Health care careers with an associates degree
Healthcare careers with an associates degree are some of the most rewarding, in terms of both personal satisfaction and financial stability. These careers can also be some of the most difficult to break into, however, because many employers require more than just an associate’s degree.
A health care career is a broad term that includes a wide range of occupations. Common jobs include nurse aide, pharmacy technician, medical assistant and dental hygienist. Many people with associate’s degrees work as support staff at hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities. If you’re interested in pursuing one of these jobs, you’ll need to consider whether or not it will require further education or training before you apply for the position.
Even if you don’t want to pursue one of these jobs after graduating from college, there are other options available to you if you decide to continue your education. You could earn a bachelor’s degree in any number of areas: business administration; marketing; communications; accounting; finance; computer science; social sciences (anthropology or psychology); humanities (history or English); fine arts (painting or sculpture); physical sciences (chemistry); natural sciences (biology).
Healthcare Careers With Associates Degree
There are a number of careers in healthcare that are achievable to start in under two years of education, and that can result in high paying salaries. A prerequisite for most of these healthcare careers is an associate’s degree, certification or training program. Here is a list of the top 10 highest paying healthcare careers in under two years:
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists clean teeth, examines patients for signs of oral diseases, provides other preventive dental care and educates patients on good practices. A healthcare career as an Oral Hygienist is ideal for those who have strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and are dexterous. To become an Dental Hygienist, learners can become licensed by completing a community college program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). They may also consider obtaining an associate’s degree. Each of these programs involves lectures, laboratories and clinical experiences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median licensed Registered Dental Hygienist salary is 76,220 per year, equating to about $36.65 per hour.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Sonographers produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by Physicians. A healthcare career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is an excellent option for those interested in anatomy, physiology, math, medical terminology and clinical experience. To become an Ultrasound Tech, learners should enter an associate’s degree program in sonography and, upon completion of the program, become certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a certified Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) salary averages about $68,750 per year, which is the equivalent of approximately $33.05 per hour.
Cardiovascular Technologists
Cardiovascular Technologists conduct tests on cardiovascular systems for diagnostic and intervention purposes. A career in healthcare as a Cardiovascular Tech is well-suited for those with an interest in technology and how specialized equipment can help diagnose health conditions. To become a Cardiovascular Technologist, learners should earn an associate’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved program. Certification is available from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After entering the field, the median Cardiovascular Technologist salary is $57,720 per year, or $27.75 per hour.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks varying upon employer and specialty. A healthcare career as a Medical Assistant is a great fit for those who enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis, and who have strong analytical skills. To become a Medical Assistant, learners should obtain a postsecondary education award, such as a certificate. However, some Medical Assistants have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn career responsibilities in the field. Medical Assistants can also opt to become certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants. After becoming employed, the median Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) salary averages at about $34,800 per year, which equals about $18.13 per hour.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare and administer radioactive medication to patients. A career in healthcare as a Nuclear Medicine Tech is an excellent career option for those who enjoy using technology and who can work well as part of a team. To become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist learners should earn an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. They may need to additionally need to complete a 12-month certification program through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Once certified, the median Nuclear Medicine Technologist salary is $77,950 per year, or $40.60 per hour.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) help patients develop, recover, improve and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. A healthcare career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant is a good fit for those who are interested in anatomy, biology and psychology. This career in healthcare requires an associate’s degree from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) program, and potentially a certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Once employed in the field, the median annual Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) salary is $61,510, or $32,04 per hour.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists take x-rays, CAT scans and administer non-radioactive materials into patient bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. A career in healthcare as a X-Ray Tech is an ideal career choice for someone with strong math and analytical skills. An attention for detail is another especially important trait for someone in this career. To become a Radiologic Tech learners should obtain an associate’s degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates. Once working in the field, the median Radiologic Technologist salary is $73,410 per year, or $38.23 per hour.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists care for patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing. A healthcare career as a Respiratory Care Practitioner is ideal for those who have strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of anatomy and physiology. To become a Respiratory Therapist learners must earn an associate’s degree and become registered or certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as either a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). After registering or certification, the median Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) salary is $61,330 per year or $31.94 per hour.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists assist in surgical operations by preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment and providing aid to Surgeons. A career in healthcare as an Operating Room Technician is a great choice for those who have stress management skills and who can pay close attention to their work. To become a Surgical Tech (ST) learners should earn a postsecondary nondegree award or an associate’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. They can also become certified from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once employed, the median Surgical Technologist salary is $48,300 per year, or $25.16 per hour.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed Veterinarian to assist in diagnosing and treating the injuries and illnesses of animals. A healthcare career as a Vet Tech is ideal for those who love interacting with animals. To become a Veterinary Technician, learners should complete a postsecondary program in veterinary technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). They should also take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, for certification. Once working in the field, the median Veterinary Technician salary is $35,320 per year, or $18.40 per hour. Veterinary Technicians working in research positions often earn more than those in other fields.
