The field of healthcare is full of exciting careers for people who enjoy science and medicine. Health care facilities need medical assistants, medical coders, department managers, and hospital presidents. Due to the vast range of employment opportunities available, a person does not need to have a doctoral degree in medicine in order to secure a job as a healthcare professional. People who wish to enter the healthcare arena can choose from a variety of online degree programs that will prepare them for lifelong careers in health and wellness.

Healthcare degrees fall into four main categories based upon the amount of schooling or educational credits required for completion. The four primary types of degrees include the following: associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral degrees.

Of the four types of degrees, associate's degrees require the least amount of education. Typical associate's degree program require the completion of 60 credit hours. Associate's degrees provide people with the basic tools required to secure an entry level position in healthcare. Individuals with associate's degrees may serve as medical or dental assistants, licensed practical nurses, medical coders, or medical office managers.

A bachelor's degree requires about twice the number of credit hours mandated by associate's degree programs. Most bachelor's degrees typically take about four years to complete. Because most bachelor's degree programs involve the completion of 120 credit hours, they typically cost more than associate's degree programs. Bachelor's degree programs provide a solid foundation for a career in healthcare administration, nursing, health information systems, and long term care.

The third type of degree program available for consideration is a master's degree program. Most people who pursue a master's degree have already completed their bachelor's degree. Individuals who embark upon a master's degree program are often seeking the more advanced level of training required for management and executive level positions in the healthcare field. The number of educational credits required will vary depending upon the program, but the range is often between 30 and 80 credit hours. Popular degree choices for people seeking an online master's program include a Master's in Healthcare Management and a Master's in Health Administration.

For those individuals who would like to complete the most advanced online degree possible, there is a number of doctoral degree programs from which to choose. Most of these programs require students to first complete a bachelor's degree or master's degree before they can be considered for admission. Students in these programs can earn a Ph.D. in Public Health or Health Management and Policy. Other options include doctoral degree programs in Health Science or Health Education. Doctoral degree programs often involve the completion of a specified number of credit hours plus distance-learning coursework and a residency program.