subject: Associates Degrees For Well-paying Healthcare Careers [print this page] What if you could have a lucrative, satisfying career in the healthcare industry with just a two-year associates degree? You read right: TWO years! Read on to find out more about your career options in the healthcare industry with a two-year associates degree.
Respiratory therapists provide medical care and attention to patients of all ages suffering from cardiopulmonary disorders and breathing difficulties. Students can take the certification exam in order to become aCertified Respiratory Therapist(CRT) upon completion of a respiratory therapist program from an accredited program. Students with a certification are always preferred by employers.
Median annual wage:$54,2801
Top 10 percent could earn up to:$73,410
Degree requirement:Associates degree, though students have the option of earning a bachelors degree as well.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists treat patients suffering from cancer by giving them radiation treatments. In order to be licensed a student is first required to complete a program from an accredited college and then pass theAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologists(ARRT) exam to become certified.
Median annual wage:$74,9802
Top 10 percent could earn up to:$110,550
Degree requirement:Associates degree or a bachelors degree
Registered nurses provide medical care and attention to patients of all hospitals. Although patient care is their primary function, they also provide emotional support to patients and their families. Their jobs may be emotionally and physically challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding in the healthcare industry.
Median annual wage:$64,6903
Top 10 percent could earn up to:$95,130
Degree requirement:Associates degree or a bachelors degree followed by passing theNational Council Licensure Examination(NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs to administer to patients undergoing scans. The radioactive drugs make the affected body part appear clearly in medical images. Nuclear medicine technologists are required to be nationally certified. Along with this certification, technologists can earn certification in specific procedures or equipment theyre proficient in such as:computed tomography (CT),positron emission tomography (PET),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear cardiology (NCT).
Median annual wage:$68,5604
Top 10 percent could earn up to:$91,970
Degree requirement:Associates degree in nuclear medicine technology
Choosing the right college
Choosing the right college is a question of individual interests and requirements. Before starting your search for a college, students are advised to think about what they want from a college. A great way of finding out finer details about a college is to read its reviews and student testimonials. For instance, if you read areview of Stevens Henager College, youd learn about its accreditation and student services. Otherreviews of Stevens Henager Collegespeak of its career services, financial aid programs, and much more. Always make it a point to read as much as you can find about a college so you can make a well-informed decision about your college.
An associates degree could be a stepping stone toward a well-paying, satisfying career. All it requires is a little bit of research and deliberation.
