By Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer
Many people overlook associate degree programs -- which generally involve two years of classes -- when they consider their options. But there are a surprising number of options for graduates with associate degrees.
By Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer
When most of us think of postsecondary education, our first thoughts are about four-year degree programs where we can earn a bachelor's degree. We may even be thinking about a master's degree, which involves an even greater time investment.
Many people overlook associate degree programs -- which generally involve two years of classes -- when they consider their options. But there are a surprising number of options for graduates with associate degrees.
Success stories
Saideh Browne has explored these options. "I have an associate degree from Hudson County Community College, and I am now a published author and own a speakers bureau," she says.
The New York City-based Browne says her degree serves her well. "I've been self-employed for most of my life, and my business law, corporate finance and accounting courses really helped me. But practical, hands-on experience and trial by fire has taught me the most," Browne asserts.
Ginger Vaughn is also happy with where her career path has led her. "I graduated with an associate degree. While in school I did an internship with the local daily paper," recalls Vaughn, who lives in Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Vaughn happened upon her current employer when she was seeking a job at a theater as the house manager. When Vaughn mentioned her experience and her degree, she was hired by the firm shortly afterwards. "This year, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary," she says.
Another option
Marc Scheer is the author of "No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-Off."
He believes that pursuing an associate degree can be a very wise choice.
"Associate degrees tend to be great investments because they cost less than four-year programs," Scheer notes. "Graduates can transfer to four-year programs afterwards if necessary."
Most importantly, with four-year programs at major universities carrying a six-figure price tag, Scheer believes associate degrees are a valuable test run.
"Since many college students drop out before graduating, these degrees allow them to try out college at a low cost. If they then drop out, they'll have incurred much lower debt."
Hot jobs for associate degree graduates
If you're interested in a particular job, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an occupational guide that outlines occupations with an associate degree requirement.
Here's a sample of six of the most in demand jobs from the Bureau's listing, along with the average salaries for these positions according to CBSalary.com. (Please note that the salaries cited are general in nature and are based on averages; specific salaries may vary depending on a number of factors, including location and experience.)
1. Occupational therapist assistant and physical therapist assistant
These assistants will work closely with the main therapist that provides care for the client. These are good examples of jobs where graduates can test their aptitude and enthusiasm for the job before continuing to a four-year degree.
Salary: Occupational therapy assistants earn an average of $37,769, while physical therapy assistants earn an average of $36,866.
2. Dental assistants and hygienists
There's always a consistent demand for assistants and hygienists. These workers are increasingly responsible (depending on where you live) for patient procedures where a licensed dentist is not required.
Salary: Office assistants can make an average of $31,023, while a dental hygienist can make a median salary of $54,413.
This job combines writing, formatting and graphic design. Many schools offer associate degrees in graphics arts and design that translates into transferrable skills for this job. <
Salary: An graduate working in this position could expect a median salary of around $34,459.
These assistants offer classroom support for licensed, certified teachers.
Salary: A teaching assistant who has completed a two-year program and is working in primary or secondary education can anticipate a salary around $24,270.
5. Paralegal and paralegal assistants
Paralegals support a staff of lawyers or a legal department at a major corporation. A member of a paralegal staff researches laws and regulations, and coordinates and organizes files.
Salary: A paralegal can earn an average salary of $44,934, while a paralegal assistant's media salary is $43,841.
6. Computer support specialist
Computer support specialists help computer users troubleshoot any technical issues they might have with their computer system. Since most organizations, in all industries, use computers these days, support specialists can work almost anywhere.
Salary: A computer support specialist can earn an average salary of $45,719 per year.
Next: America's Highest Starting Salaries >>
Find a Job
Search by Company | Search by IndustryPatrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Jan 17th 2009 @ 9:19PM Steven Fannell
Does Orange County Community College offer courses for dental hygientist?
Reply
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 7:57AM alicia
If you contact your school, your community college, they will let you know. You could also go to their website and click on acadmemics and then go to their programs, there should be a list there. Look and see if the program is in the list. If you do not know the address of the website, just google it and you should find it. Hope that helps!
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 8:37AM randi
yes this is where i graduated from!!
hygiene is a great field and the median salary is way higher than what is printed here!
good luck
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 4:18PM April
Actually, check out Weston Distance Learning if you want a convenient way to study from home. They should be offering a program pretty soon. You can call and ask them. I am doing the academic review of the dental assisting program materials right now so they should be offering the course pretty soon, I would think.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 9:53PM Nya
yes, they have a really good program, but there is a waiting list to get into it.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 7:09AM erin
I've seen jobs for Paralegals where the employer wants a candidate to have a four year degree. Also they want you to have a Paralegal Certificate on top of the four degree.
Reply
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 12:45PM linda
Erin,
Not all paralegals have four year degrees. It depends on the city where you live. In chicago- yes. In Phoenix-no. Phoenix College does have paralegal studies at the jc level.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 11:19AM Wendi
I would have to object to saying that paralegals make $45,000.00 per year. That is not the norm, especially in an economy where many attorneys are starting at that amount and in many situations even lower, even in some larger cities, particularly Chicago. A paralegal may make that kind of money if they get a position in a large firm and are willing to work 50 to 60 hours a week. As for the 4 year degree, that depends on what type of work you are looking to do. I know there are many local business school that offer paralegal programs that do not require a 4 yaer degree. I am also aware that Loyola University in Chicago has a paralegal program that requires you have a four year degree. The last time I checked there really isn't a paralegal certificate that is approved or credited by the American Bar Association. That is not to discredit the occupation because I can say speaking from experience having a qualified paralegal or legal assistant is a necessity for an attorney to keep their practice in order. However, if you have a four year degree already what's stopping you from going ahead and just going back for three more years and getting your law degree. Just a though.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 12:07PM Mike
Oh yea, if you're going to go to school for 4 years. Why not put in another 4 and pass the BAR? In Manhattan you have to prove you make 120K to rent a studio apt.! It's either that, or become the next Jimi Hendrix. Go for the biggest fastest big bucks you feel capable of. Personally, I'm going to Rock the music industry into the 21 St Century, and away goes the garbage you hear today, down the drain.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 11:49AM Sushil Yesupriya
Who says you need a 4 year degree in order to become a Paralegal. All you folks who are interested in becoming a Paralegal contact: The Paralegal Institute of Washington DC situated in downtown DC. They have their own website, do a google search for them. I am a product of theirs - they have an excellent and sincere staff. As far as I am concerned all you need to become a successful Paralegal is:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills in English ( or in Spanish which is becoming equally in demand.)
2. Faithfulness and willingness to learn & work hard on the Job.
3. A Paralegal CERTIFICATION from Paralegal Institute of Washington DC.
Lastly - Any good paralegal can make between $18-40 per hour with benefits, depending on experience and skills already acquired. The duties / work a Paralegal does can be a very very wide range of work - hence it is the duty / responsibility of the individual to choose the area of specialization he/she wants to work in. A Paralegal cannot really loose or get laid off from his job because the legal field is so vast and also because a Lawyer / attorney will start to change his area of practice if one area of practice is not bringing the kind of money he wants to make. So good luck and happy career and job hunting.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 12:03PM Kat
Erin,
I think that is because sometimes people work in a law firm for a short time and then call themselves "Paralegals" to beef up their resume. Also, there are lots of "shake and bake" schools out there offering 6 week programs, which in my opinion, could not teach someone all they need to know to earn the title. Don't meant offend anyone, but I attended 2 1/2 years of the same types of law classes that attorneys do, and I have now been a paralegal for 15 years. I think it was worth it to go the extra distance and get the education.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 12:35PM Mike
Most law firms, legal organizations, and other entities that have legal assistants, or paralegals prefer individuals with a 4 Year Bachelors Degree, a Certificate from an ABA approved program, and a few years experience. Typically, entry-level paralegals only make $10-15 per hour, which equates to $20,800 - $31200 per year. Most other paralegals with experience also generally have earnings in that salary range. Paralegals that have years of experience, that work for the government, private organizations, or large law firms, and have a managerial or supervisory position can make $40,000 - $50,000 if they are lucky. However, all in all it is a good choice for a profession. If you want to take it to the next level, be in charge, and have better earning potential get your J.D., and pass the bar exam.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 8:40PM Ivyleague
You're right! I too have seen paralegal jobs where the employer requires a BA or BS. For this article to come out worries me because it indicates sort of an inbalance between paralegals. Question ....is the paralegal with a BA more marketable than one having an Associates? With the economy being what it is will the employer hire for less? i.e., associates over BA/BS
I changed careers later in life and am now a paralegal with a BA...I'm happy to have a job but certainly don't make what I should be...I now have 6 years paralegal experirence with a general practitioner and am looking to become specialized in an area of law but those employers are looking for paralegals with years experience in said specialty...help Any suggestions, on how I can specialized and make the $$$ with the years of experience behind me?
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 5:54PM Kat
I think it probably depends on location and a lot of other factors but, in my experience, at least, a lot of the potential employers out there prefer a 4-year to a 2-year degree and want experience to boot.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 6:44AM Giles
Steven, I`m sure they do, ask them directly, online or in person.
Reply
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 6:47AM Giles
Or ask your dentist, Steven.
Reply
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 8:42AM Anne Holt
Erin is correct. To apply to a Paralegal program, a four year degree is required and is a pre-requisite to enrolling in the program, I have noticed. So a four year degree first gains you entry into a paralegal program.
Reply
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 7:48AM Sparky28
I have a paralegal certificate and no degree. Not all colleges require that you have a degreee first, but it seems most employers require the degree or just want a law student anyway. I went to school full time @ night at a decent college in NY,took all the law and research coursesmd the certificate has done me no good....that was over 12 years ago when the Paralegal courses were the "hot" thing to take since it was going to be one of the "up and comingg jobs".
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 9:36AM judy
I went into community college, Associates of Science, ABA approved Legal Assistant (now called Paralegal Program), and got my degree. No pre-requisite required.
Jan 22nd 2009 @ 11:35AM rebecca
every stae is different. In CT you can become a Paralegal in one year