What if you could have a lucrative, satisfying career in the healthcare industry with just a two-year associate’s degree? You read right: TWO years! Read on to find out more about your career options in the healthcare industry with a two-year associate’s degree.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists provide medical care and attention to patients of all ages suffering from cardiopulmonary disorders and breathing difficulties. Students can take the certification exam in order to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) upon completion of a respiratory therapist program from an accredited program. Students with a certification are always preferred by employers.

Median annual wage: $54,2801

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $73,410

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree, though students have the option of earning a bachelor’s degree as well.

Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists treat patients suffering from cancer by giving them radiation treatments. In order to be licensed a student is first required to complete a program from an accredited college and then pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to become certified.

Median annual wage: $74,9802

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $110,550

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses provide medical care and attention to patients of all hospitals. Although patient care is their primary function, they also provide emotional support to patients and their families. Their jobs may be emotionally and physically challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding in the healthcare industry.

Median annual wage: $64,6903

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $95,130

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs to administer to patients undergoing scans. The radioactive drugs make the affected body part appear clearly in medical images. Nuclear medicine technologists are required to be nationally certified. Along with this certification, technologists can earn certification in specific procedures or equipment they’re proficient in such as: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear cardiology (NCT).

Median annual wage: $68,5604

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $91,970

Degree requirement:  Associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology

Choosing the right college

Choosing the right college is a question of individual interests and requirements. Before starting your search for a college, students are advised to think about what they want from a college. A great way of finding out finer details about a college is to read its reviews and student testimonials. For instance, if you read a review of Stevens Henager College, you’d learn about its accreditation and student services. Other reviews of Stevens Henager College speak of its career services, financial aid programs, and much more. Always make it a point to read as much as you can find about a college so you can make a well-informed decision about your college.

An associate’s degree could be a stepping stone toward a well-paying, satisfying career. All it requires is a little bit of research and deliberation.

References:

1)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5

2)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm#tab-5

3)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-5

4)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm#tab-5




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    Raymond Gutierrezz

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