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Ten-Step Guide to a Career in Healthcare

Step 4: Find the Right School

There are a variety of questions you should ask when trying to determine which type of healthcare schools to attend. There are programs in the largest universities as well as the smallest community colleges. Your first step, however, should be to decide whether you want to go for an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges typically offer associate’s degrees and are a good value if you are trying not to spend too much money. The advantage of getting an associate’s degree is that it doesn’t take as long as a bachelor’s and it requires fewer prerequisites. However, there are many positions that require a bachelor’s degree for advancement, so it may be advisable to get the four-year degree when you can. On the other hand, if you get a two-year degree to begin with, you can always go back to school later if needed.

College/University

- Best for: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, PhD
- Pros: prestige, diversity in available classes, housing and healthcare often covered in tutition (if you are living in the dorms), large community - Cons: more expensive, harder to work full time and go to school full time, large community

Community College/Junior College

- Best for: Associate Degree, Certification Programs
- Pros: less expensive, evening and weekend classes mean more flexibility, small community
- Cons: less diverse class offerings, small community

Technical/Vocational College

- Best for: Associate Degree, Certification Programs
- Pros: less expensive, less time-consuming, night and weekend classes
- Cons: less diverse class offerings, small community

Online College

- Best for: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
- Pros: less expensive, flexible schedule, available anywhere you have an internet connection
- Cons: less personal experience, no real classroom, less diverse class offerings

Find the Right School

Use AllHealthcare’s School Finder to start looking for the right school for you!