Many students are advised to opt for a four-year bachelor’s degree rather than a two-year associate’s degree. While this advice can be right in many cases, the truth is that not all jobs require a four-year bachelor’s degree, and you can very well have a successful career with an associate’s degree. Let’s take a look at some of the most high-paying, satisfying jobs you can get with a two-year associate’s degree program.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities, ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to schools and home health care services. Upon completion of a two-year associate’s degree program in nursing (ADN), a student can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. After working for a couple of years, a student can always choose to continue his or her education by going back to school and pursuing a bachelor’s degree, either online or on-campus, in order to be eligible for managerial job roles.
According to Pay Scale, students with an ADN can earn salaries of up to $53,427, depending on position, location, and experience.1
Respiratory Therapist
An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy will focus on subjects such as microbiology, pulmonary anatomy and physiology, pulmonary function testing, respiratory care, perinatal and pediatric care, and more. According to Pay Scale, students with an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy can earn salaries of $44,539 ormore, depending on position, location, and experience.2
Paralegals
Paralegals are trained in matters pertaining to legal issues and assist qualified lawyers with their legal work. To enter the field a student must first earn an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. In order to be successful as a paralegal, a person should be organized, pay close attention to detail, and enjoy reading and writing. Depending on the kind of job you opt for after having completed an associate’s of applied science paralegal degree, a person can earn a salary of up to $45,988, depending on position, location, and experience.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists work under the direct supervision of dentists to assist with the procedures and prepare patients for dental exams. They undergo training to carry out tasks such as administering anesthetics, working with the material used in fillings, scaling and root planning for patients with periodontal disease, and other related health concerns.
Employees with an Associate’s of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene can earn salaries of up to $50,000, depending on position, location, and experience.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are responsible for performing routine administrative and clerical tasks in the offices of health practitioners. Depending on their years of experience, medical assistants can earn salaries of up to $50,684. Entry-level medical assistants can earn yearly salaries of up to $35,854.
Where should you begin your search?
Start your search by narrowing down your interests and looking for colleges that offer associate’s degree programs in these fields. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer associate’s degree programs in information technology, graphic design, business, and healthcare. According to Stevens-Henager College reviews, these associate’s degree programs can be completed in less than the normal completion time, depending on the program you opt for. Reading a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill give you details about its student support services, FAFSA help, and much more.
Associate’s degrees are an attractive option for reasons such as affordability and shorter duration.
Resources:
1. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary
2. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_of_Applied_Science_(AAS)%2c_Respiratory_Therapy/Salary
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities, ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to schools and home health care services. Upon completion of a two-year associate’s degree program in nursing (ADN), a student can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. After working for a couple of years, a student can always choose to continue his or her education by going back to school and pursuing a bachelor’s degree, either online or on-campus, in order to be eligible for managerial job roles.
According to Pay Scale, students with an ADN can earn salaries of up to $53,427, depending on position, location, and experience.1
Respiratory Therapist
An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy will focus on subjects such as microbiology, pulmonary anatomy and physiology, pulmonary function testing, respiratory care, perinatal and pediatric care, and more. According to Pay Scale, students with an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy can earn salaries of $44,539 ormore, depending on position, location, and experience.2
Paralegals
Paralegals are trained in matters pertaining to legal issues and assist qualified lawyers with their legal work. To enter the field a student must first earn an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. In order to be successful as a paralegal, a person should be organized, pay close attention to detail, and enjoy reading and writing. Depending on the kind of job you opt for after having completed an associate’s of applied science paralegal degree, a person can earn a salary of up to $45,988, depending on position, location, and experience.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists work under the direct supervision of dentists to assist with the procedures and prepare patients for dental exams. They undergo training to carry out tasks such as administering anesthetics, working with the material used in fillings, scaling and root planning for patients with periodontal disease, and other related health concerns.
Employees with an Associate’s of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene can earn salaries of up to $50,000, depending on position, location, and experience.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are responsible for performing routine administrative and clerical tasks in the offices of health practitioners. Depending on their years of experience, medical assistants can earn salaries of up to $50,684. Entry-level medical assistants can earn yearly salaries of up to $35,854.
Where should you begin your search?
Start your search by narrowing down your interests and looking for colleges that offer associate’s degree programs in these fields. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer associate’s degree programs in information technology, graphic design, business, and healthcare. According to Stevens-Henager College reviews, these associate’s degree programs can be completed in less than the normal completion time, depending on the program you opt for. Reading a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill give you details about its student support services, FAFSA help, and much more.
Associate’s degrees are an attractive option for reasons such as affordability and shorter duration.
Resources:
1. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary
2. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_of_Applied_Science_(AAS)%2c_Respiratory_Therapy/Salary
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