Longing for a new or fast-paced career, but don’t want to commit to a four-year degree program? Surprise, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree! Today’s associate’s degree programs take just two years, and you can acquire one through an online education college. There are a staggering 3.2 million higher education students in the United States taking courses online and you could be one. (Sloan Survey of Online Learning, Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States).
There are many exciting, high-paying careers that only require an associate’s degree. Consider graphic design, radiologic technology, licensed practical nursing, paralegal, and dental hygiene. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that these jobs will be among the fastest growing in 2006. Here are some facts about high-paying careers that only require an associate’s degree.
Graphic design
Many people are not familiar with graphic design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that graphic designers have the most job opportunities in the design field. There is a projected 9 to 17% increase in employment opportunities between 2007 and 2014.
“Success in this industry is based purely on creativity and skill, so if you have natural artistic ability, there’s a lot of potential,” says Jason Rich, career expert and author of 202 High-Paying Jobs You Can Land Without a College Degree (Entrepreneur Press 2006).
At two years, the associate program will help you develop your artistic skills and start a business or find a position with a corporation. A graphic designer earns from $29,400 to $50,800 per year. If you like art, this is a great career for you.
radiological technology
A radiologic technologist (RT) is part of a health care team, capable of assisting in the diagnosis of internal problems and diseases. Being a radiologic technologist involves interactions with patients and is, in some ways, similar to being a nurse. RT records X-rays and injects non-radioactive materials into the bloodstream of patients to help diagnose disease. This area of study may also lead to further studies in computed tomography, magnetic resonance technology, and radiation therapy. Earnings from a RT are $36,200 to $52,400 a year.
physical therapist assistant
The need for physical therapist assistants is expected to increase by 27% or more over the next eight years. This career can also prepare you to move into massage therapy or sports medicine. The median annual salary is $31,000 to $44,000. As the baby boomer population ages, there will be a great need for physical therapist assistants. If fitness and sports are your loves, consider this career as a gateway to those fields.
medical transcriptionist
A medical transcriptionist listens to and transcribes dictated recordings made by doctors and other healthcare workers. The information becomes medical reports, letters, and other documents. The BLS expects this job to grow from 18 to 26% over the next eight years. Hourly wages range from $11.50 to $16.30. The best thing about this run is that it can be done at home! If you have children to take care of, this may be your career.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and ambulatory care centers. They do many of the jobs that registered nurses do. This job is expected to grow at an average rate for LPNs who work in hospitals, but for those who work elsewhere, the job growth rate will be around 27%. The salary rate is $34,000 to $40,600 per year and is expected to increase.
Paralegals and paralegals
Jobs for paralegals and paralegals are also expected to increase 27% or more over the next eight years. They make between $39,000 and $50,000 per year, which is very well paid for someone with an associate’s degree. The highest paying jobs will be found with the federal government and large law firms, but they are available in most cities.
When considering an online education, consider the opportunities an online associate’s degree can provide. Your career possibilities may include business, education, information technology, health, law, and many more. According to the National Science Foundation, more than a fifth of people employed in the fields of science and engineering have less than a bachelor’s degree, and 17% have an associate’s degree. If you’re not sure how much education you want to commit to, an online associate’s degree is a good first step. Students often choose an associate’s degree online to specialize in a field or to acquire a high-paying career while they consider pursuing more college education degrees online.
(Statistics source: The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007, US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
