Healthcare Environment Design: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Healthcare Environment Design is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to creating spaces that enhance patient well-being, support clinical efficiency, and promote healing through intentional, evidence-based design. By integrating principles from architecture, psychology, and healthcare systems, this program prepares professionals to shape environments where people recover faster, feel more at ease, and experience better outcomes.
- Interior Design: Focuses on spatial layout, materials, lighting, and aesthetics to create calming, functional, and safe interiors tailored to healthcare users.
- Architecture: Involves the planning, design, and construction of buildings and spaces that meet clinical needs while supporting operational workflows and regulatory standards.
- Healing Sciences: Explores the physiological and psychological impacts of the built environment on recovery, stress reduction, and overall health outcomes.
- Healthcare Environments: Examines the specific requirements of hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers to ensure functionality, accessibility, and safety.
- Human-Centered Design: Prioritizes the needs, behaviors, and experiences of patients, families, and staff in every stage of design development.
- Healthcare Delivery: Provides insight into the operational dynamics of medical facilities, including workflow integration, technology deployment, and service continuity within designed spaces.
Healthcare Environment Design Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Healthcare Environment Design Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Healthcare Environment Design degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary and Interior Designers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 289,040 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1031 | $101,480 | $59,590 - $166,720 | 9,120 | N/A |
| Interior Designers 27-1025 | $63,490 | $38,480 - $106,090 | 69,580 | $30.52 |
Healthcare Environment Design Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $87,367 in Mississippi to $152,290 in Alaska—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 289,040 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Healthcare Environment Design by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Healthcare Environment Design programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Healthcare Environment Design is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (5 graduates), and Boston Architectural College (BAC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 9 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Boston Architectural College (BAC) |
Master's
|
4 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | the-bac.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Healthcare Environment Design programs
How much can I earn with a Healthcare Environment Design degree?
Salaries for Healthcare Environment Design graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,480. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $152,290 compared to $87,367 in Mississippi. Approximately 289,040 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Healthcare Environment Design programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Healthcare Environment Design degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (5 graduates), Boston Architectural College (BAC) (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Healthcare Environment Design degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, and Interior Designers. Related occupations employ approximately 289,040 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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