It’s often said that a person’s health is their most valuable possession. If you’re passionate about promoting health and wellness to improve quality of life, you might consider pursuing a role in the healthcare field. There are more than 250 distinct professions within healthcare, which encompasses everything from invasive to noninvasive care, palliative to curative care and synthetic therapies to natural remedies.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

At Grand Canyon University, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers numerous degree programs to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our Christ-centered values can help empower future healthcare professionals to promote better wellness and quality of life for all. 

Before choosing a degree program, take a closer look at the field of healthcare and explore the answers to common questions, such as Is the healthcare and medical field the same thing? and What sort of careers are available in healthcare?

The healthcare field is the professional field that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions, as well as the promotion of health and hygiene. There are many different professional roles within this field — from nurses who provide direct patient care to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who help patients overcome difficulties associated with speech, language, swallowing and feeding disorders. The healthcare field also encompasses the administrative and managerial work that supports patient care and health promotion.

Is the Healthcare and Medical Field the Same Thing?

Healthcare and medical fields are commonly used interchangeably, but they aren’t quite the same. Medical careers, which include physicians and surgeons, typically involve licensed providers who diagnose and treat medical conditions.^{(See disclaimer 2)} For example, a surgeon might remove a burst appendix to save a patient’s life. 

Healthcare is an umbrella field that encompasses the medical science field. Healthcare itself is much broader, referring to an entire system focused on preventing health conditions and promoting wellness.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}This includes public health, health education and nursing. The field of healthcare also includes the allied health professions, such as nutritionists and occupational therapists.

Before making the decision to earn a healthcare degree, you should take a look at some of the careers in the healthcare field and determine which might appeal to you. Some examples of careers you might want to consider include:

• Medical records specialist: Medical records specialists review, compile and maintain patient records. They use classification systems to document diagnoses, procedures and medical services. They maintain records for the purpose of insurance reimbursement.
• Medical and health services manager: Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare administrators, are responsible for planning, coordinating and directing healthcare services. They may manage a department or an entire facility.
• Health information technologist: A health information technologist specializes in computerized healthcare systems. They provide support for the implementation of health information systems, compile data, generate reports and ensure the privacy and security of patients’ private health information.
• Nutritionist: Dietitians and nutritionists promote health through good food choices. They assess clients’ nutritional needs, including chronic diseases and recent ailments, develop meal and nutrition plans, evaluate clients’ progress and deliver health education.
• Occupational therapy assistants: Occupational therapy assistants support occupational therapists as they deliver treatments to clients. Assistants may guide clients in therapeutic activities, help clients overcome everyday challenges and teach clients how to use adaptive equipment.

There is no universal experience when working in healthcare, given that there are so many different professions and work environments. All healthcare professionals, however, generally strive to improve quality of life for other people by promoting health and wellness.

Social Impact

Healthcare professionals serve their communities. Some individuals might decide to pursue jobs in the healthcare field because they want to make a difference and find personal fulfillment in doing work that helps other people. As a healthcare professional, you may have opportunities to interact with people of all different backgrounds. You may benefit from exposure to a range of perspectives, just as your clients can benefit from your healthcare expertise.

Many healthcare professionals contribute to saving lives. As a healthcare professional, you can feel confident knowing that your work is making a difference.

Job Growth

Job growth in the healthcare sector is expected to be robust for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare field as a whole expects to see about 1.9 million job openings each year, much faster than the average for all professions.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Work Environments

Before entering the healthcare field, you may want to consider the possible work environment you may find yourself in. Healthcare professionals can work in a wide range of settings, including:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

• Hospitals
• Doctor’s offices
• Home health agencies
• Outpatient care centers
• Government agencies
• Schools
• Specialty practices
• Long-term care

It isn’t always easy to find your niche within the field of healthcare, particularly since there are so many different options. You might start by reviewing some of your options for jobs in the healthcare field. Write a list of the ones that catch your eye and then try to determine what those possibilities have in common. For example, do all involve working directly with patients?

When choosing a degree path for a healthcare profession, consider the following factors about the intended career outcome:

• Typical work settings
• Work-life balance
• Salary expectations and job growth
• Role (e.g., direct patient care)
• Responsibilities
• Level of education and training required
• Licensure or certification requirements

With these factors in mind, consider degree programs in the following areas:

Nursing Degrees

A nursing degree might be a good option for you if you’re interested in working directly with patients. Through didactic coursework and hands-on, immersive learning experiences, you’ll explore topics in behavioral health, adult health, obstetric and pediatric care, nutrition and pharmacology.

Health Administration Degrees

If you’re interested in the business side of healthcare, you might consider studying healthcare administration. In the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree program at GCU, you’ll study topics in healthcare systems operation, risk management, legal and ethical principles, health information technology and healthcare accounting and billing. 

Allied Health Degrees

Allied health professions support patient care. Some examples include respiratory therapy, occupational therapy and cardiovascular sonography. There are several allied health degrees to consider at GCU, including the Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree and the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. You’ll study the fundamentals of promoting human health through the lens of your chosen specialty area.

Behavioral Health Science Degrees

GCU offers numerous behavioral health science options for students who are interested in studying the social, behavioral and environmental factors that affect well-being. In a behavioral health science program, you’ll explore how a person’s daily habits and choices can influence their mental and physical health. At GCU, you can choose from multiple emphasis options, such as the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Trauma degree.

Explore the diverse range of healthcare degree options at Grand Canyon University, from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) degree to the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management degree. We also offer degrees for students interested in nutritional science, public health and healthcare administration, just to name a few. 

When you enroll in a degree program at GCU, you’re joining a Christian learning community focused on graduating values-minded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.