Finding the best careers for an associates degree can be a challenge. What about the career field is appealing, how much does it pay, what are the career advancement opportunities, and most importantly how do you enter into that field. This blog will take a look at careers with an associates degree that are worth considering and provide information on each.
In today’s job market, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a career that will give you the best chance of success. A number of industries are hiring individuals with an associates degree, so it can be tempting to focus on those jobs. However, not all jobs with associate degrees are created equal—and some payscale stats show that certain careers might not be worth the time or money you spend on them.
Find out more about associate career options, best careers with an associates degree, best careers with an associates degree and some experience, best careers with associates degree, best careers with an associates in business degree on careerkeg.com
Here are some of the best careers with an associate degree:
-Hospitality and tourism management: Hospitality and tourism managers work for hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and travel agencies. This field has a median salary of $48,000 per year.
-Business administration: Business administration is another good option for those who have an associate’s degree in business. An associate in business administration can help students prepare for positions in human resources management, finance administration and marketing management. This field has a median salary of $47,000 per year according to payscale statistics.
-Information technology: Information technology professionals are trained in all aspects of computer science including computer hardware and software development as well as networking design and implementation. The median salary for information technology professionals is $80,000 per year according to payscale statistics.
Best careers with associates degree
Human resources assistant
Human resources assistants are in high demand across industries. They’re tasked with helping to screen and train new employees, as well as keeping track of employee records and benefits. Human resources assistants may also be involved in conducting exit interviews when an employee leaves the company.
A human resources assistant can advance to a human resources specialist or similar position by gaining additional education (such as earning certification or obtaining an associates degree). On-the-job training is available for some companies, but most require that you have experience before being promoted further within the company.
Human resource assistant jobs are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade: between 25% and 40% through 2026.* For this reason, they’re an excellent choice if you want both flexibility and job security.
Paralegal studies
If you’re interested in working as a paralegal and have an associate degree, there are many options available to you. In general, paralegals work in law offices and corporate legal departments. They conduct research on cases, draft legal documents and assist attorneys with their work. They may also be tasked with doing administrative tasks like filing documents with the court or managing client files.
Paralegals need to have strong background knowledge of research and writing, so it is essential for them to earn their bachelor’s degree before becoming certified as an attorney’s assistant (or paralegal). Most employers require that their employees have some sort of certificate or diploma from a school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
If you want to become a certified paralegal but don’t have time for college classes right now, consider taking online courses through organizations like Kaplan University Partner Schools which offer certification programs specifically designed for those who wish to pursue careers within this field without having earned any formal education credentials beforehand
Health services management
If you’re interested in health services management, you could have the opportunity to supervise and manage a team of nurses and other medical professionals. Your job responsibilities may include:
- Managing the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility
- Setting goals for staff members
- Ensuring that all patients receive quality care based on their needs
Health services managers also need to be skilled communicators with excellent leadership abilities.
Dental laboratory technology
With an associate’s degree in dental laboratory technology, you’ll learn how to create crowns, bridges and other dental prosthetics. As a dental lab technician, you’ll be responsible for keeping accurate records of all materials used in your work as well as recordkeeping relating to patient records and insurance billing procedures.
Dental lab technicians are traditionally trained on the job so that they can become skilled in artistry and customer service as well as dental technology. To become certified in this field you must complete 1 year at an accredited school followed by passing two exams: one given by the American Dental Association (ADA) and another given by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL).
On average, a dental lab technician earns $39,000 per year but actual earnings vary depending on where you live and what kind of practice you work for; some may earn more than $50k while others could make less than $30k. Even though there might not be much room for growth within these practices (since most labs are small), there is still lots of opportunity to advance through management positions within larger practices or even start their own businesses if they have enough capital available!
Emergency medical technician
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are responsible for providing emergency care to people who have been injured or suddenly become ill. They are trained to perform life-saving techniques in a wide variety of settings, including roadside accidents, medical facilities and homes.
EMTs work alongside paramedics and other first responders to provide basic medical care until the patient can be transported to a hospital by ambulance. In most cases, EMTs administer oxygen therapy mask treatment or drug injection while they wait for professional medical help to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency call.
The average salary for EMTs was $33,820 per year as of May 2017 according to PayScale’s data on BLS statistics.*
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics. U.S Department Of Labor
Accounting clerk
Accounting clerks work in a variety of industries, from retail to property management. They are responsible for managing the records of their organization and ensuring that cash flow runs smoothly. In order to do this effectively, you will need excellent attention to detail, as well as strong communication skills.
The job also requires an understanding of computer programs such as QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel—programs that allow you to manage your organization’s finances efficiently and accurately. You must be able to work well within a team environment and communicate clearly with clients in person or over the phone (often through email).
Web development
If you are interested in working as a web developer, then this is the career for you.
- The field of web development is growing rapidly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
- Web developers can work for companies that specialize in creating and maintaining websites, or they can take on freelance projects from home.
- Web development jobs are often fast-paced, exciting positions that require constant problem solving and creativity.
Nursing assistant
If you’re interested in helping people, but don’t have the time or money to earn a four-year degree, being a nursing assistant might be your best option. Nursing assistants (also called nurses’ aides and hospital attendants) provide much-needed assistance to patients and other medical professionals by assisting with tasks like bathing, dressing and feeding patients. They also help with general housekeeping duties such as cleaning rooms, washing dishes or preparing meals for residents at group homes or assisted living facilities.
The average salary for a nursing assistant is $31,590 per year (as of May 2016), according to PayScale’s data on associate degree jobs. However, this figure varies widely depending on location: In California they made an average annual salary of $39,770; whereas in New Jersey they made only $29,946 annually. The top paying metropolitan area was Honolulu where they earned an average annual salary of $37,834!
There are many different kinds of nursing assistants: LPNs (licensed practical nurses), RNs (registered nurses), CNAs (certified nursing assistants) and even LVNs (licensed vocational nurses) who may go on to become registered nurse assistants after earning their license through an accredited program like Brightwood College’s one year Associate Degree in Nursing Assistant Training Program at their campus locations located throughout Pennsylvania including Pittsburgh PA., Allentown PA., Lancaster PA., Reading PA., State College PA..
Food service manager
Food service managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. Food service managers must be able to work with others, handle multiple tasks at once, communicate effectively in a professional manner, and ensure all operations run smoothly. They typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained on the job.
Massage therapist
Massage therapy is a growing career that’s in high demand. It’s also an ideal field for someone who wants to work with people and doesn’t necessarily want to pursue a doctorate degree. An associate degree in massage therapy can be completed in less than two years, making this career path more accessible than most other healthcare fields.
The requirements for becoming a massage therapist vary by state, but most states require you to graduate from an accredited school and pass a national exam. Some states also require that you complete additional training or receive certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Massage therapists usually work in private practice, hospitals or clinics offering relaxation treatments. In addition they may provide services at spas or resorts; sports teams; schools; retirement communities; military bases; prisons; hospice care facilities; rehabilitation centers; nursing homes; endocrinology offices and many other settings where helping hands are needed.
many jobs can be started with an associates degree
You can start your career with an associates degree in just two years. Some careers, such as computer networking technician and medical office assistant, are accessible through associates degree programs. An associates degree is also a good preparation for bachelors degrees in health care administration and business management.