High-Growth Careers You Can Launch with an Associate’s Degree in Health Science

An associate’s degree in health science opens doors to some of today’s hottest careers As the massive baby boomer generation ages into retirement, it is fueling enormous demand for qualified healthcare professionals An associate’s degree is a quick and affordable way to gain entry into this rapidly growing sector.

With just two years of study, a health science associate degree equips you with a solid foundation of healthcare knowledge, allowing you to begin working in both clinical and administrative roles. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for healthcare occupations to grow 16% between 2020-2030, adding 26 million new jobs. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Keep reading to discover some of the most promising career paths made possible by earning an associate’s degree in health science.

In-Demand Clinical Roles

An associate’s in health science prepares you for several hands-on clinical positions experiencing strong demand. These jobs involve directly caring for patients and working alongside other healthcare professionals like nurses and doctors.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform administrative tasks and basic clinical procedures under the supervision of physicians and nurses. Typical duties include:

• Recording vital signs
• Assisting with examinations and treatments
• Collecting lab specimens
• Scheduling appointments
• Managing medical records

In addition to an associate’s degree, most employers also require certification. Coursework in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology gives you the right foundation to earn certification after graduation.

The number of medical assistant jobs is projected to grow 23% by 2030, much faster than average. An aging population requiring more healthcare services is fueling demand. Medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $36,930.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy techs assist licensed pharmacists in providing prescription medications to customers. Their main duties include:

• Taking prescription requests
• Measuring medication amounts
• Compounding medications
• Verifying insurance and prescription information
• Managing inventory

Most pharmacy techs have a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Voluntary certification can enhance job prospects, for which an associate’s degree helps prepare you.

Employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 9% through 2030 as prescription drug use rises. The median annual pay is $36,450.

Radiologic Technologist

Also known as radiographers, radiologic techs perform diagnostic imaging examinations like x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Responsibilities include:

• Preparing patients for imaging procedures
• Operating specialized medical equipment
• Determining proper dosages and exposure times
• Implementing radiation safety protocols

An associate’s degree is the most common educational requirement. All states require licensing or certification as well. Coursework in anatomy, patient care, and imaging procedures primes students for certification exams.

Thanks to an aging population, jobs for radiologic technologists are projected to grow 9% through 2030. Technologists earn a median salary of $64,310 annually.

Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists assist surgery teams before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their duties include:

• Prepping operating rooms by sterilizing equipment
• Passing instruments and supplies to surgeons during surgery
• Preparing patients for procedures
• Assisting with applying dressings after surgery

Most surgical techs hold an associate’s degree or complete a certificate program. Voluntary certification can boost job prospects. Coursework in surgical procedures, physiology, and infection control provides relevant knowledge.

Employment for surgical technologists is forecast to grow 15% through 2030, driven by advances in medical technology and rising surgery rates. The median annual salary is $51,510.

Administrative Support Roles

A health science associate’s degree also qualifies graduates for administrative support positions in healthcare settings. These roles focus on organizational, clerical, and patient coordination duties.

Health Information Technician

Health information techs organize and manage health records for hospitals, doctors’ offices, government agencies, and insurance companies. Key duties include:

• Classifying medical data for reimbursement purposes
• Maintaining data security and confidentiality
• Compiling patient health statistics
• Ensuring records comply with regulations

Most employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree. Coursework in medical terminology and coding sets the stage for professional certification.

Employment for health information techs is projected to grow 15% through 2030 as electronic health records become more widespread. The median annual wage is $46,590.

Patient Coordinator

Patient coordinators, also called patient access representatives, facilitate interactions between patients and healthcare providers. Responsibilities may involve:

• Registering patients for services
• Verifying insurance coverage
• Scheduling medical appointments
• Communicating with medical staff regarding patient needs
• Arranging financial aid for patients

An associate’s degree in health science meets the education requirements for most employers. Customer service and communication skills are also important.

Jobs for patient coordinators are expected to grow by 23% through 2030 along with rising demand for healthcare. The median salary is $37,270 annually.

Healthcare Administrative Assistant

Healthcare administrative assistants provide clerical support in medical settings. Daily tasks may include:

• Greeting patients
• Answering phones
  -Scheduling appointments
  -Updating patient records
  -Compiling billing information
  -Ordering supplies

While some employers hire candidates with a high school diploma, an associate’s degree gives job seekers an advantage. Coursework in medical terminology provides familiarity with healthcare documentation.

Employment growth for medical secretaries is projected at 15% through 2030. The median annual wage is $37,760.

Advancing Your Career

An associate’s degree in health science gets you started in an exciting healthcare career. But it can also serve as a stepping stone to further education and higher-level roles.

Many graduates transfer into 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in fields like nursing, health administration, public health, and laboratory science. This opens up careers such as registered nurse, health services manager, epidemiologist, and medical technologist.

Some schools offer RN-to-BSN bridge programs that enable associate’s-prepared nurses to earn their bachelor’s in nursing with just 1-2 years of extra study.

Healthcare professionals looking to move into leadership or advanced practice positions often pursue relevant master’s degrees as well. Options include the Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Nursing.

So while an associate’s degree can land you a great first job after college, it may also spark an exciting, lifelong educational journey in the thriving healthcare sector. With hard work and determination, the sky’s the limit on how far your health science career can take you!