These are the top 5 highest paying healthcare jobs you can get with an Associate’s Degree or less. The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision-making. Keep reading to check out how you can start your career in healthcare without a Bachelor’s degree!
Registered Nurse
Job Outlook (2018–2028): 12% (Much faster than average)
Education Minimum: Associate’s Degree (ADN or ASN)
2018 Median Annual Salary: $71,7302 (This includes RN’s with higher degrees)
Top Skills: Critical-thinking skills, communication skills, compassion, detail-oriented, emotional stability, organizational skills, and physical stamina
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Nursing education programs usually include courses in anatomy, and physiology, as well as in liberal arts. Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree, and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.
Radiologic and MRI Technologists
Job Outlook (2018–2028): 9 percent (Faster than average)
Education: Associate’s Degree
2018 Median Annual Salary: $61,240
Top Skills: Detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, math skills, physical stamina, and technical skills
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. An associate’s degree is the most common educational requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Education programs typically include both classroom study and clinical work.
Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Job Outlook (2018–2028): 11% (Much faster than average)
Education: Associate’s Degree
2018 Median Annual Salary: $52,330
Top Skills: Ability to use technology, detail-oriented, dexterity, and physical stamina.
Clinical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Clinical laboratory technicians often complete an associate’s degree program in clinical laboratory science. The Armed Forces and vocational or technical schools also may offer certificate programs for medical laboratory technicians. Technician coursework addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of each of the major laboratory disciplines.
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
Job Outlook (2018–2028): 26% (Much faster than average)
Education: Associate’s Degree
2018 Median Annual Salary: $48,090
Top Skills: Compassion, detail-oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina
Physical therapist assistants sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.
Surgical Technologist
Job Outlook (2018–2028): 9% (Faster than average)
Education: Associate’s Degree
2018 Median Annual Salary: $47,300
Top Skills: Communication, detail-oriented, dexterity, integrity, listening skills, physical stamina, and stress-management skills.
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist with operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. Surgical technologists typically need a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree from an accredited surgical technology program. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, offer accredited programs that range in length from several months to 2 years.
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