There’s good news for those who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible, but not without a degree and the right qualifications. There are a number of careers you can pursue that do not require a full-time four-year bachelor’s degree, which means that students get to start earning two years before those who are pursuing their bachelor’s. Let’s take a look at some such careers that have good growth potential and can be started with a two-year associate’s degree.
Great Career Options with an Associate’s Degree
•Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative duties in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and a variety of healthcare settings. Their duties include scheduling appointments, billing and coding, interviewing patients and recording vital stats, administering medications, collecting samples for laboratory testing, and recording patient history for medical and insurance records. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow by 31% from 2010 to 2020.1 An associate’s degree is sufficient to pursue a job as a medical assistant. CollegeAmerica student reviews indicate that the college offers an AAS in Medical Specialties, which trains students to become medical assistants.
•Registered Nurse: For people who can handle stressful and emotional situations without losing their cool and can work tirelessly in shifts, nursing is a great career option. After completing an ADN program and passing the licensure exam to become an RN, one can pursue entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings. The BLS states that the job outlook for RNs is expected to grow by 26% in this decade.
•Web Designer: As the name suggests, a web designer designs websites and creates layouts using graphics, logos, and multimedia applications. Publishing and advertising are some industries where web designers can find suitable jobs. This occupation is just right for people who are very imaginative and creative. A Bachelor’s in Web Design and Development, as suggested by students on a CollegeAmerica student review, is one of the most suitable programs for students aiming to be web designers.
•Administrative Assistant: Every business needs people who can handle administrative duties, and that’s where an administrative assistant comes in. These people maintain employee records, organize files and paperwork, schedule appointments and meetings, and perform routine clerical and secretarial duties. An associate’s degree in business management, business administration, or accounting, is perfect for a job as an administrative assistant. Administrative assistants, as noted by the BLS, should see a 12% rise in job opportunities in the coming decade.
•Tech Support: Technical support specialists, or tech support and help-desk technicians as they are commonly known, monitor and safeguard an organization’s electronic data. Their duties include erecting firewalls to protect data, taking steps to ensure system security, and performing risk assessments to ensure data processing is carried on smoothly. A two-year degree in networking, such as an AS in Computer Technology and Networking offered by CollegeAmerica, would equip you with the right skills needed to be a technical support specialist. The BLS states that this occupation is expected to see an 18% rise in employment opportunities in the coming decade.
So if you’ve finished high school and plan to start earning as soon as possible, choose from any one of the above careers, depending on your tastes and preferences, get your associate’s degree, and be on your way to a great career with a good earning potential!
Sources: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
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