Associate of Science Careers in Healthcare
Healthcare is a rapidly expanding field that offers a plethora of job opportunities for individuals with an associate's degree in science. While many may think that pursuing a career in healthcare requires a bachelor's degree or higher, there are numerous lucrative and rewarding careers that can be accessed with just an associate's degree. In this article, we will explore various healthcare careers that are attainable with an Associate of Science degree.
1. Nursing Assistant
Average National Salary: $13.75/h
Primary Duties: Nursing assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings by assisting patients with a variety of tasks. They are responsible for monitoring and recording patient vitals, assisting with personal hygiene tasks such as toileting and catheter care, helping patients with daily activities like eating and bathing, and ensuring that patients are comfortable and well cared for. A nursing assistant must possess excellent interpersonal skills, compassion, and a positive attitude in order to provide the best quality care to patients.
Educational Requirements: Nursing aides typically undergo a six to twelve-week training program to become certified. Employers such as Medilodge, HCR ManorCare, and VA Hospital often hire nursing assistants to work in healthcare facilities.
2. Medical Scribe/Transcriptionist
Average National Salary: $14.02/h
Primary Duties: Medical scribes and transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing reports from voice recordings made by healthcare providers. They may work in hospitals, doctors' offices, or for transcription companies. While advancements in transcription technology may reduce the demand for traditional transcriptionists, there is still a need for individuals who can accurately transcribe complex medical terminologies. Medical transcriptionists play a vital role in documenting patient visits, treatments, and procedures accurately.
Educational Requirements: While not mandatory, many medical transcriptionists have completed healthcare courses or have a background in the medical field to ensure familiarity with medical terminology. Companies such as Etheredge Chiropractic, Renalus Kidney Care, and LDMTS hire medical scribes to assist with transcription tasks.
3. Phlebotomist
Average National Salary: $14.89/h
Primary Duties: Phlebotomists are trained professionals who specialize in drawing blood from patients for various medical tests and procedures. They are responsible for collecting blood samples, labeling vials accurately, ensuring proper storage of samples, and disposing of hazardous materials safely. Phlebotomists must have excellent communication skills and be able to put patients at ease, especially those who are anxious or uncomfortable with needles.
Educational Requirements: Phlebotomy technicians undergo specialized training programs to become certified in their field. Companies like LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and the American Red Cross often hire phlebotomists to work in clinical settings.
4. Medical Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.10/h
Primary Duties: Medical assistants work alongside physicians in clinics and medical offices, performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. They may collect and test patient samples, record medical histories, assist with examinations, and handle billing and administrative duties. Medical assistants must have strong organizational skills, patience, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Educational Requirements: Medical assistants are required to be certified and registered to practice. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health often hire medical assistants to support healthcare teams.
5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average National Salary: $15.16/h
Primary Duties: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are first responders who provide emergency medical care to individuals in critical situations. They respond to 911 calls, assess patients' conditions, and transport them to healthcare facilities for further treatment. EMTs must have strong communication skills, empathy, and a willingness to serve others in times of need.
Educational Requirements: EMTs undergo specialized training and certification to become licensed professionals. Companies like Medcor, United Ambulance, and City Ambulance Service often hire EMTs to work in emergency response settings.
6. Administrative Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.47/h
Primary Duties: Administrative assistants play a crucial role in maintaining the day-to-day operations of businesses and offices. They are responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, managing office supplies, filing paperwork, and performing various administrative tasks. Administrative assistants with an Associate of Science degree may have additional responsibilities such as scheduling doctors' appointments or managing healthcare office staff.
Employers with this Position: The US Department of Defense, Mount Sinai Health System, and UPS are among the companies that often hire administrative assistants to support their operations.
7. Medical Biller
Average National Salary: $16.03/h
Primary Duties: Medical billers are responsible for managing medical billing processes, submitting claims to insurance companies, and ensuring that healthcare providers receive timely payments for services rendered. They must have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to navigate the complexities of medical billing and coding.
Required Education: Some employers prefer candidates with credentials such as RHIT or CPB certification. Companies like UnitedHealth, Planned Parenthood, and Texas Children's Hospital often hire medical billers to manage revenue cycles in healthcare settings.
8. Pharmacy Technician (Drugstore Worker)
Average National Salary: $16.21/h
Primary Duties: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in retail and hospital settings by dispensing medications, managing inventory, answering patient queries, and processing insurance claims. They must have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to understand medical terminologies and prescriptions accurately.
Educational Requirements: Pharmacy technicians are often required to be certified by passing the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) exam in many states. Companies like Costco Wholesale, Magellan Health Services, and Aetna often hire pharmacy technicians to work in pharmacy settings.
9. Lab Assistant
Average National Salary: $17.21/h
Primary Duties: Lab assistants play a crucial role in healthcare by assisting with specimen collection, preparation, and analysis in laboratory settings. They must follow strict protocols to ensure accurate test results and maintain precise records of lab procedures.
Education: While formal certification is not mandatory, having a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) or Laboratory Technology Certificate can be beneficial to stand out in the field. Companies like PeaceHealth, Salem Health, and UT San Antonio often hire lab assistants to work in clinical labs.
10. Engineering Technician
Average Annual Salary: $56,937
Primary Duties: Engineering technicians work closely with engineers to develop, test, and improve technological systems and products. They may assist with research, design, data collection, and quality control activities. Engineering technicians with an Associate of Science degree may have a strong background in math and technical skills to support engineering projects.
Educational Requirements: Companies hiring engineering technicians typically prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Professional certifications and advanced degrees may help individuals advance in their careers. Aerospace companies may require specialized training and credentials for engineering technician positions.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in healthcare with an Associate of Science degree offers a diverse range of opportunities in various fields such as nursing, medical transcription, phlebotomy, medical assisting, and more. Whether you choose to work directly with patients as a nursing assistant or in a behind-the-scenes role as a medical biller, there are numerous rewarding and fulfilling career paths to explore in the ever-growing healthcare industry. Explore the possibilities today by visiting http://kd2kub.com and learning more about Associate of Science careers in healthcare.