Fastest Growing Jobs with an Associate’s Degree
Ok, so you’ve got job security on the brain. You want to be sought-after, the next hot commodity, the “Big Shot” who never has to look for work. Right?
Yeah, sounds nice. And, some people might say that this type of dream job doesn’t exit anymore. Don’t listen to the naysayers. We’ve got the list of the fastest growing jobs with an associate’s degree right here, just for you, Mr. or Mrs. Big Shot.
Now, if you don’t mind hospitals and needles, hurry up and become an Registered Nurse because this field is set to expand over the next ten years, with an estimated job opening rise of over 700%. Yeah, you read that right. We’ll say it again so you know it’s not a typo: 700%.
With all the Baby Boomers about to retire, the medical field will need qualified nurses to take care of them. Right now there is a shortage of nurses in this country, and the problem is only going to get worse. You know what this means? Increased Demand + Short Supply = Much Higher Bargaining Power. You’ll have the ability to negotiate higher wages and better benefits as an RN. So, you’d better skedaddle on this if you want to start earning a great living doing this. And the same goes for Physican Assistants, Orderlies, and Home Health Aides. All are expected to skyrocket.
Another fast growing job with an associate’s degree is, surprisingly, preschool teachers. This field is expected to grow 143% over the next ten years.
And you can’t go wrong in the computer industry, especially networking and information management. Because just about every business in the world is now using computers, an associate’s degree in information technology has become hot, hot, hot. If you know how to manage a company’s electronic information and have the ability to sync computers and troubleshoot, then you’re in good shape. If you’re looking for job security and you have even a marginal interest in computers, consider this industry as a possible career move. Another biggie is a Dental Hygienist. Dental assisting is expected to grow by at least 43% over the next 8-10 years.
A good rule of thumb is that any career in medicine, computers, education, and science are going to be fairly fast movers. Our country’s job force is changing rapidly from manufacturing to information, health services, and innovation, so if you want to make great money with a secure future, focus on these fields and get ahead!
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |







