Best Online Healthcare Programs in Shelby, NC (2026)
Shelby, North Carolina has a population of about 21,868. The city’s median household income is $50,705 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited healthcare programs within 100 miles of Shelby, with tuition ranging from $2,367 to $18,703 per year. In North Carolina, the top-earning healthcare-related role is Medical and Health Services Manager at a median $108,530 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Healthcare Schools to Shelby
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer healthcare programs. Distances are calculated from Shelby city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby, NC | 2.9 mi | $2,602 - $8,746 | – |
| Gaston College | Dallas, NC | 19.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Isothermal Community College | Spindale, NC | 21.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Western Piedmont Community College | Morganton, NC | 31.0 mi | $2,650 - $15,451 | – |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory, NC | 31.6 mi | $2,367 - $18,703 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina healthcare page.
Healthcare Wages Near Shelby
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (North Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $108,530 |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $61,080 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $47,840 |
| Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $39,930 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $65,140 |
| Epidemiologist | $82,430 |
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.
Shelby at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,868 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $50,705 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Healthcare-related employment in Cleveland County | 3,317 workers, 238 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Shelby-Area Cities With Healthcare Programs
- Gaffney, SC – 16.2 mi away (21,692 pop)
- Forest City, NC – 18.8 mi away (25,817 pop)
- Gastonia, NC – 20.3 mi away (178,477 pop)
- Lincolnton, NC – 21.4 mi away (23,264 pop)
- Spartanburg, SC – 32.3 mi away (185,031 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited healthcare programs are near Shelby, NC?
Our directory lists 5 healthcare programs within 100 miles of Shelby. The closest is Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC (2.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Catawba Valley Community College (31.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying healthcare roles in North Carolina?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying healthcare-related roles in North Carolina are: Medical and Health Services Manager ($108,530), Epidemiologist ($82,430), Healthcare Social Worker ($65,140). Wages for Shelby workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gaffney instead of Shelby?
Gaffney, SC is 16.2 miles from Shelby 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 Shelby an affordable place to study healthcare?
Shelby’s median household income of $50,705 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Shelby while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina 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
- Online Healthcare Programs in North Carolina
- Main Healthcare Degree Guide
- Healthcare Programs by State
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