Health and Healthcare

Explore Healthcare programs at NAU that prepare you for meaningful, high-demand careers in patient care, public health, and medical support, no medical school required.

Healthcare is about caring for others whether it’s one-on-one in a clinic or through community-wide wellness programs. At NAU, you’ll gain the clinical skills and hands-on experience to step into vital roles in healthcare, public health, and patient support.

An N A U student in nursing scrubs smiles while speaking with a patient, holding a clipboard during a clinical interaction.

What is Healthcare?

Healthcare connects science, compassion, and service. You’ll study how the body works, how to support health and healing, and how to serve individuals and communities through skilled care and evidence-based practice.

What you'll study

NAU’s Healthcare degrees provide both academic and hands-on learning. Depending on your program, your coursework may include:

  • Anatomy and human physiology
  • Patient care and clinical techniques
  • Emergency medical response and transport
  • Surgical and sterile field procedures
  • Respiratory therapy and ventilator systems
  • Physical therapy and exercise science
  • Dental cleaning and oral health education

Through labs, clinicals, and simulations, you’ll build real-world skills that lead to certification and licensure.

Career possibilities

Graduates step into high-impact roles in clinics, hospitals, community health organizations, and more. Many programs prepare you for immediate certification and employment, while others can lead to graduate study in health-related fields. Graduates with degrees in Healthcare pursue job titles like:

  • Health educator
  • Healthcare administrator
  • Dental hygienist
  • Medical assistant
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Clinical laboratory technician

Healthcare degrees at NAU

NAU offers career-focused programs in patient care, therapy, and public health. Find the degree that matches your goals and helps you make an impact from day one.

Find your Healthcare degree

FAQs: Healthcare degrees

Do I need to go to med school to work in Healthcare?

No. Many healthcare roles, like surgical tech, dental hygienist, or respiratory therapist, require specialized training, not medical or nursing school.

Are Healthcare careers in demand?

Yes! Healthcare jobs are growing fast across Arizona and nationwide, especially in community health, clinical support, and emergency services.

Will I get hands-on experience?

Yes, hands-on experience will be required! NAU’s Healthcare programs are built around labs, clinical rotations, and real-world simulations to make sure you’re job-ready at graduation.

Can I transfer into a Healthcare program?

Absolutely. Many Healthcare degrees at NAU are transfer-friendly, and our advisors will help you build a path based on your previous coursework.