Which Associate Degree Programs Will Make You the Most Money?

If you’re looking to gain the most educational bang for your buck, it is tough to argue against an associate degree.
For two years (or approximately 20 classes) of learning and around $5,000 of tuition, you could graduate and be ready to earn just as much as someone with a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, many four-year schools accept applications from community college graduates looking to complete their bachelor’s degree. It’s not as though an associate degree will close any doors for you.
The advantages of earning “only” an associate degree in terms of job prospects depend on your career goals and location. According to a study by Georgetown University, 28 percent of associate degree holders earn more than the average person with a bachelor’s degree. How can you land in that camp? Programs in certain industries will absolutely qualify you to succeed and find a job whose earning power is comparable to what might be available to a four-year graduate.

Career Prospects for Associate Degree Graduates

Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. has identified several of the careers in which associate degree holders comprise a large percentage of the workforce and earn approximately as much as their colleagues who have pursued four-year degrees.

Top Healthcare Industry Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees

• Radiation Therapists - median annual wage: $77,560
• Dental Hygienists - median annual wage: $70,210
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists - median annual wage: $70,180
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - median annual wage: $60, 350
• Respiratory Therapists - median annual wage: $55, 870

Top Technician Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees

• Nuclear Technicians - median annual wage: $69,060
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians - median annual wage: $61,530
• Engineering Technicians, including Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical and Electronics) - median annual wages: $47,560, $51,980, $57,850, respectively

It’s important to note that job opportunities vary significantly by region.
Sometimes, community colleges partner with regional employers to ensure a well-educated workforce, including Ford, General Motors, and John Deere. It’s a win-win, because it’s in the interest of both the school and the employer for students to be prepared for jobs that are in demand. So if you plan to attend a particular community college or are considering only schools in a certain region, check to see if the school has launched any corporate partnerships or job placement programs. It could help to guide you — and ultimately, land you a good job — as you choose an associate degree program with an eye toward career advancement.

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Online Associate's Degree in Registered Nursing

Those looking for an online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program can find them in a variety of schools and colleges across the country. Many ADN programs are designed to help transition licensed practical nurses into registered nurses.

Essential Information

An associate's degree is the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse (RN), with most programs requiring two years of study after prerequisites are met. While many courses in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program are available online, the clinical experience required means the degree can't be earned completely off-campus.

Courses available online usually include general education courses and nursing courses in nursing theory, anatomy and medical terminology. The clinical part of the program takes place in on-campus labs and at medical facilities. Clinical work can sometimes be arranged to take place at a facility near the student's home.

All states require nurses to be licensed. Licensing requirements include graduation from an approved nursing training program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Online Associate in Nursing Degree Programs Overview

An online ADN program teaches students how to care for adults and children with injuries or illnesses. In most cases, before being accepted into a nursing program, students are expected to complete certain prerequisite classes, such as biology, anatomy and psychology.

Program and Computer Essentials

An online ADN program usually allows students to complete the lecture, reading and assignment portion of their education online. Students typically attend labs on campus and fulfill their clinical experiences in local hospitals, physicians' offices or health care clinics.

To communicate online with their peers and instructors, read lecture material and hand in assignments, students need a computer with a reliable Internet connection and a Web browser. Other software may also be required to read documents and work on spreadsheets or presentations. Some schools might also require students to install plug-in software on their computers to play video or audio material.

Typical Associate-Level Nursing Courses

After fulfilling the general requirements for an associate's degree and any nursing prerequisite courses, students move into higher-level nursing classes. Online nursing courses often have a lab or clinical component that reinforces the lecture or reading material. Students usually access class material online through a school's course management software or it might be sent via e-mail.

Nursing Pharmacology Course

Students learn how to prepare and administer medication to patients intravenously, orally and through injection. The various drug classes, drug interactions and side effects are also covered.

Nursing Fundamentals Course

This course is usually the first nursing course for students without a medical background. Covering basic nursing skills and processes, the subject matter includes assessment, documentation, hygiene, safety, nutrition and post-operative care. Students also learn about the registered nurse's role in a medical facility.

Caring for Adults and Children Course

Students learn the basics of caring for children in both community and acute care settings, covering such subjects as immunity and childhood illnesses. Topics in caring for adults with medical or surgical issues include electrolyte and fluid balance, respiratory management and the immune system.

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