Many US colleges and universities offer health and wellness degree programs online and through traditional classrooms, attracting those interested in healthcare and fitness-related careers. It's an ideal major for those aiming to improve others' wellbeing. Graduates often qualify for jobs in patient care, health administration, biomedical research, and more, though curricula vary by institution.
Salary potential can vary widely based on occupation and location; you can find exercise science jobs and options in health administration. States offering the highest pay for healthcare practitioners and technical workers include Washington, California, Arizona, New Jersey, and Maryland, while lower wages are common in Nevada, Texas, and Mississippi. For healthcare support professionals, top-paying states are Washington, California, New York, and Virginia, with lower wages in Idaho, Kansas, and Maine.
Compare Popular Online Health & Wellness Programs
Preparing for a Successful Health and Wellness Career
Health and wellness professionals often need higher education, such as an undergraduate or advanced degree, though there are entry-level roles for those with a high school diploma or GED, typically at lower pay. Colleges and universities offer health and wellness programs at all levels, and students should align their degree choice with career goals, as each profession has specific education requirements.
Associate degrees, typically offered by community colleges with lower tuition, take about two years to complete and cover topics like health, nutrition, and physical fitness, providing a solid foundation for further study. Many health and wellness professionals hold bachelor’s degrees. These programs cover healthcare topics such as nutrition, bioethics, and exercise physiology, along with administrative skills in healthcare payment systems and health information management.
Many professionals continue their education with a master’s degree in health and wellness, typically 30 to 60 credit hours completed in about two years. These programs deepen knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for roles that support health initiatives in the U.S. through evidence-based strategies.
A PhD or doctorate is the highest degree in the field, taking full-time students four to seven years to complete. These programs include 90 to 120 credit hours with classroom instruction, independent research, and writing. They offer specialized areas like behavioral health, education, psychology, and nutritional science, preparing graduates for careers in research or academia.
Is It Worth It?
Earning a degree in health and wellness is generally worthwhile for those seeking careers in healthcare, fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing. While entry-level jobs may be available without a degree, most healthcare employers expect candidates to have higher education. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many health and wellness careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, completing an academic degree program is often essential for employment in this field.
The value of a degree can vary based on factors like career path, location, and personal interests. Prospective students should research careers thoroughly before deciding if a health and wellness degree is the right choice.
Find Your Online Health & Wellness Program
How to Get a Job in Health and Wellness
The first step to getting a job in health and wellness is to determine your ultimate career goals. With so many employment opportunities available in the field, it’s important to identify which occupation or occupations you are most interested in pursuing.
Once you know your preferred profession(s), research the associated hiring standards, which can vary by occupation. Understanding employer expectations helps you determine the necessary steps to secure your desired job. This is important when choosing a degree level, as well as selecting your major, minor, electives, internships, extracurriculars, and professional certifications.
After earning the necessary degree(s) in health and wellness, pursuing professional credentials may be required or beneficial. For example, personal trainers often need certification from a reputable organization. Additionally, internships or practical experiences provide valuable hands-on training, which can be highly beneficial during the hiring process.
Find Online H&W Programs
Top Paying Health and Wellness Careers
There are many health and wellness careers that offer high salary potential. Pay can vary significantly across the field, however. Those with a master's degree are most likely to make the highest income working for health care facilities. Some of the best-paying professional opportunities available include the following.
- Community Health Program Director - $146,952
Community health program directors develop programs intended to promote healthy lifestyle choices and prevent the spread of disease within communities. They often recommend various health initiatives, as well as encourage best practices and relevant policy changes. These professionals may also spend time submitting grant applications for funding when necessary. - Clinical Trial Manager - $104,634
Clinical trial managers oversee clinical trials and are often responsible for implementing various related strategies throughout the process. In addition to interacting with staff and reviewing trial progress, they must ensure that all aspects of the study meet all associated compliance and safety standards. These professionals are also expected to carefully analyze the resulting data, as well as interpret the research information and create corresponding documentation. - Dermatology Physician Assistant - $100,122
Dermatology physician assistants help dermatologists treat a wide range of skin, nail, and cosmetic conditions. Depending on the position, they may also be expected to provide support during and/or perform surgeries. They must be licensed to perform their various duties and prescribe medication to patients. - Pharmaceutical Sales Representative - $92,171
Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell various medications to healthcare facilities. To attract new clients and maintain existing ones, they frequently meet with medical professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and office management personnel from hospitals, nursing homes, dental office locations, etc. These professionals are typically responsible for coordinating orders, providing customer service to existing account holders, and resolving customer complaints and concerns. - Healthcare Human Resources Manager - $84,521
Healthcare human resources managers oversee a wide variety of human resources function for healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private physician practices. They spend a lot of time assisting with recruitment, performing interviews, administering worker benefits programs, coordinating training initiatives, managing payroll, and handling employee conflicts. They are also responsible for ensuring that all employment-related activities comply with state and federal regulations. - Healthcare Quality Improvement Manager - $82,545
Healthcare quality improvement and health services managers make various policy and process improvements in order to improve patient care, safety, and outcomes. They often have many responsibilities including decreasing the spread of infections, enhancing procedural practices, running programs, and increasing overall facility efficiency and consistency. These health care professionals may also be expected to document activities and/or perform a variety of administrative duties. - Health / Medical Writer - $78,482
Health or medical writers typically generate the written content for healthcare manuals, training materials, and/or educational papers. While they can write on behalf of medical professionals or patients, these professionals most frequently work for health service providers, medical equipment companies, and other healthcare organizations. They spend a significant amount of time conducting relevant research, collaborating with experts in the field, interpreting data from research papers, and making revisions. - Nuclear Medicine Technologist - $75,081
Nuclear medicine technologists work directly with patients, performing and analyzing therapeutic and diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures. They often have many other responsibilities, as well, including writing departmental reports, entering patient information into databases, and transporting patients to and from imaging services. These professionals must also conduct quality control and quality assurance procedures as directed by local, state, and federal regulations. - Clinical Liaison - $73,195
Clinical liaisons work directly with patients, assisting them with a wide variety of tasks related to medical facility processes and/or procedures. They often function as advocates, ensuring patients receive high-quality service and medical care from the time of admission until their departure. These professionals are also instrumental in establishing clear lines of communications between patients and all necessary staff members. - Healthcare Manager - $72,702
Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating various medical and health services offered by medical facilities, clinical departments, and/or groups of physicians. They may spend time developing goals to improve efficiency, monitoring budgets, recruiting employees, training new staff members, creating work schedules, and maintaining service records. - MRI Technologist - $72,272
MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in order to create diagnostic images for medical professionals. In addition to adjusting and maintaining imaging equipment, they must follow the exact orders provided by physicians regarding which areas of the body to scan. These professionals may also prepare patients for procedures, position patients for imaging, help physicians evaluate imaging results, and maintain detailed records. - Registered Nurse - $69,825
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, as well as educating patients and the public about various health conditions. They also provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Additional duties often include assessing patients, recording patient symptoms, observing patients, administering medications, consulting with doctors, performing diagnostic tests, operating various medical equipment, and explaining care needs after discharge. - Orthotist and Prosthetist - $69,610
Orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical support devices such as artificial limbs, braces, and other medical and/or surgical devices. Prior to finalizing designs, they spend a significant amount of time evaluating and interviewing patients, taking measurements, and selecting the appropriate materials. These professionals also instruct patients in how to use and care for new devices, as well as make adjustments and repairs when needed. - Wellness Director, Residential Care / Assisted Living - $67,454
Wellness directors for residential care or assisted living facilities are responsible for overseeing the clinical and medical programs offered by their employers. In addition to ensuring processes are carried out correctly, they verify that the facility’s standards of care meet or exceed applicable guidelines, laws, and regulations. These professionals may also coordinate staff hiring, training, scheduling, and firing activities. - Wellness Program Manager - $64,117
Wellness program managers coordinate and plan the fitness activities offered by gyms and other health-enhancing facilities. They are often responsible for organizing classes, seminars, and/or special events. These professionals must also ensure all local, state, and national laws and regulations are met. - Spa Director - $64,011
Spa directors oversee daily operations for spa facilities. In addition to providing excellent customer service to guests, they must ensure all relevant standards are properly met. These professionals are also likely to spend time identifying and recommending new products and product enhancements in order to remain competitive within the market. - Dental Hygienist - $63,749
Dental hygienists provide a wide variety of dental services, from preventative care to treating oral disease. They spend most of their time examining patients and providing education about oral health. These professionals also remove tartar, apply fluorides, take x-rays, report findings to dentists, and document patient care. - Insurance Claims Specialist - $60,035
Insurance claims specialists facilitate the processing of insurance claims while ensuring all regulations are properly followed. They may work in a wide variety of industries including automobile, home, health, and business. These professionals are also responsible for negotiating settlements and verifying insurance coverage for clients. - Wellness Consultant - $59,965
Wellness consultants are employed by companies and organizations that offer services intended to improve the health of their clients. These professionals work directly with participants, directing them to the services that will suit their needs best. They often start this process by administering surveys or conducting short health interviews. Other responsibilities include greeting guests, selling products, and answering questions. - Wellness Program Administrator - $57,607
Wellness program administrators oversee programs and activities meant to improve overall employee health and wellbeing. They carefully assess worker needs and then recommend possible procedural changes to address them and may also be responsible for generating interest in the wellness programs and activities available, often by advertising offerings to employees.
Other Career Options
While the positions mentioned above are some of the highest paying options available to health and wellness professionals, individuals with backgrounds in this field may qualify for many other occupations as well. Even those with limited education and experience are likely to find relevant entry-level employment, with academic requirements ranging from high school diplomas to bachelor’s degrees. Despite offering lower salary potential, these professions can function as a great means of gaining additional experience that may lead to more advanced employment opportunities in the future.
Some less lucrative health and wellness jobs include:
- Health Advisor - $55,000
Health advisors are employed by corporations, hospitals, government agencies, and wellness centers to promote positive health behaviors among patients, community members, and/or staff members. They are often responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring various health-related measures. These professionals also review program progress and provide consultations when necessary. - Social Worker - $51,607
Social workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with various problems in their everyday lives. Those working in clinical settings and diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. These professionals are generally capable of assisting with a wide range of situations, from child adoption to substance abuse prevention. - Physical Therapy Assistant - $51,156
Physical therapy assistants help patients recovering from injuries and/or illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Typically working under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, these professionals observe patients and give regular status reports. These professionals may also assist with specific exercises, provide various treatments, and/or educate patients and their family members. - Nutritionist - $50,038
Nutritionists are responsible for planning and conducting food service or nutritional programs intended to help people lead healthier lives. As food and nutrition experts, they are able to counsel clients on various issues and provide advice for building good eating habits. These professionals may also develop meal plans, speak to groups about dieting, create educational materials, and/or document the progress of their clients. - Medical Coding Specialist - $49,146
Medical coding specialists are employed by hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities to handle billing information. They are typically responsible for ensuring all regulatory standards are met, as well as reviewing and verifying diagnosis and procedural codes are input correctly. These professionals may also assist with audits, enter patient demographic information into systems, and/or update information on computers. - Exercise Physiologist - $49,069
Exercise physiologists help patients recover from chronic diseases and/or improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. They spend most of their time analyzing medical histories, performing fitness tests, and developing appropriate fitness programs for patients. These professionals also closely monitor blood pressure, oxygen usage, heart rhythm, and other key health indicators. - Psychiatric Technician - $48,819
Psychiatric technicians care and assistance to individuals diagnosed with mental and/or emotional conditions, as well as developmental disabilities. They are generally responsible for monitoring patients, overseeing medication distribution, and providing various therapies. These professionals also report changes to medical staff, assist with daily living activities, and help with intake/discharge procedures. - Athletic Trainer - $45,844
Athletic trainers help their clients prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They take various steps to help prevent injuries such as applying protective devices like tape, bandages, and braces. These professionals also provide first aid and emergency care, evaluate injuries, and develop rehabilitation programs for athletes. - Health Screener - $45,480
Health screeners help facilitate health screenings for blood pressure, various cancers, and other health indicators and conditions identified as significant by their employers. They spend most of their time performing blood pressure and heart rate checks. Using biometric scanning equipment, these professionals are able to gather a snapshot of patient health, which can be used to make healthcare recommendations. - Community Health Worker - $42,116
Community health workers implement programs intended to promote wellness and help people adopt various healthy behaviors. They often conduct outreach, oversee case management, provide coaching, coordinate health screenings, and provide first aid. These professionals also spend time advocating for individuals with limited access to health resources and social services.
- Social Worker - $51,607
- Physical Therapy Assistant - $51,156
- Public Health Educator - $50,354
- Nutritionist - $50,038
- Physical Education Teacher - $49,790
- Medical Coding Specialist - $49,146
Job Outlook in Health and Wellness
The outlook for healthcare occupations is strong, with employment expected to grow faster than the average for all U.S. jobs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1.8 million openings annually between 2022 and 2032. In May 2022, the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was $77,760, higher than the national median of $46,310. Healthcare support occupations had a median annual wage of $33,600.
Projections vary by job, with some professions expected to grow faster than others. For example, employment for occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to increase by 23%, while growth for nuclear medicine technologists is nearly nonexistent. Therefore, it's important to research your chosen occupation for a clearer understanding of its employment outlook.