Students who have decided to pursue some of the more “hands on” fields of study may be surprised at the wealth of choices when it comes to online degree programs. Here are just a few possibilities to choose from.
Nursing and Integrative Health
You may have heard by now that nurses are in higher demand than ever. If you’re looking for a career path that will practically guarantee gainful employment for years to come, and provide a highly rewarding experience along the way, then an online nursing degree may be just what you’ve been looking for. In addition to practical nursing skills, you’ll also learn about global health systems and administration as well as modern medical issues and ethics.
Counseling Psychology
A degree in counseling psychology is an essential stepping stone on the way to a career in mental health and general counseling as well as more specialized fields such as child counseling and educational psychology. Further advancement is possible with more advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or a PhD. If you have a keen interest in the human mind, this is the field for you.
Massage Therapy
If you take the phrase “hands on” a little more literally, then you may want to consider a career in massage therapy. While we tend to associate the word “massage” with the word “spa,” massage therapy is actually a surprisingly versatile career path. Students of massage therapy will learn the basics of massage, including Swedish and sports massage techniques, but also branch out into rehabilitative massage. Studies will include physiology and anatomy, along with the associated ethics and communications issues that go along with massage therapy.
Cosmetology
It would be a mistake to think that a cosmetology degree is only about keeping up-to-date with the latest styles. It also requires an encyclopedic knowledge of human anatomy. In addition to hair design courses, you’ll also study aesthetics, salon management, skin care, and facial massage.
Special Education
Education is, and will likely remain, one of the largest and most important industries in the US. Passionate teachers will always be in high demand, most particularly special education teachers. It can be a demanding field, but also one of the most rewarding if you’re thinking about pursuing a future in education. Your studies will include general psychology along with more advanced courses including behavior management and coping with learning disabilities such as autism.
Human Services
The phrase “human services” might at first sound like its highly generalized, but it can open the door to a number of highly specialized career paths for people who are looking for leadership positions in public relations, human resources, consulting, or education. Studies in human services will cover a wide range of topics including social development, human behavior, and counseling theories. If your ambitions lie in the private sector, courses in group dynamics and crisis prevention may prove invaluable in a human resources setting.
Physical Education
Anybody with a passion for fitness, sports, and athleticism should consider pursuing a career in physical education. The US is in the midst of a number of high-profile health problems such as heart disease and obesity, which should make this particular degree useful for years to come. A background in physical education can lead to rewarding opportunities as a personal trainer, K-12 education, and even private health consultation.
