Postsecondary Pathway

Home » Students » Postsecondary Pathway

Did you know that not all healthcare careers require many years of schooling and a significant financial investment? While some specialized healthcare professions do require extensive education and training, there are also plenty of healthcare career paths that can be pursued at various education levels. For those who want to enter the workforce sooner, or for those who wish to work in the healthcare field while pursuing further education, there are several postsecondary pathways available.

Thoroughly researching each career path is vital to grasp the specific educational requirements, job responsibilities, and potential earnings in the healthcare field. To assist you in your exploration, we’ve compiled a sample of healthcare careers grouped by the years of study they typically require.

Onsite Training

(0 years)

Onsite training is highly beneficial for industries where practical skills and workplace familiarity are vital components for success. Onsite training fosters a seamless transition from education to the actual job environment.

Short-Term Training

(Less than 1 year)

Short-term training programs offer you the chance to acquire essential skills and training to kickstart a new career path in just 16 weeks or less. These programs provide valuable opportunities to secure entry-level jobs in rapidly growing industries, setting you on a fast track to success in your chosen field.

Certificate Program

(1-2 years)

A certificate program is a focused and specialized education aimed at developing or enhancing specific career skills. It serves as a form of continuing education, building upon your existing knowledge in a particular career or industry and prepare you to pursue related jobs and excel in your chosen field. On the other hand, some certificate programs require no prior education, offering a valuable opportunity to learn about a specific subject, career, or industry, preparing you to pursue related jobs and excel in your chosen field.

Associate's Degree

(2 years)

An associate degree is a two-year educational program usually available at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. Some four-year universities also provide this degree option.

Bachelor's Degree

(4-5 years)

Bachelor’s degrees require four- or five-year programs, offering in-depth exploration of a specific field of study. They provide comprehensive education, skill development, and various career opportunities or further studies. Practical experiences like internships and research projects enhance real-world insights.