Health Professions Education and Humanities: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Health Professions Education and Humanities integrates scholarly inquiry into the ethical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of healthcare practice. This interdisciplinary field prepares professionals to navigate complex clinical environments with empathy, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of human experience in medicine.
- Health Professions Education: Explores pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and assessment methods tailored to training healthcare providers across diverse clinical settings.
- Medical Ethics: Investigates moral dilemmas in clinical practice, including patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life care, and justice in healthcare delivery.
- Healthcare Humanities: Examines literature, philosophy, history, and the arts to deepen insight into the human condition within healthcare contexts.
- Professional Identity Formation: Supports the development of reflective practice, resilience, and ethical decision-making in evolving healthcare professions.
- Cultural Competency in Health: Addresses systemic disparities and equips practitioners with tools to deliver equitable, respectful, and inclusive care across diverse populations.
Health Professions Education and Humanities Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Health Professions Education and Humanities Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Health Professions Education and Humanities degrees, including Medical and Health Services Managers and Postsecondary Teachers, All Other. 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 717,370 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
Health Professions Education and Humanities Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,755 in Arkansas to $138,065 in Hawaii—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 717,370 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 Health Professions Education and Humanities by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Health Professions Education and Humanities 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 Health Professions Education and Humanities is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (98 graduates), and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 101 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
98 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Private | emu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Health Professions Education and Humanities programs
How much can I earn with a Health Professions Education and Humanities degree?
Salaries for Health Professions Education and Humanities graduates vary by role and location. Medical and Health Services Managers earn a median of $117,960 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $138,065 compared to $71,755 in Arkansas. Approximately 717,370 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 Health Professions Education and Humanities programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Health Professions Education and Humanities degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (98 graduates), Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) (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 Health Professions Education and Humanities degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical and Health Services Managers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 717,370 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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