Final answer:
An associate's degree typically takes 2 years, a bachelor's degree takes 4 years, a master's degree takes 2-3 years, and a doctorate degree takes 4-6 years. Example careers for each degree level in the health care field are provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
A. Associate's Degree: An associate's degree typically takes 2 years of full-time study to complete. Three examples of health care careers that require an associate's degree for entry-level workers are:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Respiratory Therapist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
B. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree usually requires 4 years of full-time study. Three examples of health care careers that require a bachelor's degree for entry-level workers are:
- Physical Therapist
- Healthcare Administrator
- Biomedical Engineer
C. Master's Degree: To obtain a master's degree in health care, it typically takes 2-3 years of additional study after completing a bachelor's degree. Three examples of health care careers that require a master's degree for entry-level workers are:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Physician Assistant
- Healthcare Informatics Specialist
D. Doctorate: A doctorate degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), usually requires 4-6 years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. These degrees are required for careers such as:
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist (DPT)
Learn more about health care degrees