Hospice and Palliative Care: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Hospice and Palliative Care is a specialized academic field dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious, life-limiting illnesses. This program equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and clinical skills necessary to address the complex physical, emotional, spiritual, and social dimensions of end-of-life care, while supporting patients and their families through compassionate, holistic interventions.
Key modules and areas of study include:
- Aging and gerontology: Explores the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by older adults in advanced illness.
- Thanatology: The scientific study of death, dying, and bereavement, providing insight into the emotional and cultural dimensions of end-of-life experiences.
- Pharmacology: Focuses on the safe and effective use of medications to manage symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, nausea, and anxiety in palliative settings.
- Complementary and integrative therapies: Examines non-pharmacological approaches—including mindfulness, massage, music therapy, and acupuncture—that support symptom relief and well-being.
- Pathophysiology of chronic and terminal illness: Investigates the progression and complications of advanced diseases such as cancer, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Ethics in end-of-life care: Addresses complex decision-making issues, including advance care planning, informed consent, and patient autonomy in the context of limited life expectancy.
Hospice and Palliative Care Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hospice and Palliative Care Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hospice and Palliative Care degrees, including Social Workers, All Other and Healthcare Social Workers. 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 250,880 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Workers, All Other 21-1029 | $69,480 | $44,530 - $112,740 | 64,940 | $33.40 |
| Healthcare Social Workers 21-1022 | $68,090 | $45,030 - $100,870 | 185,940 | $32.74 |
Hospice and Palliative Care Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,570 in Missouri to $99,830 in District of Columbia—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 250,880 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 Hospice and Palliative Care by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Hospice and Palliative Care 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 Hospice and Palliative Care is found at Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hospice and Palliative Care programs
How much can I earn with a Hospice and Palliative Care degree?
Salaries for Hospice and Palliative Care graduates vary by role and location. Social Workers, All Other earn a median of $69,480 annually, while Healthcare Social Workers earn around $68,090. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $99,830 compared to $52,570 in Missouri. Approximately 250,880 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 Hospice and Palliative Care programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Hospice and Palliative Care degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (3 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 Hospice and Palliative Care degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Workers, All Other, Healthcare Social Workers, . Related occupations employ approximately 250,880 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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