Best Online Healthcare Programs in Lake City, FL (2026)
Lake City, Florida has a population of about 12,404. The city’s median household income is $51,175 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited healthcare programs within 100 miles of Lake City, with tuition ranging from $2,563 to $14,353 per year. In Florida, the top-earning healthcare-related role is Medical and Health Services Manager at a median $106,280 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Healthcare Schools to Lake City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer healthcare programs. Distances are calculated from Lake City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Riveroak Technical College | Live Oak, FL | 21.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 37.4 mi | $2,563 - $14,353 | – |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 41.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Florida School of Massage | Gainesville, FL | 42.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Florida schools on the Florida healthcare page.
Healthcare Wages Near Lake City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Florida, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $106,280 |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $72,230 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $45,990 |
| Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $39,450 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $67,090 |
| Epidemiologist | $76,300 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Lake City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,404 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,175 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Healthcare-related employment in Columbia County | 3,617 workers, 276 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Lake City-Area Cities With Healthcare Programs
- Gainesville, FL – 39.5 mi away (198,702 pop)
- Jacksonville, FL – 58.8 mi away (1,141,459 pop)
- Valdosta, GA – 59.2 mi away (79,844 pop)
- Palatka, FL – 69.8 mi away (23,740 pop)
- Waycross, GA – 72.7 mi away (24,741 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited healthcare programs are near Lake City, FL?
Our directory lists 5 healthcare programs within 100 miles of Lake City. The closest is Florida Gateway College in Lake City, FL (3.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Florida School of Massage (42.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying healthcare roles in Florida?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying healthcare-related roles in Florida are: Medical and Health Services Manager ($106,280), Epidemiologist ($76,300), Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar ($72,230). Wages for Lake City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gainesville instead of Lake City?
Gainesville, FL is 39.5 miles from Lake City and has its own set of local healthcare programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Lake City an affordable place to study healthcare?
Lake City’s median household income of $51,175 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lake City while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Florida public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.