Setting the Stage for a Healthcare Career

Healthcare is a growing and expanding field that features many career opportunities. With some of the top jobs in the country according to U.S. News & World Report, many positions in healthcare ensure job security and a higher median income compared to roles in other industries. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that roughly 1.8 million healthcare job openings will be available each year for the next decade. Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing jobs in any field, with the number of jobs expected to increase 45 percent from 2022 to 2032. 

What’s causing this rapid growth in the field? According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, healthcare workers are retiring faster than they can be replaced, and the gap between unfilled jobs has widened.

Other factors are contributing to the high demand for healthcare workers. Burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused staffing shortages. Not only has the average life expectancy in the US decreased since the pandemic, but the growing baby boomer population has led to a rising need for senior care. There is also a need to treat and provide specialized care for patients, as more than half of adults have a chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The healthcare field offers many ways to make a lasting difference in patients’ lives. With the expansion of online medical records and advances in technology, new jobs have been created for professionals in healthcare IT, health informatics, and health information management. Those who are passionate about helping others can also pursue a career in education to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals:

“Even if you’re not doing the direct care, there’s so many ways that we can gain fulfillment in our career versus just going in and punching a clock 9 to 5. There are many jobs that don’t use medical skills,” says Jill Saxton, a nurse practitioner who teaches in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program offered through UW Flexible Option. 

No matter your interests, there are opportunities for everyone to make a positive impact. Whether you want to work directly with patients or would prefer a non-clinical role, healthcare offers the flexibility to transition into other positions within the field as you progress in your career. 

Throughout the month of October, Wisconsin Online Collaboratives will be highlighting the healthcare field and the ways you can help make a difference. Wisconsin Online Collaboratives works with campuses across the UW System to provide multiple healthcare programs to students. With 100 percent online offerings that allow you to fit courses into your busy schedule, our collaborative and competency-based programs provide the skills and practical experience required to excel in the field.

Get Program Guide

Get Guide

Learn more about our 100% online degree and certificate programs.

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Program of Interest(Required)

* Please select the program you are most interested in...Agile Project Management - CertificateApplied Bioinformatics - Graduate CertificateApplied Biotechnology - Master's DegreeApplied Computing - Bachelor's CompletionAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Semester-basedAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Competency-basedBiodiversity and Conservation Science - Graduate CertificateBiodiversity Conservation and Management - Master's DegreeBSN@Home - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Administration - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Analytics - Undergraduate CertificateClimate Leadership - Graduate CertificateConservation Data Management and Analysis - Graduate CertificateConservation Leadership, Policy, and Management - Graduate CertificateCybersecurity - Master's DegreeData Science - Master's DegreeData Science - Graduate CertificateDiagnostic Imaging - Bachelor's CompletionDigital Marketing Analytics - Graduate CertificateDigital Marketing Management - Graduate CertificateEmerging Technologies in Fintech - Graduate CertificateEnterprise Infrastructure - Graduate CertificateEnvironmental Sustainability - Undergraduate CertificateEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - Graduate CertificateFoundations of Biodiversity Conservation and Management - Graduate CertificateFoundations of Health and Wellness - Graduate CertificateHealth and Wellness Management - Master's DegreeHealth Care Informatics - Undergraduate CertificateHealth Information Management & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionHealth Information Management and Technology - Post-Baccalaureate CertificateHealth Sciences - Bachelor's CompletionHealthcare Administration - Master's DegreeImproving Health with Data and Policy - Graduate CertificateInformation Science & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionInformation Technology Management - Master's DegreeInterprofessional Leadership in Healthcare - MicrocredentialIT Leadership - Graduate CertificateIT Operations - Graduate CertificateLeadership in Health and Wellness - Graduate CertificateLeading Fintech Transformation - Graduate CertificateNursing (RN to BSN) - Bachelor's CompletionSubstance Use Disorders Counselor - CertificateSustainability and Well-being - Graduate CertificateSustainable Enterprise - Undergraduate CertificateSustainable Management - Master's DegreeSustainable Management - Bachelor's Completion

Current Education Level(Required)

* Select a Current Education LevelSome High School or lessHigh School Diploma/GEDSome CollegeAssociate Degree - Arts and SciencesAssociate Degree - TechnicalBachelor's DegreeGraduate Degree

Previous Education(Required)

* Select your previous educationI have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)I am currently enrolled in an ADN programI do not have an ADN

Are you interested in pursuing the degree or taking one or two courses?(Required)

Degree

Courses

Can we text you?(Required)

Yes

No

By selecting yes, I agree to receive updates about online degrees, events, and application deadlines from the Universities of Wisconsin.

Msg frequency varies depending on the activity of your record. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. You can opt out by responding STOP at any time. View our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for more details.

Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Wisconsin Online Collaboratives will not share your personal information. Privacy Policy

Δ

Master of Science Degrees:

• Healthcare Administration (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Health & Wellness Management (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Applied Biotechnology (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Data Science (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Cybersecurity (Semester-based, Collaborative)

Bachelor of Science Degrees:

• RN to BSN (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Health Information Management & Technology (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Health Sciences (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Diagnostic Imaging (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)

Certificate Programs:

• Health Care Informatics—Certificate (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Senior Living and Services Leadership—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Applied Bioinformatics—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Sustainability & Well-being—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Data Science—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Substance Use Disorders—Non-credit Certificate (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)

To find out more about our healthcare programs, contact an enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762 or emailing learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.