9 Best Associate Degrees (2 Years Or Less)

Summary

In this video, Shane explores the top associate degrees that offer stable and well-paying careers. He highlights high-demand fields like nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy, and respiratory therapy, emphasizing the financial benefits and job satisfaction. Shane also discusses tech-related degrees like cybersecurity and computer science, weighing the pros and cons of each career path. With a focus on shorter, affordable programs that lead to solid job opportunities, the video serves as a guide for those considering a two-year degree for a rewarding career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Associate degrees are a quicker, more affordable route to career success compared to bachelor’s degrees, but you need to pick the right one for long-term satisfaction.
• 😀 Nursing is a high-demand career with a great starting salary (around $69,000/year), and male nurses have even more job opportunities due to the shortage of male nurses.
• 😀 Dental hygienists can make six figures ($110,000/year) with a two to three-year associate's degree, though advancement opportunities are limited.
• 😀 Physical therapy assistants enjoy high job satisfaction and an average salary of $91,000/year, with a projected job growth of 33% over the next 10 years.
• 😀 Respiratory therapy is in high demand, especially after recent health crises, with salaries around $61,000/year and a growth rate of 14%. However, it’s a high-stress job.
• 😀 Radiologic technologists can expect a stable job with a salary of $61,000/year and a growth rate of 6%, but the job does come with potential health risks from radiation exposure.
• 😀 Occupational therapy assistants enjoy a fulfilling career helping people, with an average salary of $86,000/year, but there’s limited room for advancement in the field.
• 😀 Technology-related associate degrees, like cybersecurity and computer science, offer great earning potential and job growth but may have the downside of high pressure and fast-paced work environments.
• 😀 Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, with an average salary of $81,000/year, and the field is expected to grow by 35% over the next decade. However, some positions might prefer a bachelor’s degree.
• 😀 Computer science degrees offer a very high earning potential (average salary of $115,000/year) but require strong problem-solving skills, and the industry is evolving quickly with numerous career paths available.

Q & A

Why might someone consider pursuing an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's degree?

An associate's degree typically takes less time (around two years), costs significantly less, and provides the opportunity to start earning a salary sooner. Additionally, some associate degrees in healthcare and technology fields offer high-paying and stable job opportunities with strong career growth.

What are the advantages of pursuing an associate's degree in nursing?

An associate's degree in nursing can be completed in under two years, offering a quick route to a stable, high-paying job. Nurses, especially male nurses, are in high demand, and there are opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a nurse practitioner or anesthetist, which can increase earning potential significantly.

What challenges might someone face with an associate's degree in nursing?

At the associate level, nursing may be less comprehensive in terms of education, and nurses may be limited to entry-level roles that they don't want to stay in long-term. There could also be emotional and physical demands in the job.

What is the earning potential for a dental hygienist with an associate's degree?

Dental hygienists can earn an average salary of around $110,000 a year, and the demand for dental hygienists is growing at a rate of 9% over the next decade. This high earning potential makes it an attractive career choice for those with an associate's degree.

What are the limitations of a dental hygienist career?

The main limitations are limited career advancement—there's not much room beyond being a dental hygienist, and physical demands of the job, such as long hours of standing and working in awkward positions, which can cause discomfort or injury over time.

How does working as a physical therapy assistant differ from other healthcare roles in terms of job satisfaction?

Physical therapy assistants report high job satisfaction because they get to see the entire recovery process of patients, from injury to full recovery. This sense of accomplishment and helping people regain their mobility and quality of life contributes to job meaning and long-term happiness.

What are the potential downsides to becoming a physical therapy assistant?

Despite the high job satisfaction, being a physical therapy assistant can be physically demanding, and there may be limited opportunities for career advancement without further education or specialization.

What are the job prospects and earning potential for respiratory therapists?

Respiratory therapists can expect an average salary of around $61,000 per year, with a job growth rate of 14% over the next 10 years. While the demand for respiratory therapists is strong, the role can be high-stress, particularly in emergency situations.

How do radiologic technologists' job prospects and earnings compare to other healthcare roles?

Radiologic technologists earn around $61,000 per year, with a growth rate of 6% over the next decade. The job offers high demand and stability in healthcare but may expose workers to radiation, and the work can be physically demanding, such as moving patients for imaging.

What makes cybersecurity a good associate degree choice in today's job market?

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand due to the rise in cybercrime. An associate's degree can lead to a career in cybersecurity, with a salary around $81,000 per year and a growth rate of 35% over the next 10 years. The field offers good career advancement opportunities but can be stressful and requires staying current with rapidly changing technologies.