In this day and age, time is money and if you’re short on both the best way to get a high-paying job is to earn your associate’s degree in an in-demand medical career field.
Earning an associate degree in these top healthcare careers can open up doors to new job opportunities and a better lifestyle for you and your family.
If you’re able to dedicate as little as 24 months to these programs, you can be well on your way to earning up to $75,000 a year.
Keep reading to figure out which medical career is right for you.
9 High Paying Medical Careers – Associate Degree
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are some of the fastest growing and highest-paying medical careers that you can get started in with just a 2-year degree.
If you’re ready to explore new job opportunities as well as increase your income then check out these careers to get started.
1. Cardiovascular Tech
Cardiovascular Technicians, use special equipment to create images and conduct tests to help diagnose heart and blood vessel ailments in a patient.
A cardiovascular tech is a key medical professional who works very closely with physicians and surgeons before, during and after operations.
Average salary: $55,270
Projected job growth through 2026: 17%
Where are jobs most in-demand: Texas, Florida, California, New York, Pennsylvania | (source)
Resources for You:
2. Radiology Tech
Radiology Technologist perform X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.
As a radiology technician you are not limited in your career field as you can opt to specialize in many other specialties such as mammography.
Average salary: $69,930
Projected job growth through 2026: 13%
Where are jobs most in-demand: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania | (source)
Resources for You:
3. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist prepares special medicine with radioactive particles that when ingested by a patient serves imaging or therapeutic purposes.
Nuclear medicine technologists work very closely with physicians and may act as emergency responders during nuclear accidents.
Average salary: $75,660
Projected job growth through 2026: 10%
Where are jobs most in-demand: Florida, California, New York, Texas, Ohio | (source)
Resources for You:
4. Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists help physicians and other healthcare professionals to treat cancer and other illness through radiation therapy.
Radiation therapists are responsible for operating the machine that delivers radiation directly to tumors to shrink or remove them.
Average salary: $80,570
Projected job growth through 2026: 13%
Where are jobs most in-demand: Texas, New York, California, Florida, Illinois | (source)
Resources for You:
5. Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist primary duties include cleaning and examining patients teeth.
The goal of the dental hygienist is to aid in the prevention of oral disease, such as gingivitis.
Average salary: $74,070
Projected job growth through 2026: 20%
Where are jobs most in-demand: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan | (source)
Resources for You:
6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, assist physicians and other healthcare professionals in diagnosing medical conditions through the use of special imaging equipment.
You can find diagnostic medical sonographers working anywhere from physician offices to medical laboratories.
Average salary: $71,410
Projected job growth through 2026: 17%
Where are jobs most in-demand: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois
Resources for You:
7. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants are essential medical professionals who help patients to improve motor skills and use special equipment after accidents or illnesses that may leave one impaired.
Occupational therapist may also perform clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments, file insurance paperwork and answer phones.
Average salary: $59,310
Projected job growth through 2026: 28%
Where are jobs most in-demand: Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York | (source)
Resources for You:
8. Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistants help patients to recover from injuries and manage pain.
Physical therapy assistants follow a care plan prescribed by a supervising physical therapist to help patients in recovery through methods such as massage therapy and stretching.
Average salary: $57,430
Projected job growth through 2026: 30%
Where are jobs most in-demand: Texas, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, California | (source)
Resources for You:
9. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist assist patients who have trouble breathing and may use special equipment )to perform diagnostic tests.
Respiratory therapist may chose to work in home care and teach patients or their caregivers how to operate ventilators and life-support systems in their homes.
Average salary: $59,710
Projected job growth through 2026: 23%
Where are jobs most in-demand: California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, New York | (source)
Resources for You:
These medical careers are both exciting and rewarding. If you are ready to pursue a new job opportunities, definitely consider these high-paying and in-demand healthcare specialties. For more ways to increase your income, you might enjoy this post.
If you enjoyed this post, please share with a friend 🙂
Which medical career would you consider and why? Leave a comment below!