An Associate of Science degree opens doors to various career opportunities across different industries. While healthcare remains a prominent field, individuals with an associate's degree in science can also pursue alternative career paths. In this article, we explore some of the potential career options available to individuals with an Associate of Science degree, along with their average earnings and primary job responsibilities.
1. Nursing Assistant
Average National Salary: $13.75 per hour
Primary Duties: Nursing assistants play a crucial role in assisting patients with their daily activities. They monitor and record vital signs, provide personal care such as toileting and catheter care, help patients with eating and drinking, assist with dressing, bathing, showering, and oral hygiene.
Educational Requirements: Nursing assistants typically undergo six to 12 weeks of training to become certified nursing aides. Employers such as Medilodge, HCR ManorCare, and VA Hospital often hire individuals for this role.
While technical skills are essential for this role, having a compassionate and empathetic attitude towards patients is equally important. Nursing assistants must possess good communication skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
2. Medical Scribe/Transcriptionist
Average National Salary: $14.02 per hour
Primary Duties: Medical scribes and transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing voice recordings from healthcare providers into written reports. They may work for hospitals, doctors, transcription companies, or as freelancers.
Educational Requirements: While not mandatory, many transcriptionists have a background in healthcare and are familiar with medical terminologies. Employers such as Etheredge Chiropractic, Renalus Kidney Care, and LDMTS often hire individuals for this role.
Advancements in transcription technology may impact the demand for this profession in the future. However, current technology struggles with accurately transcribing complex medical terms, making the need for skilled transcriptionists and scribes still relevant.
3. Phlebotomist
Average National Salary: $14.89 per hour
Primary Duties: Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients, labelling vials, and ensuring proper storage and transport of samples for testing. They must follow strict protocol to maintain a safe and sterile environment while collecting blood samples.
Educational Requirements: Phlebotomists typically undergo specialized training to become certified in this field. Employers like LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and American Red Cross often hire individuals for this role.
Phlebotomists must possess excellent interpersonal skills, as they often interact with patients who may be anxious or uncomfortable during blood collection procedures. Maintaining patient comfort and safety is a key aspect of this job.
4. Medical Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.10 per hour
Primary Duties: Medical assistants provide support to healthcare providers by performing various clinical and administrative tasks. They may collect and test patient samples, record medical histories, and assist with patient paperwork.
Educational Requirements: Medical assistants typically undergo certification and registration programs, with varying requirements across different states. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health often hire individuals for this role.
In addition to technical skills, medical assistants must possess strong organizational abilities and excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask efficiently are also essential for this role.
5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average National Salary: $15.16 per hour
Primary Duties: EMTs play a critical role in responding to medical emergencies and providing pre-hospital care to patients. They are responsible for assessing patient conditions, administering basic medical treatments, and determining the need for hospitalization and transport.
Educational Requirements: EMTs undergo specialized training to obtain certification in emergency medical services. Employers such as Medcor, United Ambulance, and City Ambulance Service often hire individuals for this role.
EMTs must possess strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. They must also demonstrate empathy and compassion towards patients in distress.
6. Administrative Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.47 per hour
Primary Duties: Administrative assistants provide essential support to businesses or offices by performing various administrative tasks. They may answer phones, schedule appointments, handle office supplies, and assist with office management duties.
Educational Requirements: While not mandatory, individuals with an Associate of Science degree may excel as administrative assistants. Employers such as the US Department of Defense, Mount Sinai Health System, and UPS often hire individuals for this role.
Administrative assistants must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask efficiently. They must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
7. Medical Biller
Average National Salary: $16.03 per hour
Primary Duties: Medical billers are responsible for processing medical claims, billing insurance companies, and managing revenue for medical facilities. They must be detail-oriented and well-versed in medical coding to ensure accurate billing practices.
Educational Requirements: Some employers prefer candidates with RHIT or CPB credentials for medical billing roles. Employers such as UnitedHealth, Planned Parenthood, and Texas Children's Hospital often hire individuals for this role.
Medical billing requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as inaccuracies in billing codes can lead to claim denials. Effective communication with insurance companies and healthcare providers is essential to track payments and resolve billing issues.
8. Pharmacy Technician
Average National Salary: $16.21 per hour
Primary Duties: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing information to patients. They play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a pharmacy.
Educational Requirements: Pharmacy technicians must obtain certification in several states to practice. Employers such as Costco Wholesale, Magellan Health Services, and Aetna often hire individuals for this role.
Pharmacy technicians must possess strong communication skills and attention to detail. They must be knowledgeable about pharmacy regulations and be able to handle confidential patient information with care.
9. Lab Assistant
Average National Salary: $17.21 per hour
Primary Duties: Lab assistants assist in laboratory procedures by preparing and analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting test results accurately. They play a crucial role in supporting lab operations and ensuring the quality of test results.
Educational Requirements: While formal qualifications are not always required, obtaining a CMLA or Laboratory Technology Certificate can enhance job prospects for lab assistants. Employers such as PeaceHealth, Salem Health, and UT San Antonio often hire individuals for this role.
Lab assistants must possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail. They must follow strict protocols and procedures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of test results.
10. Engineering Technician
Average Annual Salary: $56,937
Primary Duties: Engineering technicians provide support to engineers in various technical tasks, such as data collection, experiments, and quality control. They play a crucial role in assisting with engineering projects and ensuring the successful implementation of engineering solutions.
Educational Requirements: Employers hiring engineering technicians typically prefer candidates with associate's or bachelor's degrees in relevant fields. Professional certifications or advanced degrees may provide opportunities for career advancement. Specialized training may be required for engineering roles in specific sectors, such as aerospace.
Individuals with an associate of science degree can pursue a career as an engineering technician, leveraging their strong analytical skills and mathematical competence. Engineering technicians play a vital role in assisting engineers with technical tasks and project implementation.
In conclusion, an Associate of Science degree opens up a plethora of career opportunities across diverse industries. Healthcare offers numerous avenues for individuals with an associate's degree in science, but there are also alternative career paths available in fields such as administration, pharmacy, and engineering. By exploring these potential career options and leveraging their skills and knowledge, individuals with an Associate of Science degree can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career journey.