Continuing education is a dilemma that faces many people. What stumps them is the question of the value of that education in the long run and the best route to take to earn a degree that will lead to a rewarding career. Not everyone can afford or even wants to pursue a 4-year degree, but everyone wants a career that allows them to live well. For those people, a 2-year Associates degree may be the way to go.
Shorter in length and far less expensive to complete, many 2-year degrees give students the advantage of earning a degree that provides "real-world" job-related training leading to an actual career and immediate job opportunities, rather than a general education that leaves you wondering "What now?"
Career education teaches you to do something and provides you with the skills to start working as soon as you complete your degree. You already have the training on day one of your new job! And if you decide later that you would like to earn your bachelors degree, having already earned your associates degree puts you half-way there.
In the January 5, 2009 article titled 10 Best Jobs Requiring Two-Year Degrees which appeared on Careerbuilder.com. The following professions were identified as being the best for those considering earning a 2-year degree:
1. Computer specialists
Median annual wage: $71,510*
Projected 2016 employment increase: 15 percent
2. Dental hygienists
Median annual wage: $64,740
Projected 2016 employment increase: 30 percent
3. Fashion designers
Median annual wage: $62,810
Projected 2016 employment increase: 5 percent
4. Registered nurses
Median annual wage: $60,010
Projected 2016 employment increase: 23 percent
5. Environmental engineering technicians
Median annual wage: $ 40,560
Projected 2016 employment increase: 25 percent
6. Radiologic/X-Ray Technicians
Median annual wage: $50,260
Projected 2016 employment increase: 15 percent
7. Industrial engineering technicians
Median annual wage: $47,490
Projected 2016 employment increase: 10 percent
8. Paralegals and legal assistants
Median annual wage: $44,990
Projected 2016 employment increase: 22 percent
9. Occupational therapist assistants
Median annual wage: $45,050
Projected 2016 employment increase: 25 percent
10. Computer support specialists
Median annual wage: $42,400
Projected 2016 employment increase: 13 percent
*Salary and employment data based on Bureau of Labor Statistics information.
Find Associate degree programs.
If you are interested in learning more about earning a degree in one of these specialties, visit Career-Study.com to locate a school in your area and request information about admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid. A couple of these degrees can even be earned completely online!
Cheers!
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