtaining a degree online has become increasingly common and accessible due to innovations in technology, which were accelerated due to the pandemic. Even unique programs like art therapy degrees now have fully online options.
In fact, in the Fall of 2019, only 14.8% of undergraduate students were exclusively enrolled in distance education. This then jumped to 44.2% the following year (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021a; 2021b).
Many postsecondary institutions offer online degrees in various fields at different levels, such as an undergraduate health educator degree or DHA online programs.
These programs provide numerous advantages and opportunities to students seeking to advance their education and careers. Moreover, as institutions reopen or implement hybrid options, online programs also continue to become available.
Health and Wellness Careers and Salaries
Health and wellness careers encompass a broad range of professions dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and communities.
These careers offer opportunities to make a positive impact on people’s lives while also providing financial stability. Below, we’ll explore various health and wellness careers and their corresponding salary ranges.
✔Registered Nurse (RN)
- Description: RNs provide patient care, administer medications, and offer support in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for RNs in the United States is approximately $75,330, but salaries can vary by location, experience, and specialization.
✔Physical Therapist (PT)
- Description: Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by providing rehabilitation and creating personalized treatment plans.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for PTs is around $91,010, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialization.
✔Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Description: Occupational therapists work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily tasks and activities despite physical, mental, or developmental challenges.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for OTs is approximately $84,950, with variation depending on location and experience.
✔Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Description: Dietitians and nutritionists advise individuals and groups on proper nutrition and healthy eating habits to promote overall well-being.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is around $63,090, with the potential for higher salaries in clinical or specialized settings.
✔Mental Health Counselor
- Description: Mental health counselors provide therapy and support to individuals and groups dealing with emotional, mental, or behavioral issues.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for mental health counselors is about $47,660, but earnings can vary based on location and level of experience.
✔Personal Trainer
- Description: Personal trainers design fitness programs, offer guidance on exercise routines, and motivate clients to reach their health and fitness goals.
- Salary Range: Personal trainers’ earnings can vary widely depending on their clientele, location, and expertise. The median annual salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000.
✔Massage Therapist
- Description: Massage therapists use touch to manipulate clients’ muscles and soft tissues, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and physical well-being.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for massage therapists is around $42,820, but income can vary based on location and client base.
✔Chiropractor
- Description: Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, often using manual adjustments and spinal manipulation.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for chiropractors is approximately $70,720, with variations depending on location and years of practice.
✔Health Educator
- Description: Health educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors, disease prevention, and wellness in communities and organizations.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for health educators is about $56,500, with potential for higher earnings in managerial or specialized roles.
✔Healthcare Administrator
- Description: Healthcare administrators manage healthcare facilities and organizations, overseeing operations, budgets, and compliance with regulations.
- Salary Range: The median annual salary for healthcare administrators is approximately $104,280, with variations based on the size and type of healthcare facility.
What are the requirements of an online bachelor’s degree in health education
In this section, we provide details on the common admission, general, and technological requirements to guide students in preparing for health education programs. Keep in mind as well that each institution varies its additional requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Transcript and diploma. Apart from a high school diploma, institutions usually require an official transcript showing the completed subjects. A General Education Development (GED) certificate may be an alternative to a diploma.
- GPA and standardized test scores. Most universities require applicants to have a grade point average (GPA) of around 2.00 or higher. ACT or SAT scores are sometimes not required, but students may still submit them.
- Transferrable credits. Students who took AP courses or an associate’s degree may submit their AP scores via the College Board or their coursework documentation to validate their eligibility to transfer credits.
- Personal essay. Some universities may ask for a personal essay or statement that explains why students choose health education as their major. It may also be about other topics, like describing a personal hero or taking a stand on an issue.
- Other requirements. Students applying to health education programs may also provide a good moral certificate, proof of work or internship experiences, letters of recommendation, and, for international students, language proficiency scores.
Health and Wellness Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
A Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness typically combines coursework in various aspects of health promotion, disease prevention, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. The specific curriculum and courses may vary depending on the university and program, but here’s a general overview of the types of courses you might encounter in a Health and Wellness Bachelor’s program:
1. Introduction to Health and Wellness:
- Provides an overview of the field, its history, and the importance of promoting health and well-being.
2. Anatomy and Physiology:
- Explores the structure and function of the human body, providing a foundation for understanding health-related concepts.
3. Nutrition and Dietetics:
- Examines the principles of nutrition, dietary guidelines, and the impact of diet on health.
4. Exercise Science:
- Covers the fundamentals of exercise physiology, fitness assessment, and the role of physical activity in health.
5. Health Behavior and Change:
- Explores theories of behavior change and strategies for promoting healthy behaviors in individuals and communities.
6. Health Education and Promotion:
- Focuses on the planning and implementation of health education programs and campaigns.
7. Public Health and Epidemiology:
- Introduces public health concepts, including epidemiology, disease prevention, and health disparities.
8. Wellness Coaching:
- Teaches coaching techniques to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals.
9. Stress Management and Mental Health:
- Examines stress-related health issues and strategies for managing stress and promoting mental well-being.
10. Holistic Health and Alternative Therapies:
- Explores complementary and alternative approaches to health and wellness, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and mindfulness.
11. Health Assessment and Screening:
- Covers techniques for assessing individuals’ health status, conducting health screenings, and identifying risk factors.
12. Cultural Competency in Healthcare:
- Addresses the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in providing health services to diverse populations.
13. Health Ethics and Legal Issues:
- Examines ethical dilemmas and legal considerations in healthcare and wellness practice.
Please note that the specific course titles and content may vary between institutions, and some programs may offer elective courses that allow students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Additionally, many Health and Wellness Bachelor’s programs emphasize experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, community projects, or wellness coaching practicums to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Top 7 Universities Offering Online Bachelor in Health and Wellness Degree Programs (USA)
Choosing the right university to pursue a medical degree is a critical decision that can shape your career and future. The United States is home to some of the world’s leading institutions renowned for their excellence in medical sciences education and research.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top universities in the United States for graduating in medical sciences, considering factors like academic reputation, research opportunities, faculty expertise, and student support.
▶Harvard University
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Harvard University consistently ranks among the top universities globally, and its medical school is no exception. The Harvard Medical School, founded in 1782, is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the world. It boasts a rich history of medical innovation and has produced numerous Nobel laureates and pioneers in the field of medicine.
At Harvard Medical School, students have access to cutting-edge research facilities, renowned faculty, and a diverse patient population in the Boston area. The institution’s affiliation with top hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides students with valuable clinical experience.
▶Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Renowned for its commitment to research and medical excellence, Johns Hopkins University offers one of the finest medical programs in the United States. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the country and is known for its groundbreaking research in various medical fields.
Students at Johns Hopkins benefit from a robust academic curriculum, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s close proximity to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other research institutions offers students unparalleled opportunities for research and clinical experiences.
▶Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Stanford University’s School of Medicine is known for its innovative approach to medical education and research. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration, Stanford prepares students to tackle the most pressing challenges in healthcare.
Stanford’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for students interested in medical technology and biotechnology. The School of Medicine also boasts a strong emphasis on global health and offers students the chance to engage in international medical projects and research.
▶University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking research. The school places a strong emphasis on integrating scientific knowledge with clinical practice, providing students with a well-rounded education.
Students at the University of Pennsylvania have access to a wide range of research centers and institutes, including the Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics and the Penn Institute for Immunology. The institution’s close ties to the renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia further enhance research and clinical opportunities.
▶Washington University in St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Washington University in St. Louis is recognized for its commitment to medical research and education. The Washington University School of Medicine offers a dynamic learning environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
The school’s strong emphasis on research is evident through its numerous research centers and institutes, such as the McDonnell Genome Institute and the Siteman Cancer Center. Students benefit from access to world-class faculty and extensive clinical opportunities at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
▶University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Location: San Francisco, California
UCSF is known for its excellence in healthcare education and research. The UCSF School of Medicine ranks consistently among the top medical schools in the United States and is renowned for its commitment to advancing medical science and patient care.
One of UCSF’s unique strengths is its focus on healthcare disparities and social determinants of health. The school’s location in San Francisco provides students with diverse patient populations and opportunities to engage in community-based healthcare initiatives.
▶Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
The Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is recognized for its patient-centered approach to medical education. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and clinical experience, Mayo Clinic prepares students to become compassionate and skilled physicians.
Mayo Clinic’s close affiliation with the Mayo Clinic Health System allows students to work in a variety of clinical settings, from rural communities to major medical centers. This diversity of experience is invaluable for future healthcare practitioners.