Healthcare Courses in USA for International Students

The USA is one of the world’s leading destinations for healthcare studies, and is very popular for international students hoping to work abroad in healthcare fields. From demanding Nursing programs, to interdisciplinary options like Public Health and Health Informatics, you have a range of healthcare courses in USA for international students to choose from.

Read on to learn more!

Healthcare Courses to Study in USA

1) Nursing

2) Public Health

3) Health Administration

4) Nutrition

5) Physical Therapy

6) Health Informatics

Nursing

Nursing jobs are well-paid and in high demand within the USA’s healthcare system. Several top Nursing Schools in the USA offer MSN or Master of Science in Nursing programs. 

These are aimed at giving you a strong foundation in advanced nursing and associated medical skills, combined with knowledge of ethical practices, legal concerns, and the fields of social, behavioural, and medical sciences. You may specialise in areas such as: 

• Adult Nurse Practitioner – Acute/Primary

• Paediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute/Primary

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

• Nurse Educator

• Midwifery

• Psychiatric

• Public Health

• Healthcare Administrator 

• Nursing Informatics etc. 

These are largely coursework-based programs, and may take between 18 months to 3 years to complete. Cost of study ranges from 30-65,000 USD. 

Where to Study Nursing in the USA

• University of California – San Francisco

• University of Pennsylvania

• University of Washington

• University of Maryland

• Emory University

• University of South Florida 

• Long Island University

• University of North Carolina – Wilmington 

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Your curriculum will include advanced theoretical content along with mentored clinical experience in settings that may include academic health centres, research institutions, and community hospitals. Your course load will depend on your specialisation, and will allow you to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in sub-specialisations as well.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of your program, you’ll have gained:

• Expertise in physical assessment, clinical decision making, diagnostic and interventional procedures, prescriptive knowledge, and patient care management.

• The ability to translate evidence into practice and promote clinical scholarship.

• Advanced nursing skills for specialty and subspecialty nursing practice.

• The ability to lead quality improvement and manage care delivery models across settings.

What to Study After MSN?

Following your MSN, you may also go on to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which focuses on data research, evidence-based practice, and understanding changing healthcare systems, with a major research component.

Once you have an MSN, or both MSN and DNP, you can also pursue an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certificate program. Here, you’ll gain the skills and qualifications required for nursing practice in a specialisation other than the one you already have.

Career Track

Following your MSN, and any other certifications you may choose to pursue, you’ll be able to seek work in a range of healthcare and nursing settings, in hospitals, teaching hospitals, research centres, clinics, community health centres etc. 

You’ll be able to meet the requirements for working in different States in the USA, or be able to answer exams and earn any additional required certifications.

Public Health

The USA offers a range of public healthcare courses for international students – wherein you’ll learn and understand the complex interplay of the biological, sociocultural, economic, political, behavioural, and environmental factors that affect population health. Depending on the program you select, you’ll be able to specialise in areas such as Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Health Services Management, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation etc.

These programs are typically completed within 1-2 years. You can expect to pay between 30-60,000 USD for your studies.

Best Public Health Courses in USA

• Master of Public Health, University of Pennsylvania

• Master of Public Health, Long Island University – Brooklyn

• Master of Public Health, Northern Illinois University

• Master of Public Health, Boston University

• Graduate Certificate in Industrial Safety and Public Health, Western New England University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

You will study a combination of fundamental courses related to public health, as well as elective courses related to your specialisation.

Sample fundamental courses include:

• Quantitative Methods For Public Health

• Leadership And Management For Public Health

• Health Systems, Law, And Policy

• Individual, Community, And Population Health

• Behavioural and Social Aspects of Public Health 

• Biostatistics in Public Health 

• Problems and Issues in Environmental Health 

Thesis Option

Many MPH programs offer a thesis option, wherein part of your credit requirement will be met by performing original research in a relevant area of your choice. You will receive relevant training in research methods for the same, and it is a great route if you’re interested in research. 

Practical Learning

Depending on the program, you’ll get opportunities to perform field work at local, national, or international sites with public health-related organizations, through internships, work placements or practicum projects.

Learning Outcomes & Career Track

Over the course of your studies, you’ll develop valuable skills including decision making, program management, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills, administrative capabilities and other skills relevant to public health professionals.

You’ll go on to a wide array of careers in the field, from community care organizations, to international organizations like the WHO, to policy-making agencies at the national and international levels, to health and safety positions with industries, and so on. You may also be able to pursue your PhD in the field.

Health Administration

Gain the skills you need to function effectively at managerial or executive level positions in various healthcare settings, with a degree in Health Administration. You’ll gain a unique blend of knowledge, combining understanding of business fundamentals and the health care industry. Topics covered range from management and finance to health informatics and data analysis.

These programs are typically completed between 1-2 years, with cost of study ranging from 30-70,000 USD.

Best Health Administration Courses in USA

• Master of Health Care Administration, Texas State University

• Master of Health Administration, Purdue University – Indianapolis 

• MS Health Care Management, University of New Orleans

• MS Health Administration, Georgia State University

• Graduate Certificate in Health Administration and Planning, Tennessee State University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

You’ll study a range of compulsory and elective courses, such as:

• Topics in Health Administration

• Accounting in Health Care Settings

• Health Care Management

• Health Care Economics

• Health Informatics

• Health Care Financial Management

• Strategic Marketing for Health Care Management

• Health Care Law and Ethics

• Patient Care Management and Quality Improvement 

• Public Health for Healthcare Administrators

• etc.

Thesis Option

Several MHA programs offer a thesis option, wherein you’ll perform original research on a topic of your choice and earn credits toward your degree.

Practical Learning

Many MHA programs include a practical, field learning component, wherein you’ll gain valuable experience under supervision. 

Learning Outcomes & Career Track

These programs are aimed at helping you develop a range of key competencies, including:

• Communication, relationship management, and leadership skills.

• Knowledge of health care environments, from the perspective of organizations, personnel, patients, the community and environment.

• Business skills such as management, financial management, information management, risk management, strategic planning and marketing etc.

You’ll be well suited to leadership, management, and executive positions in a range of health care settings, from private and public hospitals and clinics, to NGOs and governmental agencies.

The UK is another great destination for healthcare courses. Click here to learn more!

Nutrition

Some of the most popular healthcare courses in USA for international students are in Nutrition. Nutritionists and dietitians are in high demand around the world, as we begin to realise the impact diet and nutrition can have on our well-being. Your course will draw on information from biochemistry, physiology, psychology, food science etc. Depending on the university you pick, you’ll get to specialise in areas like Food Science and Technology, Food and Bioprocessing Systems, Human and Clinical Nutrition, and Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition.

Master’s programs may be completed within 1-2 years, with cost of study for averaging at 30-40,000 USD. Graduate certificate programs will be shorter and cheaper.

Best Nutrition Courses in USA

• MS Interdepartmental Nutrition, Purdue University – West Lafayette

• MS Nutrition and Food Science, Louisiana State University – Shorelight 

• MS Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona

• MS Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University

• Graduate Certificate in Nutrition, George Mason University

• Certificate in Dietetic Practice, Western Kentucky University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

Your course load will depend on the specialisation you’ve chosen, with a combination of elective and compulsory courses covering topics relevant to nutritional sciences. 

Most Nutrition Master’s programs will require a thesis – wherein you’ll perform original research on a topic of your choice and earn credits toward your degree. You’ll receive relevant training and will work under the guidance of established academics in the university.

Learning Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll:

• Understand the relationships between diet, disease, health and well-being.

• Be able to analyse and critically evaluate nutrition and food science theory and practice.

You’ll go on to work as a professional nutritionist or dietitian in settings like food and health industries, public health, research, health promotion, food policy etc. You’ll also be eligible for PhD studies.

Physical Therapy

Another great option among healthcare courses in USA for international students, are graduate physical therapy programs. Here, you’ll update your clinical skills and knowledge in the field, learning to diagnose and treat movement dysfunction, and beyond. You may also have opportunities to specialise in areas of physical therapy, including musculoskeletal and neuromuscular PT.

Many US colleges are primarily offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, and are phasing out the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) programs, owing to the advancement of the field in the USA. 

DPT is typically for 3 years with a year of clinical experience, while MPT is for 1-2 years, with up to 15 weeks of clinical experience. If you’re aspiring to work in the US, a DPT may be the better option for you. Some colleges still offer Master’s degrees as well. These programs average at 40,000 USD per year.

Best Physical Therapy Courses in USA

• DPT, University of Delaware

• DPT, Washington University in St. Louis

• DPT, Northwestern University

• DPT, University of Iowa

• MS Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh

• MS Physical Therapy, Carrol University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

You’ll study a range of core courses, including:

• Foundations of Physical Therapy 

• Gross Anatomy

• Kinesiology

• Physiology 

• Neuroscience 

• Psychosocial Aspects of Human Behaviour

• Clinical Decision Making 

• etc.

Practical Experience

You will spend several weeks gaining clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings. Your program may also include a project or thesis.

Learning Outcomes & Career Track

Over the course of your program you’ll develop key skills, necessary for providing safe and successful physical therapy to patients. These include behaviour, social skills and professionalism, communication, cognitive/integrative abilities, and psychomotor skills.

Your program will also satisfy eligibility requirements to answer qualifying exams and earn state licenses in the USA, to practice as a physical therapist.

You’ll go on to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, community care centres or sports facilities.

Health Informatics

Of all the healthcare courses in USA for international students, health informatics is one of the most dynamic emerging areas. You’ll learn how to address the clinical, technical, and business needs of health organisations. You’ll develop the technical skills and information management skills required to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Your program will typically complete within 1-2 years, and will cost you between 30-60,000 USD.

Best Health Informatics Courses in USA

• MS in Health Informatics, George Mason University

• MS in Applied Health Informatics, State University of New York

• Masters in Health Informatics, University of South Carolina

• MS in Health Informatics, University of Massachusetts 

• Masters in Health Informatics, Northeastern University 

• Graduate Certificates in Health Informatics (multiple specialisations), Northeastern University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

You’ll study a range of fundamental and elective courses drawing from healthcare, information technology and business management disciplines. Examples include:

• Health Informatics and Health Information Systems

• Health Care Delivery Systems

• American Healthcare System

• Biomedical and Health Informatics 

• Regulations, Confidentiality, Privacy and Security

• Database Design and Development for Health Informatics Professionals

• Statistics for Health Informatics Professionals

• Business of Healthcare Informatics

• Leadership and Management Essentials

• Project Management

• Improving the Patient Experience through Informatics

• etc.

Practical Learning

Besides your coursework, you will expand your skills and expertise through opportunities such as practicum experiences, capstone projects, or a research-based thesis.

Learning Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll develop:

• Knowledge of key health informatics principles, concepts and skills.

• An understanding of the American healthcare system, including the importance of informatics in patient driven healthcare.

• Skills in leadership, creative and innovative thinking.

You’ll go onto careers in hospitals, clinics, and health information technology vendors, in roles that include data analysts, project managers and coordinators, application specialists etc.

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