WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Comparing Health Undergraduate Degrees
Ready to Level Up In Your Healthcare Career?
Get started on a healthcare program of your choice from WGU.
Do You Want a Career in Healthcare?
If so, you might be exploring your healthcare degree options. While nursing is one of the most recognized career choices, it’s only one of many ways to make a positive impact in the healthcare field. Degrees in health information management, healthcare administration, health and human services, and health science can also prepare students for rewarding careers that support patients and improve health outcomes.
Whether you’re passionate about patient care, technology, or management, WGU offers a number of healthcare degree paths that can align with your interests and skills. Explore WGU’s online healthcare undergraduate degree programs below and learn more about your options.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: The program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition: $8,755 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Community Health
- Women's and Children's Nursing
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Research
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
Business
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
You can become a healthcare industry leader:...
You can become a healthcare industry leader:
Compare with B.S. Health Information Management
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 17 months
- Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Management
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Operations
- Scheduling
- Strategic Planning
The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Comparing WGU Nursing and Healthcare Degrees
RN-to-BSN
WGU’s RN-to-BSN degree program is designed for current registered nurses (RNs) who want to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. This program builds upon nurses' existing knowledge, diving into complex and specialized topics such as interprofessional communication and leadership, population health, and information technology in nursing practice. The program includes 35 clinical hours that provide hands-on experience along with six embedded professional certificates to ensure graduates gain recognized qualifications alongside their clinical training. The RN-to-BSN degree is an excellent option for RNs seeking a flexible, reputable, and affordable way to further their nursing education.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: The program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure)
The prelicensure nursing degree is intended for individuals without an RN license who wish to develop their skills and broaden their career opportunities by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, psychiatric and mental health nursing, and healthcare statistics. Students complete seven in-person clinical rotations and two learning lab experiences that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world nursing practice. Upon graduation, students earn a BSN and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. You must then pass the exam to become a licensed registered nurse.
The WGU nursing prelicensure program is offered in select states: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition: $8,755 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Community Health
- Women's and Children's Nursing
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Research
Who Should Get a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing?
If you're ready to invest in your future and take your nursing career to the next level, a bachelor's degree in nursing can help you move forward. An increasing number of employers prefer or require nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school. For WGU nursing students, this degree provides the academic foundation needed to pursue graduate degrees for advanced positions such as nurse practitioner. Whether you want to enhance your résumé, deepen your clinical expertise, boost your long-term earning potential, or advance into specialized roles, this degree helps you develop the skills and experience to make that possible.
Nursing Roles You Can Pursue After Graduation
With advanced skills and specialized knowledge, you’ll be prepared to pursue a range of rewarding nursing positions, including:
B.S. in Health Information Management
The health information management degree is a competency-based program that focuses on keeping patient information secure, organized, and accessible. The curriculum focuses on essential concepts like health information technology, data analytics, resource management, and medical terminology. Students learn to manage, analyze, and protect health data while also developing soft skills like leadership, problem-solving, and communication. The program also features a simulation experience that offers real-world insight into health information management operations within modern care environments.
Who Should Get a Health Information Management Degree?
If direct patient care isn’t your passion but health and technology are, a health information management degree is a great intersection of these two fields. Because there’s a strong statistical and information technology component to this field, this degree works best with people who have experience or interest in these subjects.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Health Information Management Degree
With a health information management degree, you’ll be prepared for positions that connect health, technology, and data. Common roles include:
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
Healthcare Administration
The healthcare administration degree program focuses on the business and leadership side of healthcare operations and is part of WGU’s School of Business. This degree helps students develop both industry knowledge and essential management skills needed to run medical organizations effectively. Coursework covers areas such as healthcare policy and governance, organizational leadership, business management, and finance.
Who Should Pursue a Healthcare Administration Degree?
If you want to positively impact healthcare by focusing on leadership and coordination rather than patient care, this degree may be the right fit for you. Healthcare administrators blend business strategy with a deep understanding of healthcare operations to guide teams, manage budgets, and improve organizational performance. This career path is ideal for individuals who excel at communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Healthcare Administration Degree
A degree in healthcare administration can open doors to a wide range of leadership and management roles across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and public health departments. Graduates can pursue positions such as:
Business
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
You can become a healthcare industry leader:...
You can become a healthcare industry leader:
Compare with B.S. Health Information Management
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 17 months
- Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Management
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Operations
- Scheduling
- Strategic Planning
The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.
Health and Human Services
The health and human services degree prepares students to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities by improving access, communication, and coordination across diverse care settings. It includes coursework in public health, value-based care, epidemiology, health equity, and psychology. Students learn how to advocate for patients, address social determinants of health, and promote holistic, patient-centered care. Graduates are equipped to guide patients through the healthcare system by connecting them with resources, education, and services that improve their overall well-being.
Who Should Get a Health and Human Services Degree?
This program is designed for individuals who want to improve patients’ lives without focusing on direct patient care. It’s a great fit for those who are passionate about supporting patients, families, and communities by helping them navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. If you're highly organized, compassionate, an excellent communicator, and can work well under pressure, the health and human services degree may be right for you.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Health and Human services degree
Earning a health and human services degree can open the door to a variety of rewarding career paths, including:
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health Science
The health science degree program examines the scientific and analytical aspects of health, helping students understand how biological, psychological, and social factors influence wellness. Coursework covers key concepts in anatomy, physiology, cognitive psychology, health equity, substance abuse and addiction, epidemiology, pathophysiology, healthcare statistics, and public health. Students will examine the relationship between lifestyle choices, healthcare systems, and public health policies to better address health challenges and improve outcomes for all.
Who Should Get a Health Science Degree?
The health science degree is an excellent choice for students who want to learn about the complex mechanisms underlying health and disease. This degree is designed for analytical thinkers who enjoy research, data, and understanding the “why” behind human health. Graduates are prepared for careers that utilize data-driven insights to guide healthcare decisions, shape policies, and influence patient or community health strategies.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Health Science Degree
Earning a health science degree can open the door to a variety of rewarding career paths, including:
- Patient Educator
- Health Services Manager
- Clinical Technologist
- Wellness Specialist
- Community Health Worker
- Residential Care Coordinator
- Nursing Home Manager
- Health Policy Analyst
Health & Nursing
Health Science – B.S.
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world...
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world skills for valuable health careers.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Disease prevention
- Behavioral health
- Substance abuse support
- Health research
- Medical technology
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your healthcare career.
What Degree Program is Right for You?
Choosing the right degree program ultimately comes down to understanding your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Ask yourself:
Do I want to work directly with patients or provide hands-on care?
Am I interested in helping people navigate their medical journey and access essential resources?
Do I see myself managing teams or leading strategic initiatives?
Am I interested in technology, data, or information systems management?
Regardless of where you stand on these questions, WGU offers a healthcare degree program that aligns with your passions and prepares you for your desired career.
What Do WGU's Programs Have in Common?
No matter which WGU degree path you choose, you’ll benefit from a flexible, personalized learning model and a student-centered approach. WGU’s nursing and healthcare programs are designed with input from employers and industry leaders, so you’re equipped with practical, up-to-date skills that translate directly to the workplace. Our competency-based learning model focuses on skill mastery rather than the amount of time spent in class, meaning some students are able to accelerate their studies and graduate sooner. You’ll also have ongoing support and encouragement from a dedicated Program Mentor who helps you stay on track and reach your goals.
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from industry leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 81% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2024 Harris Poll
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
84% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 86% are employed full-time.2
2: 2024 Harris Poll
Save Money
Average annual tuition and fees for undergraduates at WGU is $8,300 compared to $17,709 at comparable institutions. For graduate students at WGU, average annual tuition and fees is $8,856 compared to $20,513 at comparable institutions.3
3: Source: Analysis of IPEDS data, report year 2023
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Bachelor's Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
