Associate Degree – The Basics
An Associate Degree can be easily described as a 2 year college degree. Community or Junior Colleges offer an Associate Degree in their respective area’s of study, that can be earned in right around 2 years or 4 to 5 semesters depending on how many courses you take in a given semester. Usually, the Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours to be achieved. Once a student recieves the degree, they have two options:
1. Use their Associate Degree to start their career in their respective area of study and enter the workforce, or…
2. Continue their education by transfering that Associate degree to a 4 Year College or University in route to earning a 4 year degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.
Many students use their Associate Degree as a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s Degree that can only be earned at a 4 Year College/University. However, there are many careers that only require an Associate Degree and can also earn you a great salary! Take a look at these careers that only require a 2 year, Associate Degree…
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Average salary: $66,660
- Medical Sonographer: Average salary: $61, 980
- Dental Hygienist: Average salary: $57,148
- Registered Nurse: Average salary: $55,276
- Radiologic Technician: Average salary: $52,210
- Engineering Technician: An Engineering Technician degree in aerospace/aviation pays an average of $55,040. For electrical engineering technicians, it’s $53,240.
- Paralegal: The median national salary is $50,010.
- Court Reporter: Average salary: $49,710.
- Respiratory Therapist: Average salary: $52,200.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant: Average salary: $48.230.
*source: getdegrees.com
