Best Online Healthcare Programs in Central, LA (2026)
Central, Louisiana has a population of about 29,603. The city’s median household income is $90,091 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited healthcare programs within 100 miles of Central, with tuition ranging from $4,221 to $16,303 per year. In the Baton Rouge, LA metro area, the top-earning healthcare-related role is Medical and Health Services Manager at a median $105,160 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Healthcare Schools to Central
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer healthcare programs. Distances are calculated from Central city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College-Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge, LA | 7.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Delta College of Arts & Technology | Baton Rouge, LA | 8.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| ITI Technical College | Baton Rouge, LA | 9.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Medical Training College | Baton Rouge, LA | 9.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge, LA | 9.7 mi | $4,221 - $16,303 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Louisiana schools on the Louisiana healthcare page.
Healthcare Wages Near Central
Central is part of the Baton Rouge, LA metro area (BLS area code 12940). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Louisiana statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $105,160 | Baton Rouge, LA | $115,815 |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $62,130 | Baton Rouge, LA | $68,425 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $46,300 | Baton Rouge, LA | $50,991 |
| Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $36,070 | Baton Rouge, LA | $39,725 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $63,510 | Baton Rouge, LA | $69,945 |
| Epidemiologist | $59,810 | LA statewide | $65,870 |
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.
Central at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,603 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $90,091 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 90.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Healthcare-related employment in East Baton Rouge County | 43,899 workers, 2,164 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Central-Area Cities With Healthcare Programs
- Baton Rouge, LA – 9.9 mi away (589,675 pop)
- Hammond, LA – 34.8 mi away (69,616 pop)
- Mandeville, LA – 57.8 mi away (95,576 pop)
- Morgan City, LA – 59.8 mi away (30,061 pop)
- Kenner, LA – 60.1 mi away (67,089 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited healthcare programs are near Central, LA?
Our directory lists 5 healthcare programs within 100 miles of Central. The closest is Fortis College-Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA (7.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Baton Rouge Community College (9.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying healthcare roles near Central?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying healthcare-related roles near Central are: Medical and Health Services Manager ($105,160), Healthcare Social Worker ($63,510), Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar ($62,130). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Louisiana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Baton Rouge instead of Central?
Baton Rouge, LA is 9.9 miles from Central 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 Central an affordable place to study healthcare?
Central’s median household income of $90,091 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Central while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Louisiana 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.
Related Resources
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