Even in the recent economic climate, health care careers are still growing strong. The industry added 3,700 jobs to the 4.72 million workforce in June 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. With an associate degree level of training, you could find yourself working in a field some are calling recession-proof.
Career training in health care
Imagine yourself succeeding in the health care industry. Picturing years of medical school? You might be surprised to learn about the careers -- and great salaries -- available for associate degree graduates. Whether you want to work directly with patients or operate behind the scenes, training in health care gives you the skills you need.
Associate degrees can be completed in as few as two years, and provide a focused level of training in the field you want. Check out some of the top health care careers possible with an associate degree.
Offer: Search for Schools
Dental hygienists
Work with patients alongside the dentist as you diagnose dental issues, take x-rays and determine patient history. An enviable salary awaits trained dental hygienists: The BLS reports mean annual earnings of $66,950 in 2008. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, and most require candidates for licensure to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school. Bachelor's and associate degrees in dental hygiene are available.
Registered nurses
This classic health care career is possible with an associate degree. Registered nurses work in a range of medical settings, from emergency rooms to nursing homes, clinics to pediatric units. No matter where you end up as a nurse, you're sure to find daily rewards in a career that has you saving lives and making a real difference. Another perk of the job is the real salary: The BLS reports that registered nurses saw mean annual wages of $65,130 in 2008. Nurses hoping to further specialize may need to return to school for a bachelor's or master's degree.
Physical therapist assistants
Imagine the satisfaction of helping change someone's life for the better. Working as an assistant to a physical therapist, you could help ease pain and increase mobility to patients suffering from injuries and disabling conditions. Heavy lifting is a big part of the job, as assistants are often required to lift and move patients from chairs to the floor or other devices. Physical therapist assistants enjoyed mean annual salaries of $46,300 in 2008, the BLS notes. Assistants typically have an associate degree; look for specialized programs in physical therapy assisting.
Medical billers and coders
This is no ordinary data entry job. Medical billers and coders help ensure hospitals and physician's offices run smoothly and patients are charged fairly for their care. In order to become a registered health information technician, medical billers and coders first need to earn an associate degree accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The reward for your knowledge is a strong salary: Medical billers and coders enjoyed mean annual earnings of $32,960 in 2008, according to the BLS.
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
An associate degree is generally required for paramedics, who generally must also have clinical and field experience. Starting your training to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) is a popular way to work into the field. EMTs and paramedics earned mean annual salaries of $31,980 in 2008, the BLS reports. Saving lives is its own reward, but a growing salary is an additional perk.
Medical secretaries
Like medical billers and coders, this career is all about working behind the scenes in the health care industry. Medical secretaries take dictation, transcribe reports, and work with medical scientists and physicians preparing for conferences and articles. A healthy salary awaits: The BLS reports that medical secretaries earned mean annual wages of $30,800 in 2008. You'll need to know advanced medical terminology along with general secretarial duties. Look for an associate degree program with specialized coursework for medical secretaries.
Medical assistants
Working as a medical assistant could have you sitting behind the receptionist's desk or performing basic clinical functions in the exam room. Expect to take coursework combining clinical and clerical duties, mixing coursework in anatomy and medical terminology with classes in record keeping and accounting. Medical assistants earned mean annual wages of $29,060 in 2008, according to the BLS.
Veterinary technicians
The future of health care jobs includes animal care, too. Growing veterinary clinics means better opportunities for veterinary technicians, who run lab tests, record animal case history, develop x-rays and perform other clinical duties. Technicians earned mean annual wages of $29,850 in 2008, the BLS reports. An associate degree can prepare you to become a technician. If you're ready to take on more responsibility, a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology is available.
Associate degrees offer smart training
Over the course of the entire recession, an average of 8,800 new jobs are added every month. The booming health care industry is expected to see even more growth if President Obama's health care initiatives pass. While no associate degree can guarantee a certain career or salary, the training you receive now could mean a real boost to your career future.
