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Overview of a Associate’s in Healthcare

An associate degree in healthcare is a two-year degree that students may complete on campus, online, or in a combination of on-campus and online learning. Healthcare is a major part of the US economy, and an associate degree can open a path to a career in this vital field. Population changes drive much of the growth of healthcare in the US, while national policies have increased levels of health insurance available.

Healthcare occupations represent the largest projected increase among occupational groups in the US for the next eight years. There may be up to 1.9 million new jobs created in the sector in that time.

An associate degree is an entry-level degree and students can use this to move into jobs in the healthcare field or as a foundation for further education. Many four-year colleges accept a two year degree as part of a bachelor’s degree program in the healthcare disciplines.

PROS

• Associate degrees can be earned more quickly than bachelor’s degrees — Typically, associate degree programs require two years of attendance. This also affects the cost of a two-year degree, which is far lower than a bachelor’s degree, and many bachelor’s degree students graduate with large amounts of student debt. While some specialty careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level work, there are just as many that allow those with associate degrees to enter the field at the entry level and start earning wages more quickly than those who earn a bachelor’s degree.

• Associate degree holders usually — earn more than people with high school degrees or certificates. Both in annual earnings, hourly wages, and lifetime earnings, associate degrees offer substantial advantages when compared to high school graduates.

• Associate degrees may be more accessible than bachelor’s degrees — Many community colleges offer them and admissions requirements may be more inclusive than four-year schools. Associate degrees may also be better for students with limited academic records such as fewer academic courses, more vocational courses in their transcripts, or perennially low grades.

CONS

• An associate degree does not offer — the range of job and educational opportunities that can come with a bachelor’s degree. Graduate level education usually requires a bachelor’s degree and many high-paying jobs require technical qualifications that students cannot earn in two-year programs.

• Bachelor’s degree holders tend to — earn more in wages and salaries than associate degree graduates. Some healthcare positions require specialization and the two-year associate degree cannot support the level of coursework, laboratory work, and other technical elements needed for this.

• Some useful certifications require bachelor’s degrees — Certifications help you demonstrate a level of competence and expertise in specific areas of healthcare. Many certificate programs ask for qualifying levels of education and experience.

What Healthcare Associate Degrees are Available?

Many schools offer four major types of associate degrees. One difference is the arts degree (AA) versus the science degree (AS). Another option is the applied science degree (AAS). The major distinction between applied science vs the associate of science degree relates to whether the program prepares students specifically to go into the workforce, as with the AAS, or for further education, as with the AA and AS.

Associate of Arts degrees are two-year programs that provide students with a strong general education. They are exposed to a greater variety of courses, while Associate of Science degrees usually focus on creating more in-depth knowledge of the field in which they are looking to earn a degree. Either one of these will allow students to move on to a bachelor’s program in the future.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees are similar to associate of science programs in that they offer and emphasis on mathematics, sciences, and computer science. However, they differ from AS degrees in that the AAS programs focus on job readiness and offer even fewer general education courses.

Some associate degrees in healthcare include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (AND)

• Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology

• Associate Degree in Physical Therapy

• Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy

• Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

Admission Requirements to Enter an A.S. Program in Healthcare

A high school diploma or GED is the basic educational requirement for admission into an associate degree program. Many schools examine the grade point average, standard test scores, and grades in core courses, though community colleges are more lenient when considering these. However, healthcare associate degree programs with competitive applications may prefer students with high grade point averages, strong test scores, and extensive coursework in mathematics and science.

Academic prerequisites will likely depend on the type of degree you’re hoping to earn. In some healthcare fields, schools prefer you have a solid foundation in science, such as biology and chemistry.

A wide range of community colleges and universities offer associate degrees. Admission requirements vary by institution but typical admission requirements seek to establish the student’s interest and ability to complete a degree program. Many community colleges have open admissions policies which seek to not exclude students on the basis of education or experience. When colleges require do educational prerequisites, they usually involve math and health-related courses like biology and chemistry.

When needed, schools can require students to complete supplemental courses to meet their program standards. A healthcare program might ask students to take additional courses in math or science if their backgrounds indicated a need. For example, a nursing or dental hygienist healthcare program might ask for CPR training and certification for every student.

How long does it take to earn an Associate Degree in Healthcare?

The typical length of healthcare associate degree programs is about 60 to 70 credit hours. That means students can complete these programs with two academic years of full-time attendance. To be awarded their degree, students must complete required courses and maintain a satisfactory grade point average, usually a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Some students can shorten the time needed for a degree by qualifying for advanced placement through credit for other coursework, life experience, and/or work experience. Or they could take extra courses during each semester and over the summer. Students can also extend the time it takes to earn a degree if they need to attend part-time due to the need to work, take care of family, or any other responsibility.

Associates Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $19,000 - $34,000

Students seeking to obtain an associate degree in healthcare will learn a wide array of invaluable tools, which will prepare them for a clinical setting in the field of healthcare. Students will have a chance to learn about healthcare technology, medical terminology, as well as administrative skills. The associate degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level administrative jobs, but it doesn't equip students with the tools to take on leadership or management roles as a bachelor's or master's degree would.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES:

• Medical Terminology

• Health Records Management

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to Diagnostic Coding

• Principles of Marketing

• Basics of Accounting

• Introduction to Healthcare Law

THOSE WHO GET THEIR ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE OFTEN HAVE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING:

Healthcare Informatics

Patient Safety and Quality

Healthcare Finance

Healthcare Policy

Bachelor Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $50,000 - $85,000

Bachelor’s degrees help form a solid foundation for those wanting to enter the field, as well as providing the educational background to pursue more advanced degrees. Since a bachelor’s degree means taking more courses and spending more time studying, there is greater opportunity to engage with course content more deeply.

A Bachelor's Degree is also essential if you plan on continuing your education with a Master's Degree in healthcare.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES:

• Ethics in Healthcare Management

• Healthcare Economics

• Quality Assurance Risk Management

• Healthcare Marketing and Strategic Planning

• Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management

• Healthcare Information Management

• Evidence-Based Healthcare Management

• Cultural Competence in Healthcare

Bachelors Healthcare Concentrations: Healthcare Management, Healthcare Information Administration, Patient Safety and Quality, Lifespan Management, Healthcare Law and Policy, and Healthcare Informatics

Masters Degree in Healthcare

Cost Range from $40,000 - $75,000

If you are a student who is interested in earning a graduate degree in healthcare, then the master’s degree is where you will start. The master's level program will emphasize adaptability and the value of change, while equipping students with the tools to apply the most relevant business skills in making decisions that affect healthcare management.

MASTER'S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

• Laws and Ethics

• Financial Management

• Healthcare Policy

• Entrepreneurship and Marketing

• Strategic Management

Master’s healthcare concentrations are often very similar to the bachelors concentrations available, such as: Administration, Education, Informatics, Gerontology, Operations, Health Policy, Management Operations and Leadership, Health Policy Analysis, Health Financial Management, Health Information Technology, and more.

Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Healthcare Major Graduates

Salaries by Degree level

As you can see from the chart below, there is a significant difference in annual salaries with higher-level degrees as well as a rise in tuition costs. With an associate degree you can earn an average annual salary of $57,100, but with a bachelor’s you can earn, on average, $22,700 more. However, holding a masters would earn you almost $8,000 more per year than holding a bachelor’s degree. Considering the amount of income you could make in just one year, you could actually pay off the tuition for a whole degree program and still have money left over (if you didn’t have to pay for rent or food, etc.). The point remains, you will make significantly more with a masters than you will with an associates.

Healthcare Occupations

• Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other clinical types of organizations. They’re responsible for ensuring that the facilities, services, programs, staff, and budgets function properly.

• Dietitian and Nutritionists are experts when it comes to utilizing foods to promote nutrition and disease management. They evaluate patients and advise on how to lead healthier lifestyles and achieve specific health related goals.

• Registered Nurses are extremely important in providing quality patient care in hospitals and doctor's offices, and other health organizations. They coordinate care, administer medicines, educate patients about their health conditions, as well as provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members through difficult times.

• Recreational Therapists utilize their skill sets to help uplift patients who are suffering from depression, stress, or anxiety. They also help patients recover basic physical and mental abilities. Recreational Therapists will often coordinate arts, crafts, music, dance, sports and games, to help maintain or improve a patient's physical, social, and emotional well-being

• Nurse Practitioners [also called advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)] specialize in certain areas of medicine. Nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses as well as prescribe medications (depending on the state, they may have to prescribe under the care of a doctor). At the same time, they carry out some of the same functions as a registered nurse: coordinating patient care.

• Veterinary Technicians are able to perform tests necessary to assist in diagnosing injuries and illnesses of animals. They are under the complete supervision of a Veterinarian.

• Radiation Therapists are able to help treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments to patients.

Health care is the fastest-growing work location today, with even more than 2. 4 million new jobs anticipated by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many healthcare occupations make use of secure along with protected job, sufficient possibilities for improvement as well as various other business advantages, such as a 401k strategy - in addition to you do not always require a four-year degree to get going in your healthcare work.

How to wind up being an oral assistant; Skills of an oral aide: Medical Aide: Proj. 23% rise from 2018-2028 (BLS): $34,540 annually, $16. 61 per human resources (BLS) * Yes! Medical assistants are a fundamental part of the healthcare group, providing assistance for physicians along with helping with management and additionally clerical responsibilities as called for.

With an associate degree in clinical modern-day technology, you can prepare to function as an ST in a medical facility, outpatient therapy center or ambulatory medical facility.: What does a surgical tech do?; Simply just how much surgical engineers make: Medical Secretary, Administrative Organizer, Client Service Agent: Proj. 16% increase from 2018-2028 (BLS Clinical Assistants): $37,090 each year, $17.

This is an adaptable, expanding location with great deals of opportunities for renovation. You can acquire your associate degree in wellness and also wellness information checking in less than 2 years.: Health details management salary; Occupations in health and wellness and also health info monitoring; Skills of a wellness and health information supervisor; Wellness and also wellness details monitoring qualifications: Medical Designer, Wellness And Wellness Info Expert

An associate level in medical coding regularly works as a stepping rock to a bachelor's degree in wellness and wellness details administration, which enables job improvement. All set to start in your medical care task? With a health care degree from Herzing College, you'll graduate with the optimal capabilities as well as also qualifications for long-lasting profession opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Data jobs work in healthcare, that includes healthcare monitoring work, to expand by 14% from 2018-28 much faster than the normal growth for all line of work. This increasing area products numerous possibilities for associate degree-holders. An associate level makes it possible for experts to finish a much more inexpensive education and learning in much less time, preparing them with the experience as well as comprehending they require to look for entry-level jobs and certifications.

These specialists aid their people produce in addition to recuperate from condition or injury. Job-related therapy aides do healing tasks, consisting of stretches, and additionally inform people specifically how to utilize special devices. Additionally, these aides record customers' development and likewise perform various other administrative duties.: $59,200 annually: 31%: 2 years Recognized as United State.

These specialists aid their people produce in addition to recuperate from condition or injury. Job-related therapy aides do healing tasks, consisting of stretches, and additionally inform people specifically how to utilize special devices. Additionally, these aides record customers' development and likewise perform various other administrative duties.: $59,200 annually: 31%: 2 years Recognized as United State.

1 year Clinical aides ranked as United State. Information & Globe Record's sixth-best treatment assistance job. These aides accomplish clinical and also management tasks in healthcare centers, physician's offices, as well as additionally various other health care centers, with varying responsibilities depending on specialized, location, as well as the measurement of the firm. Medical assistants activity clients' essential indicators, containing high blood pressure as well as also temperature level.

These engineers examine their people and additionally speak to medical professionals to establish proper therapy prepare for them. They carry out evaluation evaluations, including gauging lung capacity, and also deal with clients with aerosol medications along with chest physiotherapy. Some breathing engineers operate in patients' houses, enlightening them and likewise their houses to utilize life support group as well as additionally ventilators.

They furthermore keep an eye on web site web traffic in addition to consist of audio, graphics, along with video clips to make websites much more attractive. Web developers might find job structure healthcare firm's web sites or with local care service providers and also doctor's offices.: $73,760: 13%: 2 years In fee of moving analysis and likewise therapy details from medical professionals as well as additionally different other medical experts right into codes for record-keeping, invoicing and also insurance policy protection, in addition to for utilizing various other healthcare workers, medical programmers need a strong understanding of the internet material in the wellness files they deal with so they can find the appropriate details to code documents.

To end up being a Registered Nurse, each prospect has to gain an associate level in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing. As quickly as they obtain the required degree, they ought to pass the NCLEX-RN test to earn their licenses and also begin working out in their state.: $73,300: 12%: 2-4 years These specialists, usually referred to as psychological health experts, give look after customers living with establishing impairments or psychological ailments.

If you are looking for career opportunities in healthcare, you may have considered taking classes that offer different types of Associate Degrees in Healthcare. These programs provide an individual with the knowledge and skills they need to get the job done in a specific field of healthcare. There are many ways you can obtain an associate degree in healthcare including online education, online learning, and distance learning.

If you are considering taking online classes in the healthcare field, there are a few things that will make your coursework more appealing to employers. First of all, most people who take an online education in healthcare have an interest in the subject matter.

Because you are taking a class in a field related to your field of interest, this can make you more desirable to an employer and also make you eligible for a lower salary if you are employed after your associate degree in healthcare is complete. Another great benefit of taking online courses in healthcare is that you can continue to take classes as you progress through your career path and this is important because you can continue to learn new skills and keep your job.

Other types of Associate Degrees in Healthcare are offered onsite. There are many universities that offer these types of classes. They can be convenient and you can finish the coursework at your leisure. This can be an attractive option for those who do not have a lot of time to work on their courses.

Online distance learning programs are another type of degree that you can get. You can take the classes at any time that is convenient for you. This is an attractive option for those who have to work full time jobs or need more flexibility in their schedule.

Whether you choose onsite or distance learning to complete your associate degree in healthcare, you will find that it is the most affordable method of getting the necessary skills to become an effective healthcare professional. It is also very flexible because you can complete your studies anytime that works for you.

Online and distance learning degrees are great options for those looking to change careers, expand their knowledge, and get on the fast track to the job that they are interested in. By taking an online or distance learning program, you can complete your coursework while working, maintaining a job, and family, or pursuing other endeavors.

Remember, when looking into programs you want to select programs that meet your needs. A program that meets all of your needs is one that will give you the tools that will help you become a more successful healthcare professional.

In addition to the program's reputation and accreditation, make sure the school offers the kind of program that you need for your career goals. Do thorough research on the schools that offer programs like these and see how much time it takes to complete the program. If you have a limited amount of time to complete a program, you may want to look for an online degree.

As you pursue your associate degree in healthcare profession, you should continue to learn new techniques and information. There is so much information that you will learn along the way, but you cannot forget about the fundamentals. That is why you will need to maintain your skills and knowledge as you work towards becoming a qualified health care professional.

Many healthcare professionals have found that once they have completed the programs that they are looking for in their healthcare career advancement, they continue to learn even after they have achieved their goal. There is no limit to the number of healthcare careers that a person can attain. The more education and skill sets that they have, the greater the possibilities are for them to excel in a career in this growing and dynamic field.

By continuing education and gaining knowledge and skills, individuals can progress in their medical field in a very short period of time. In today's highly competitive market, it is important to know that you can gain the necessary knowledge and skill set required for a fulfilling career.

Healthcare Scholarships

• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship offered to students through the Tylenol organization. The scholarship requires that students send in their resume, as well as draft answers to two, 500-word essay questions. Students should write their essay on the career path that they want to follow. The acceptance committee will subsequently review the application materials and pick a handful of students who stand out in the areas of leadership and academic excellence, and who overall have a genuine passion for their careers. Tylenol awards scholarship money to those students who meet and exceed their expectations of what an exemplary student should be. A maximum of $10,000 will be awarded per recipient. All application materials must be turned in before the Spring deadline.

• Health Resources and Service Administration Bureau of Health Professions Scholarship

The BHPr Scholarship is offered to students through the United States Public Health Service. This scholarship is made specifically for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and who exhibit the need for financial aid. In addition to these specifications, students must also choose a major that is in the field of healthcare. They must be a resident of the United States, or otherwise be classified as a permanent resident or national. Any other scholarship requirements are set by participating schools. The maximum scholarship amount awarded is $15,000. The deadline for applying for this scholarship is June 30th.

• Sharps Scholarship Program

The Sharps Scholarship Program is offered by Sharps Compliance. This scholarship is only available to students who are residents of the US or Canada and who are currently enrolled, or have the intention to enroll in, an accredited university. In order to be considered for this scholarship, the student must be registered for school for either the fall or spring semester following the application deadline and must choose a program in healthcare. Students will be required to answer a 1,250-1,500 word essay on the subject of "how to prevent accidental needle stick injuries." Applicants selected will be based off the quality of their essays (due October 31st). Winners will be awarded a $750 - $1,500 award.

• National Institute of Health Scholarship Program

The National Institute of Health offers its scholarship program to students who, not only come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but who also aspire to pursue a career in either social, biomedical, or behavioral science. This scholarship awards students with a maximum of $20,000 per year in tuition, education, and living expenses. The scholarship is renewable up to 4 years. Those who apply must be a U.S citizen, registered as a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited U.S. college or university, and maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher OR be in the top 5% of students in their class, and be in exceptional financial need. March 3rd is the application deadline, and March 31st is the deadline for letters of recommendation to be submitted.

Choosing an Accredited College

When you are choosing a college there are many aspects to consider including affordability, academic excellence, and program choice. Accreditation is an extremely important aspect that you should consider for a variety of reasons, especially since it will affect the financial aid you can receive and even the job that you could get upon graduating. Accreditation is one element of your college decision that you should not take lightly. If the institution you attend does not have the proper accreditation, then you could be subject to several disadvantages, including:

• Disqualification from employer tuition assistance

• Inability to transfer credits

• Lack of prerequisites for graduate school

• Disadvantages for employment

Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid

Since we are living in the age of technology, it is only natural that there are options to take your college courses online. But don't forget that there's still the brick-and-mortar campus option, or even a hybrid option that combines the best of both worlds. Now, if you are just graduating from high school, then you might be more comfortable in an on-campus type setting where you will be able to have face-to-face communication with your instructors and ask questions. This affords you the option to live on campus, or if you happen to already live near campus, you can live at home while attending on-campus classes.

If you work part-time, or have a family to take care of, online classes may be a better option for you. Online classes give you the flexibility you need to juggle your busy life and earn your degree at the same time. Online courses are often cheaper, and you also get to save money on room and board, all while choosing when you want to study and where.

A hybrid is a unique program that offers both options. In this program, you will mainly be studying online, but you will still be required to visit the campus for residencies, testing, and networking opportunities.

Additional Questions

Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

Many colleges offer career services and job placement programs to help you get on the fast track to employment. Although you may assume that all colleges offer this service, some don't provide as much assistance as you are led to believe. The best programs for post-graduate assistance include help with job placement both before graduation and continued support as you advance in your career. These programs can also assist you in preparing your resume so it maintains a competitive edge on the job market, work with you as you prepare for job interviews, and advise you on your job performance.

Why You Need to Consider How Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

Did you know that your salary is not always just based on what level of degree you received, but it also could be based on what school you attended? Many employers actually have their own rankings and rating systems of schools. That is to say, if you received your degree from a college that was accredited by a low rated agency, your salary may actually be decreased by a certain percentage where a high-ranked, well-known, accredited school, can raise that mark significantly.