Careers with an Associate’s Degree

In the current economy, employment opportunities are dwindling and there is grave uncertainty regarding the future for many high school graduates. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find stable, well-paying employment opportunities, especially if you want to throw in “job satisfaction” as a criterion as well. A college degree can give you an edge over the hordes of other applicants; however, investing time and money into a four-year bachelor’s degree may not be an option for everyone.

As bleak as things may look, don’t abandon hope just quite yet. One way to stand out among other applicants, gain the skills necessary for entering your chosen profession, and even increase your prospective paycheck and potential career stability is getting an associate’s degree.

An associate’s degree takes much less time to complete than a bachelor’s degree—approximately two years versus the four years a bachelor’s degree usually takes. This can mean that you may end up paying less and can start working that much sooner. Moreover, an associate’s degree is a great introduction to any area you think you might want to pursue; in the span of those two years you can truly evaluate whether or not you want to pursue a career in the field you’re studying.

There are several professions you can pursue with an associate’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college, you can become a registered nurse, earn up to $62,450 a year, depending on location, education, and experience, and enjoy a greater degree of career stability than many other careers. This degree is designed to train you to pass the required NCLEX-RN exam and can give you the practical and theoretical foundation required to perform the role of a registered nurse. Medical specialties degree holders, LPNs, and those who have taken the SLE exam can earn Associate’s Degree in Nursing Education to increase their employment opportunities and move up to the status of a registered nurse.

An Associate’s in Medical Specialties or Respiratory Therapy degree is a great option too. Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in terms of employment right now; it is projected to generate over 3.2 million jobs between 2008 and 2018.* With an Associate’s in Medical Specialties degree, you will become thoroughly familiar with laboratory and coding procedures and be qualified to pursue employment as a medical assistant. An Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy degree will qualify you to pursue a position as a respiratory therapist. In 2008, respiratory therapists held approximately 105,900 jobs, and earned an average of $52,200. By 2018, the jobs held by respiratory therapists are projected to increase by 21 percent, which is much faster than the average profession.**

You can qualify to pursue entry-level positions and potentially lucrative careers with an associate’s degree in Computer Science as well. Depending on whether you choose to focus on networking or programming, an associate degree in Information Technology can equip you for entry-level IT positions in web development, computer programming, database design, computer repair, and networking. This degree can also give you a solid foundation in the IT industry, hence preparing you to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science as well as prepare for any certifications you may want to look at in the future.

So all in all, for a quick boost to your employment opportunities, a strong foundation in your chosen career, and greater chances of career growth, think about pursuing an associate’s degree.

Source:* bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm** bls.gov/oco/ocos321.htm