Popular Online Associate’s Degree Programs

Perhaps you’re interested in some of the most popular online associate’s degree programs. In many cases, these programs are popular for a reason; their graduates pursue interesting careers in well-paying fields. Healthcare, business, and managerial degrees are some of the associate’s degrees that can offer the best opportunities for a solid career. If you feel the need to change your career, but you’re not sure what you’d like to do, consider these jobs.

Nursing

Many online colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees in nursing (ADN). These programs last two to three years, and qualify graduates for entry level positions in nursing. In ADN programs, students learn the basics of nursing, while also taking general education requirements. Upon graduation from qualified programs, students can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-R, in order to obtain a nursing license. Registered nurses have excellent salaries and can expect good job opportunities in the coming years. (bls.gov)

  • Earn $51,000-76,000 a year (bls.gov)
  • Job prospects are expected to grow 22% by 2018 (bls.gov)

Physician Assistant

Physicians Assistants help doctors diagnose disease by taking medical histories, giving injections, instructing patients, and discussing a patient’s treatment with them. Online physician assistant programs offer both associate’s degrees and certificates. In these programs, students learn about health policy issues, practical medical skills, and behavioral science. Quality programs will be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). (bls.gov)

  • Earn $68,000-97,000 a year (bls.gov)
  • Job prospects are expected to grow 39% by 2018. (bls.gov)

Accounting

Accountants ensure that companies’ financial records are kept accurately, allowing them to stay within budget and to pay the appropriate amount of taxes. In associate’s degree programs in accounting, students learn about basic accounting principles, financial and managerial accounting, and how to use computer software specifically for their field. Students who earn an associate’s degree in accounting have the potential to become bookkeeping assistants and to obtain entry-level accounting positions. (bls.gov)

  • Earn $45,000-75,000 a year (bls.gov)
  • Job prospects are expected to grow 22% by 2018 (bls.gov)

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