• The healthcare field is one of the fastest growing professions in the world, offering a wide variety of career possibilities. Although most hands-on careers such as nursing and medical assisting require clinical training, there are other healthcare career choices that require a certification or degree from an accredited school, without clinical training. These degrees can be obtained on-campus or even through distance learning, offering students flexibility and self-paced programs.
  
  

Grand Canyon University

• Grand Canyon University offers a variety of bachelor's degree programs through distance learning such as Health Care Administration, Medical Imaging Sciences and Respiratory Care. Once potential students decide on a degree program, apply online and are accepted, they are asigned to a virtual instructor and community. Students are required to complete 6 credit hours a semester, but only take one course at a time. For every program, all future assignments are given the first day of class along with the syllabus, so students may work ahead if they wish.
  
  Grand Canyon University
  
  (800) 486-9907
  
  online.gcu.edu
  
  

University of Phoenix

• Established in 1976 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), University of Phoenix offers prospective students a variety of associate and bachelor's degree programs in the healthcare field, with a variety of concentrations including Medical Records, Medical Coding, Medical Administration and Pharmacy Practice. University of Phoenix also offers undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees online, but students in certain programs are required to finish clinical and lab work in-person at one of the school's over 200 campuses nationwide. The school also offers degrees with a concentration in health-care administration. The online format is especially good for busy, working adults; online resources such as the University Library, Center for Mathematics Excellence and Center for Writing Excellence, enable students to feel connected to their program.
  
  University of Phoenix
  
  (866) 766-0766
  
  phoenix.edu
  
  

Kaplan University

• Kaplan University offers associate's degree programs in Medical Assisting, a growing occupation in the healthcare field. This program provides students with entry-level education that focuses on imparting the knowledge and skills needed in the laboratory or clinical and medical facilities. Medical assistants work hand-in-hand with physicians, assisting with routine exams, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients and running basic laboratory tests. Once students complete their classes online, which takes anywhere from 8 months to a year, students are expected to complete an unpaid clinical instruction experience and internship in an ambulatory setting. These hands-on clinical experiences take three semesters, estimating roughly 200 hours. Once clinical study is complete, students are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam.
  
  Kaplan University
  
  (866) 318-6311
  
  kaplan.edu