Medical careers are varied and diverse, but earning an associate’s degree always makes a difference. Technical schools that offer programs such as medical assisting, pharmacy tech and dental assisting prepare students for high-paying medical careers with strong job prospects. Many of these programs also prepare students to continue their education at the bachelor’s level at a four-year university or college
high paying medical careers with associates degree
Nurse anesthetists
Nurse anesthetist
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Median annual wage: $167,950
Projected job growth through 2026: 16%
These nurses provide anesthesia and related care during surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. Before a procedure begins, they are responsible for reviewing a patient’s current medication as well as any allergies or illnesses they might have to ensure anesthesia can be safely administered. They then give the patient anesthesia or apply a local anesthesia to numb a certain area of the body. They will remain with a patient throughout a procedure to check their health and adjust the anesthesia as necessary.
To become one of these advanced practice registered nurses, workers must earn at least a master’s degree from an accredited medical program. To qualify, they’ll need to have a registered nursing license before pursuing such education. Prospective nurse anesthetists must also have one year of clinical experience as a prerequisite for admission to an accredited nurse anesthetist program. Candidates typically have experience working as a registered nurse in an acute care or critical care setting.
Physician assistants
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Median annual wage: $108,610
Projected job growth through 2026: 37%
Commonly called PAs, these workers assist physicians and surgeons examine, diagnose and treat patients. They may be called upon to review a patient’s medical history, examine a patient, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose a patient’s injury or illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, and counsel patients about their health.The extent to which a PA must be supervised by physicians or surgeons differs from state to state, but in rural and medically underserved communities, PAs commonly function as primary care providers at clinics where a physician is present only one or two days per week.
To become a PA, you’ll need a master’s degree from an accredited program. It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. All states require physician assistants to be licensed, meaning they must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. In addition, state licensure laws mandate that a physician assistant must hold an agreement with a supervising physician since collaboration between physicians and physician assistants is required for practice.
Nurse practitioners
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Median annual wage: $107,030
Projected job growth through 2026: 36%
These nurses serve as primary and specialty care providers. They often work independently or in collaboration with physicians. They assess patients to determine the best way to treat or manage a person’s health issue. Many nurse practitioners specializing in caring for certain needs, such as geriatric health, pediatric health, or psychiatric and mental health.
To become one of these advanced practice registered nurses, workers must earn at least a master’s degree from an accredited medical program. They must also have a registered nursing licenses before pursuing education in one of these advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner.
Nuclear medicine technologist
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Median annual wage: $76,820
Projected job growth through 2026: 10%
These health-care workers prepare radioactive drugs for patients to assist with imaging or therapeutic purposes. They operate the imaging equipment used to diagnosis and treat patients. They may also help physicians in researching the uses of radioactive drugs.
Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Although, some technologists become qualified if they have a degree in a related health field and complete a 12-month certificate program. They commonly need a certification in the field and some states may require a license to practice.
Speech-language pathologists
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Median annual wage: $77,510
Projected job growth through 2026: 18%
Sometimes called speech therapists, these workers diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Most speech-language pathologists working today hold a master’s degree from an accredited program. All states regulate this role, and most, require a license. In states that do mandate licensure, pathologists need at least a master’s degree from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience, and to pass an exam.
Through a college degree, many people have learned to become surgeons and physicians, who are important members of the medical field. The doctors that are considered the top earners in the medical jobs industry. Their salary is $225,000 per year and $80 per hour. Second, the infectious disease doctors make $164,000 per year.
