How long it takes to get 6 different health care degrees—and how much they pay
Demand for health care services is on the rise.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic more than five years ago, most Americans tend to hold negative sentiments about both their mental and physical health. Per a March 2025 survey from Gallup, around 25% of adults say their mental health is less than excellent or good, while around 70% say the same of their physical health. This marks a significant decline from 2019, prior to the pandemic.
People are also getting older and living longer. As baby boomers age, they need more medical care to accommodate health problems such as chronic conditions. At the same time, many of the doctors who can treat these patients are reaching retirement age. The Census Bureau reported in June 2025 that people aged 65 and older made up about 18% of the U.S. population in 2024. By 2036, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the country will be short 86,000 physicians.
With these numbers in mind, Vivian Health gathered information about health programs across the nation, looking to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to outline the timelines, prerequisites, and potential jobs and earnings for six different educational programs in health care.
The health care field encompasses a wide array of professions, such as pharmacy, optometry, medical transcription, EMT, and paramedics. Other careers in health care include dietitians and nutritionists, dentists, and podiatrists, along with many others. Some careers in the health care field require only minimal schooling, such as a diploma or certification.
If you're interested in a career in the health care industry, continue reading to learn more about possible jobs in this field.
