What Can I do With an Online Associate Degree?

If you want to immediately enter the workforce but don’t want to commit to an advanced degree program just yet, an online associate degree can get you started in the right direction. Whatever your career goals are, an associate degree can be used as a stepping stone to take you to where you want to be in your career.

Overview of Associate Degree Online Program

An associate degree is awarded after successfully completing approximately 60 credit hours. This online degree program usually takes about two years to complete or less and can prepare you for a specific career. The credits earned can be applied toward a four-year bachelor’s degree program. According to research, associate degrees are becoming extremely popular among online students. Online degree programs are allowing students from all walks of life to pursue online associate degrees, bachelor’s, master’s and even doctorate degrees, diplomas, certificates or individual online courses. An online associate degree program covers a general course of study that includes English, basic mathematics, psychology, history, writing, science, and literature. Specific majors can also be pursued with an online associate degree.

Here are 8 smashing careers for online associate degree holders:

1. Court transcribers
2. Dental hygienist
3. Computer support specialist
4. Physical therapist assistant
5. Medical assistant
6. Paralegal
7. Dental assistant
8. LPN – Licensed practical nurse

Why Pursue an Online Associate Degree?

Online associate degree programs can also get your career started much quicker than a bachelor’s degree. Also, if you are not sure which career path to take, an online associate degree can help you determine which career path is the best match for your personality and interests. Online degree programs also offer other benefits such as:

• Flexibility
• Convenience
• Quicker path to advanced degrees

These 8 smashing careers for online associate degree holders are just a tip of the iceberg. There are several other hot careers that may be had with an online associate degree. If you would like to learn more about the various online associates degree programs, simply browse through our comprehensive database of articles for specific degree programs or check out our search box to find out what programs are available in your field of interest today.

Associate Degree Programs are Less Expensive

Many students are earning their associate degrees in education from online colleges or universities while maintaining full-time employment. This allows you to pursue your education career at your own pace without accumulating too much debt.

Why Pursue an Associate’s Degree in Education Online?

Distance learning makes education more convenient especially for adults with families and full-time jobs. Many people choose distance learning simply out of necessity. Not everyone can enroll in traditional higher education due to work and other commitments and obligations and so distance learning provides the flexibility to continue working at a current job while pursuing your educational and career goals at the same time. Choosing an education degree in distance learning takes the hassle of trying to juggle work, family and other activities.

Career Path with an Online Associate Degree in Education

If you are contemplating a career as a teacher, this is a great first step in the right direction. Online associate’s degrees in education allow you to focus on a general education curriculum. With an online associate’s degree in education, your potential career paths could include teaching in a head start program or special needs or even working as a teacher’s aide.

What is the Job Outlook for Someone with an Online Education Degree?

The job market looks good and is expected to grow at a steady pace. Employment for qualified teachers is in high demand and will continue to be.

Find an Online Associate Degree in Education Program that is right for you:

Kaplan University – Online When you enroll in Kaplan University online, you will enjoy the flexibility of pursuing your educational goals from the convenience of your own home or anywhere you have Internet access.

Post University – Online With Post University Online, you can earn an online degree from an accredited, traditional four-year university in as little as 18 months.

Ashford University – Online Earn the degree you’ve always wanted at Ashford University. Achieve your goals with the resources you need, including an innovative online classroom and a supportive environment. Your education at Ashford University is a shared experience that unites you with students and faculty around the world. Ashford University is defining the modern college experience.

Information about Online Associate’s Degree in Health Science

Your Health Science Degree Journey

If you want to work in the field of health care, you will need to get the appropriate education to qualify for the best positions. Not only will an online associate’s degree prepare you for the beginning of your health care journey, it will also prepare you to continue your education in the medical field, whether in administration, science or nursing.

How Long Does an Online Associates Degree in Health Sciences Take to Complete?

An associate’s degree program in health sciences will take approximately two years of full-time study to complete. For students hoping to speed up the learning process, many online universities offer accelerated coursework, allowing you the opportunity to cut the timeframe by taking class throughout the year.

Curriculum for an Online Health Science Associates Degree

What you expect from a traditional classroom is exactly what you will get from an online associate’s degree in health sciences. The coursework is detailed and the curriculum is practical and offers a solid foundation for work in the field or the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree program.

Distance Learning Makes Earning your Associates Degree in Health Science Easy

If you are a working professional, you can fulfill a health science degree program around your schedule by distance education. Distance learning will offer you the opportunity to work on a higher education around your work or family schedule, allowing you to invest in yourself and your family through a better or more rewarding career. As an online student, you will be able to attend class when you want and from where you want.

Pursue Your Health Services Degree Today!

Brookline College – Online

At Brookline College, we understand that our students are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. And sometimes obstacles can keep them from reaching certain goals. This is why we have been working very hard to offer a solid menu of online programs.

Colorado Technical University Online

Colorado Technical University Online offers Associate of Science in Health Administration Services for individuals interested in pursuing careers in public health. With a degree in health administration you can work both in public & private sectors.

The time is now to pursue your associate’s degree in health sciences online. This is a great way to start investing in your future and to prepare for rewarding careers in the health care industry.

Online Nursing Education

A one-year or associates degree in nursing is very popular at community colleges. These online or distance learning options for the associate degree are available online and offer practical curriculums. If you decide at a later time you want to pursue your nursing education further, you can earn your BSN then you can jump right into an Associates-to-BSN degree program available through many online nursing programs. LPN/LVN degree programs can usually be completed within a year. RNs require a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree for nurse practitioners. BSN degrees offer the widest array of career options and nurses at the PhD level are mostly found in research positions or as educators.

Salary for Nurses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses in May 2006 was $57,280, with the lowest ten percent earning less than $40,250 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $83,440. RNs earn approximately $15,000 more per year then their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) counterparts. It’s obviously worth it to pursue to nursing degree online!

Online associate nursing degree programs offered through distance learning by accredited online scolleges and universities are listed below:

• Western Career College - At Western Career College, you can obtain valuable career training in a highly supportive learning environment, attending classes at the times and places that are convenient to you.
• Rasmussen College - One-hundred-ten years after the founding of Rasmussen, the college continues to stay true to its mission to be a leader in education by expanding its offerings to include Bachelor’s degrees, and by earning regional accreditation. Rasmussen College is also known as a leader in online learning, with more than 14,000 students and 1,000 faculty members.
• South University College of Nursing - Thinking about a career in nursing? Well, discover how South University’s nursing programs can help you learn the skills needed for this rewarding career.
• Kaplan University School of Nursing - When you enroll in Kaplan University School of Nursing online, you will enjoy the flexibility of pursuing your educational goals from the convenience of your own home or anywhere you have Internet access.

Save the headache and expense of commuting and have more time for family, work, and other social activities. Online associate degrees in nursing make available to the nursing students flexibility, a variety of career choices and specialties. So, take the first step towards your associate’s degree in nursing online.

Earn Your Registered Nursing Degree Online

Distance learning options for the RN degree is available online and offer practical curriculums for adults with busy lives. There are a few online programs that will require on-campus clinical experiences and laboratory credits along with the online courses, so you may want to keep that in mind. However, to be fully recognized as a registered nurse you need to be licensed by your state. You will need to complete a state-approved program and then take a test, called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) examination. Most accredited online RN degree programs focus on preparing you for this exam.

Job Fulfillment

If you like to work with a variety of people and want to make a difference in their lives, then a nursing career is a perfect fit. That is what being a nurse means. You will step into people’s lives and make a difference. You will see people at their worst and at their best. You see life begin and end. You see people’s full capacity for love, courage and endurance. Being a nurse is fulfilling and one of the most important jobs you can choose.

Earnings Outlook for Nurses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses in May 2006 was $57,280, with the lowest ten percent earning less than $40,250 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $83,440. RNs earn approximately $15,000 more per year then their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) counterparts. It’s obviously worth it to pursue your nursing degree online.

Top Online Nursing Schools

Some of the top accredited online nursing schools include:

Chamberlain College of Nursing – Online

Make the choice to make a difference in people’s lives. Advance your nursing career by earning your RN to BSN online, while you work. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected online program in your local area. Online RN-BSN students will participate in experiential learning projects within their course work. The curriculum does not include clinical work. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Loyola University School of Nursing

Classes offered at Loyola University School of Nursing are fully online, so you can-continue working full time and maintain your lifestyle while completing your degree. Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kaplan University School of Nursing – Online

When you enroll in Kaplan University School of Nursing online, you will enjoy the flexibility of pursuing your educational goals from the convenience of your own home or anywhere you have Internet access. Kaplan University can help you acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to become a leader in this fast-growing industry

If you are interested in any of these online nursing schools and would like to find out more about their online RN programs, please visit their website for specific details.

Online Associate’s Degrees in Biology

If you are considering pursuing an online associate’s degree in biology, you may consider a combined on campus and distance learning program as an alternative to an entirely online degree program because online courses may not be readily available. Most science classes will require hands-on laboratory work, so there may be a limited number of science classes offered online or some programs may use simulation software. There are a few online associate’s degree programs that may offer an introductory biology course that offers a broad overview of the principles of biology as part of the online curriculum as well.

Online Biology Coursework

Online labs will cover topics which will include a general education or liberal arts component, human biology, respiration, cells and membranes, genetics, organic electrophoresis and molecules in addition to learning how to make use of animations, quizzes, learning activities and diagrams within the lab format. So, if you have previous experience working with distance learning software and online courses, you will be best prepared to take advantage of online biology laboratory classes.

Alternative Online Courses

For Associate’s degree programs, you will have to complete a certain number of general education class credits for graduation. Courses such as general chemistry, calculus, analytical geometry, sociology, psychology and English are generally offered in an online format, allowing you to complete most of the courses online. You will then have to complete the required biology and other lab-based science classes on campus in order to earn your associate’s degree in biology.

Career Outlook for Biology Associate’s Degree Graduates

An associate’s degree in biology will not prepare you for a specific career, but will enable you to work in science and technology positions. If a biology associate degree is your goal and you do not wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you may land entry-level science positions in state or national parks, medical office assistant, pest control specialist, lab technician, plant science technician and research associate.

Expected Salary for Biology Associate’s Degree Graduates

A biology associate degree holder may enjoy an average annual salary of $31,000. However, this can increase depending on the industry you are working in and your years of experience. According to Payscale.com, as of May 2010 a clinical lab technician with 1-4 years of experience earned median annual income from $26,956 upto $36,566.

Fulfill your curiosity and bring your dreams to life with an online associate biology degree.