Don't forget that an associate degree locks you in a particular job. If you go for such programs you lose career maneuverability. You will be stuck in a particular job. But it doesn't matter if you enjoy your work. If you get bored with that job, you are left with very few options. Be sure you can enjoy the work you chose before spending two years of your life and thousands of dollars on getting trained for that job.
Some of the jobs you get with an associate degree are:
Registered nurse: Registered nurse jobs are more flexible than other associate level healthcare ones. But one difficulty you may face is that a few jobs are available for you as there are many nurses with bachelor's degrees seeking jobs. Try to get an employer who pays for additional education and take up a four-year nursing degree program.
Dental hygienist: This job involves cleaning teeth, talk to patients about brushing and flossing and assisting the dentist. Many dental hygienists work part time.
Respiratory therapist: This job needs only a two-year degree. But you have to take tough subjects such as chemistry and anatomy to graduate with an associate's degree. Many respiratory therapists find jobs in hospitals and they have to work in evening and week-end shifts.
Programmer: Information technology field has many highly paid jobs where experience and certifications replace degrees. Programmers knowing .Net, Visual Basic, C+ or Java can get salaries above the $50,000 mark after two to three years in the field.
Telecom installer: This job needs a lot of technical know-how. You need a two-year degree or trade school certificate in electronics to set your foot on the field. You can aspire for higher salary by joining the Communications Workers of America or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Industrial engineering technician: If you have math knack, but not enough for pursuing a four-year degree, you can go for an associate's degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Industrial engineering techs get the highest pay packs; even the electrical engineering techs get good packages.
Police officer: You can seek a job with the local force with a high school diploma and get it after clearing an agility test. Federal law enforcement jobs need a college degree. Besides getting good salaries (with overtime options), police officers and sheriff's officers in some jurisdictions can retire after 20 or 25 years of service.
HVAC mechanic: With just a high school diploma you can get HVAC training from a technical school or community college. Some states insist on HVAC professionals to do apprenticeship before sitting for a licensing examination. You need to be certified to handle refrigerants. You can go for an HVAC job with a local government and get good pay pack.
Paralegal: With an associate's degree or a certificate you can get into the paralegal field. In this job, you should relish reading, writing and organizing paperwork for attorneys. Highest paying jobs for paralegals are available with large law firms.
