The Value and Cost of a 4 Year Degree
Earning a degree can help you improve your lifetime earning potential, but a
4-year bachelor's degree doesn't come cheap. The average annual cost of
attending a 4-year degree program was $15,605 at a public school and a whopping
$31,975 at a private school for the 2010-2011 academic year
(
http://nces.ed.gov). Over 4 years, that comes out to $62,420 and
$127,900 respectively - not to mention the time you have to spend earning your
degree.
The good news is that you don't have to earn a 4-year degree in
order to have a satisfying career. We've identified five high-paying careers
that you can pursue with a 2-year associate's degree - that's half the time and
half the money to get started in your new career!
According to The National Association of Colleges and
Employers, the average starting salary in 2012 for someone with a bachelor's
degree was $44,259. Our five picks have an average median salary over $62,000
(starting salaries may be lower) and only require two years or less of
education!
Radiation Therapist
| 2012 Median
Pay |
$77,650/year,
$37.29/hour |
| 10 Year Job
Outlook |
20% growth (Faster than
average) |
| Educational
Requirement: |
Associate's
degree |
Radiation therapists assist physicians who are treating cancer
patients with radiation. To excel in this profession, you need a combination of
technical and communication skills. In a typical day, you might examine a
machine, conduct an x-ray, and answer patient questions. To get started as a
radiation therapist, you need an associate's degree, preferably from a program
accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In addition to
offering a relatively high salary, radiation therapists have a strong employment
outlook because an aging population will increase demand for radiation therapy
services. Salary and employment data represent national data and are not
guaranteed.
Dental Hygienist
| 2012 Median
Pay: |
$70,210/year,
$33.75/hour |
| 10 Year Job
Outlook: |
38% growth (Much faster than
average) |
| Educational
Requirement: |
Associate's
degree |
Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on
appropriate dental care. They perform many critical functions in a dental
office, including taking dental x-rays, tracking patient care, and completing
the patient's cleaning. To get started as a dental hygienist working in a
private dental office, you just need a certificate or an associate's degree as
well as any required state licensure. Most programs include a combination of
classroom instruction and clinical practice. This profession will enjoy robust
growth between 2010 and 2020 due to aging populations requiring additional
dental treatments and new research that links oral health with general health.
However, demand for dental hygienists may decline during economic slowdowns.
Salary and employment data represent national data and are not guaranteed.
Registered Nurse
| 2012 Median
Pay: |
$65,470/year,
$31.48/hour |
| 10 Year Job
Outlook: |
26% growth (Faster than
average) |
| Educational
Requirement: |
Associate's
degree |
Registered nurses (RNs) are the front line of many hospitals
and doctor's offices. They complete a variety of duties, including performing
diagnostic tests, consulting with doctors, and helping patients understand how
to manage their health. RNs may oversee other nurses in the organization. RN
degrees are offered at a variety of levels, but an associate's degree is
typically the minimum requirement to enter the field, along with a nursing
license. To advance as an RN, you may need an additional degree, but many
healthcare organizations provide tuition reimbursements. Like other health care
professions, the RN profession is growing faster than average. You'll also have
many options for work locations, including hospitals, out-patient centers, and
in-home care. Salary and employment data represent national data and are not
guaranteed.
Electronic Engineering Technician
Electronic engineering technicians help design all types of electrical and
electronic equipment, including navigational equipment, medical devices, and
computers. The technicians work closely with engineers to build prototypes, make
parts, and troubleshoot malfunctions. To succeed in this profession, you need
strong math skills as well as problem-solving and deductive-reasoning skills.
Although this is a high-paying profession, the job outlook is slowing down as
the manufacturing sector declines. However, opportunities in engineering service
firms may increase. Salary and employment data represent national data and are
not guaranteed.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant
| 2012 Median
Pay: |
$46,990/year,
$22.59/hour |
| 10 Year Job
Outlook: |
18% (About as fast as
average) |
| Educational
Requirement: |
Associate's
degree |
Paralegals work in law offices and assist lawyers in most
aspects of law practice. A paralegal's typical tasks includes helping lawyers at
trial, investigating and organizing a case's facts, and drafting documents. To
get started as a paralegal, you just need an associate's degree; however, work
experience or on-the-job training might help your job search. The job outlook
for paralegals is solid; since much of a paralegal's work must be done in
person, the job is less likely to be outsourced than others. Salary and
employment data represent national data and are not guaranteed.
From: Educaltion-portal.com/ Posted by Mags
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