2 year healthcare degrees that pay well

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in healthcare, which includes healthcare administration jobs, to grow by 14% from 2018-28 — much faster than the average growth for all occupations. This expanding field offers many different opportunities for associate degree-holders.

An associate degree allows professionals to complete a more affordable education in less time, preparing them with the experience and knowledge they need to pursue entry-level jobs and certifications. While gaining entry-level experience, professionals can consider earning a more advanced degree later to expand their career opportunities.

The list below covers 30 healthcare jobs that require an associate degree, including information about job responsibilities, salary data, and projected job growth rates.

The Best Healthcare Jobs for Associate Degree-Holders

Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Ranking 14th on the U.S. News & World Report's list of best healthcare support jobs, the occupational therapy assistant role typically requires a candidate to hold an associate degree from an accredited program. Occupational therapy assistant programs often feature accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. These professionals help their patients develop and recover from illness or injury.

Occupational therapy assistants conduct therapeutic activities, including stretches, and teach patients how to use special equipment. Additionally, these assistants record patients' progress and perform other administrative duties.

• Salary: $59,200 per year
• Projected Job Growth: 31%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Physical Therapy Assistant

Recognized as U.S. News & World Report's third-best healthcare support job, physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists, helping patients manage pain and regain their range of motion after injuries or illnesses. These professionals observe their patients before, during, and after therapy, recording their status and reporting it to the physical therapist.

These professionals also use devices and equipment, including walkers, to help their patients perform specific exercises as part of their care plans. Physical therapy assistants focus on their patients' direct care.

• Salary: $48,990
• Projected Job Growth: 26%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Phlebotomist

As U.S. News & World Report's 17th best healthcare support job, phlebotomists draw patients' blood for transfusions, research, tests, or donations. As part of their responsibilities, phlebotomists talk with their patients and donors to help them feel more comfortable with the process.

These professionals primarily draw blood, carefully identifying and labeling samples before entering them into databases. Most phlebotomists draw blood used for different kinds of medical testing, while others assist with blood drives.

• Salary: $35,510
• Projected Job Growth: 23%
• Average Length of Education: 1 year

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants ranked as U.S. News & World Report's sixth-best healthcare support job. These assistants carry out clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, physician's offices, and other healthcare facilities, with varying duties depending on specialty, location, and the size of the company.

Medical assistants measure patients' vital signs, including blood pressure and temperature. They also administer injections or medication under the direction of a physician. These professionals also prepare blood samples for testing and enter patient information into medical records.

• Salary: $34,800
• Projected Job Growth: 23%
• Average Length of Education: 1-2 years

Medical Secretary/Administrative Assistant

Ranked 22nd on U.S. News & World Report's list of the best healthcare support jobs, medical secretaries/administrative assistants perform several secretarial duties with knowledge of medical terminology and procedures within clinics, hospitals, or laboratories. These secretaries schedule appointments, compile and record medical charts, bill patients, and organize correspondence and reports.

The grantmaking and giving services industry offers the highest salary opportunities for the occupation. Dentist's offices provide the highest concentration of employment for medical secretaries, and physician's offices feature the highest levels of employment for the occupation.

• Salary: $37,090
• Projected Job Growth: -7%
• Average Length of Education: Two years or less

Respiratory Technologist

In this occupation, professionals take care of patients who have difficulty breathing. Respiratory technologists work with premature infants with undeveloped lungs, patients suffering from asthma or emphysema, and elderly patients with diseased lungs.

These technologists examine their patients and consult with physicians to determine appropriate treatment plans for them. They perform diagnostic tests, including measuring lung capacity, and treat patients with aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy. Some respiratory technologists work in patients' homes, teaching them and their families to use life support systems and ventilators. They also clean and inspect equipment.

• Salary: $61,330
• Projected Job Growth: 21%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Veterinary Technician

As U.S. News & World Report's eighth-best healthcare support job, veterinary technicians work under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians, performing medical tests that help diagnose animals' illnesses and injuries. These technicians evaluate the animals' conditions and restrain them during exams or procedures.

Veterinary technicians also administer vaccines, medications, and treatments prescribed by their supervising veterinarians. They administer anesthesia to animals and monitor their response. They also bathe animals, brush and cut their hair, and clip their nails or claws.

• Salary: $35,320
• Projected Job Growth: 19%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Holding the spot as U.S. News & World Report's fifth-best healthcare support job, diagnostic medical sonographers create images of the body's tissues and organs, known as ultrasounds or sonograms.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to capture images inside the body using an ultrasound transducer. These sonographers can specialize in several fields, including abdominal sonography, breast sonography, cardiac sonography, and obstetric and gynecological sonography. They can also work as vascular technologists.

• Salary: $74,320
• Projected Job Growth: 19%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Cardiovascular Technologist

As U.S. News & World Report's 29th best healthcare support job, cardiovascular technologists conduct tests and create images involving the heart and lungs. A cardiovascular invasive specialist focuses on patients' heart rates and helps with threading a catheter through a patient's artery to their heart.

These technicians perform electrocardiogram testing, monitoring the way the heart performs. Pulmonary function technologists measure the amount of air patients can inhale or exhale, testing their lungs and breathing.

• Salary: $57,720
• Projected Job Growth: 7%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Web Developer

Web developers create websites, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. When creating or designing new websites, web developers work closely with their clients to ensure they deliver their vision and meet expectations. These professionals write code for websites using programming languages, such as XML and HTML.

They also monitor website traffic and add audio, graphics, and videos to make sites more engaging. Web developers may find employment building healthcare corporation's sites or with local care providers and physician's offices.

• Salary: $73,760
• Projected Job Growth: 13%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Medical Coder

In charge of transferring diagnostic and treatment information from physicians and other medical professionals into codes for record-keeping, billing and insurance, and for the use of other healthcare workers, medical coders need a solid understanding of the content in the health records they work with so they can find the appropriate information to code records.

Medical coders work in many different medical settings, including insurance companies, hospitals, and outpatient treatment facilities. Professionals in the occupation often begin their careers as medical records clerks.

• Salary: $42,240
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Registered Nurse

Ranking as U.S. News & World Report's ninth-best healthcare job, registered nurses (RNs) coordinate and provide patient care and educate the public about different health conditions. Most RNs work within teams, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare specialists.

These nurses sometimes supervise nursing assistants, home health aides, and licensed practical nurses. To become an RN, each candidate must earn an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing. Once they obtain the necessary degree, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn their licenses and begin practicing in their state.

• Salary: $73,300
• Projected Job Growth: 12%
• Average Length of Education: 2-4 years

Psychiatric Technician

These professionals, sometimes referred to as mental health technicians, provide care for patients living with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses. Psychiatric technicians evaluate their patients' behavior and help them with daily living activities, including bathing, eating, and getting dressed.

Other responsibilities include administering medication and other treatments to patients under physicians' orders and monitoring vital signs. Many psychiatric technicians work to help patients with developmental disabilities who require intensive care, while other technicians provide care for patients living with alcohol or drug addiction.

• Salary: $32,020
• Projected Job Growth: 12%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Dental Hygienist

Considered the best healthcare support job by U.S. News & World Report, dental hygienists experience some of the highest salary opportunities in the field. These professionals examine patients for signs of oral disease and provide preventative care. They educate their patients about oral health and remove tartar, plaque, and stains from teeth during routine cleanings.

Dental hygienists document patient care and treatment plans, along with applying fluoride and sealants to help protect patients' teeth. They use ultrasonic, hand, and power tools and, in some cases, lasers.

• Salary: $76,220
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Food Service Manager

Responsible for the daily operation of restaurants and other establishments, food service managers direct staff, making sure customers are satisfied with their experience and the business stays profitable. These managers hire, train, supervise, and fire employees, along with overseeing food preparation, ensuring quality, and handling correct portion sizes.

They coordinate the kitchen and dining room staff members' activities, ensuring customers are served in a timely, appropriate manner. Managers also prepare payroll and oversee their employees' records. These professionals may find work in hospital and long-term care facility cafeterias.

• Salary: $55,320
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: 2-4 years

Clinical Laboratory Technician

These professionals, often referred to as medical laboratory scientists, collect samples and conduct tests to analyze tissue, fluids, and other substances. They record normal and abnormal findings, studying blood samples used in transfusions by noting the number of cells, the blood group and type, the cell morphology, and the compatibility with other blood types.

These technicians work under orders from surgeons to log data from medical tests and discuss test results with physicians.

• Salary: $53,120
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: 2-4 years

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

U.S. News & World Report regards LPNs and LVNs as the 20th best healthcare support job. These nurses provide basic medical care under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. LPNs/LVNs check patients' blood pressure and temperature and administer basic patient care, such as inserting catheters and changing bandages.

They also maintain patient health records and report any concerns or status updates about patients to registered nurses and doctors. LPNs and LVNs instruct family members on how they should care for patients at home, collect samples, conduct routine tests, and feed patients who need help eating.

• Salary: $47,480
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: 1 year

Dental Assistant

Ranking as U.S. News & World Report's 12th best healthcare support job, dental assistants handle varying responsibilities, depending on the state and dental office. They focus on patient care, appointment scheduling, and record-keeping. Dental assistants make sure patients are comfortable before their appointment begins and prepare them for treatments or procedures.

They spend much of their time working closely with dentists and patients, recording patients' medical histories, taking their blood pressure and pulse, and talking with patients about proper oral care. They also work with patients regarding billing and payment.

• Salary: $40,080
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: 1 year

Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Ranking as U.S. News & World Report's seventh-best healthcare support job, medical records and health information technicians organize and maintain health information data to ensure its quality, accessibility, security, and accuracy. They use different classification systems to categorize and code patient information, along with maintaining patients' medical and treatment histories.

Technicians work with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses and gather additional information to ensure health records remain accurate. They can specialize in several different health information areas, working as medical coders, billers, or cancer registrars.

• Salary: $40,350
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Cancer Registrar

Responsible for collecting data to deduce a holistic view of their patient's medical history, cancer registrars focus on the diagnosis, disease status, and treatment of patients. The work they do can help medical specialists better manage patients' cancer treatment. The data these professionals collect is used to monitor cancer treatment during advanced stages and improve screening programs and cancer prevention efforts.

Cancer registrars review medical and pathological records to determine patients' eligibility to become part of the cancer registry, regularly following up on data and tracking progress to help with special projects.

• Salary: $43,228
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Dental, Ophthalmic, and Prosthetics Laboratory Technician

Dental, ophthalmic, and prosthetics laboratory technicians assemble, size, and repair medical devices and appliances, including eyeglasses, dentures, and prosthetics. They adjust devices and appliances as needed to either improve function or allow for a more natural appearance.

These professionals often handle every phase of production in small laboratories and offices, while in larger settings, they oversee just one phase of production, such as measuring, polishing, or testing.

• Salary: $37,370
• Projected Job Growth: 11%
• Average Length of Education: Two years or less

Computer Support Specialist

With a faster-than-average growth rate, computer support specialists meet demands for information technology support services across healthcare industries. These professionals test and evaluate network systems and perform regular maintenance to ensure all systems and networks function properly. They typically support computer networks or provide technical assistance to computer users.

Primarily, computer support specialists analyze, evaluate, and troubleshoot network programs, performing maintenance as needed. These professionals are critical to the proper functioning of their organization's networks. They work under network and computer systems administrators, who focus on more complex tasks.

• Salary: $54,760
• Projected Job Growth: 10%
• Average Length of Education: 2-4 years

Radiology Technologist

As U.S. News & World Report's 15th best healthcare support job, radiology technologists, also called radiographers, conduct diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays. These professionals also operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create images used to diagnose patients. Radiologic and MRI technologists prepare their patients for procedures and collect information about their medical histories.

They adjust and maintain their imaging equipment, shield patients' exposed areas that do not need imaging, and position patients and the equipment in the appropriate place to capture images.

• Salary: $62,280
• Projected Job Growth: 9%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

Surgical Technologist/Technician

Landing 26th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the best healthcare support jobs, surgical technologists/technicians prepare operating rooms by cleaning and arranging equipment before helping physicians and surgeons during surgery.

They sterilize equipment and ensure that the room has enough supplies for surgery. Surgical technologists also prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites. They pass surgeons the appropriate instruments and sterile supplies during procedures.

• Salary: $48,300
• Projected Job Growth: 9%
• Average Length of Education: Two years or less

Anesthesia Technologist

These workers monitor the equipment that delivers anesthesia to patients. Anesthesia technologists help anesthesiologists during, before, and after surgical or diagnostic procedures. They record their inspections and prepare all necessary equipment for surgeries.

Any equipment they find that needs servicing, technologists call in the appropriate professional service. To become an anesthesia technologist, candidates must graduate high school and complete secondary or vocational school training, after which they must complete an exam to become certified.

• Salary: $41,980
• Average Length of Education: Two years or less

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

As one of the higher-paying job opportunities in the healthcare support field for associate degree-holders, nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients for therapeutic and imaging purposes. These technologists support physicians and other professional nuclear medicine professionals as they diagnose, treat, and provide care for patients.

They also research uses for radioactive drugs and can sometimes act as emergency responders during a nuclear disaster. Nuclear medicine technologists must follow specific safety procedures to keep their patients and themselves safe from unnecessary exposure to radiation. These technologists also explain medical procedures to patients and answer any questions they have.

• Salary: $77,950
• Projected Job Growth: 7%
• Average Length of Education: Two years

EMT and Paramedic

Ranking as U.S. News & World Report's 24th best healthcare support job, EMTs and paramedics take care of injured or sick patients during emergency medical situations. These professionals need quick reaction times to provide immediate care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls and transport patients to the appropriate medical facilities.

When they transport patients in an ambulance, one EMT or paramedic drives the vehicle, with the other monitoring the patient's vital signs and providing any additional care. In extreme situations, paramedics or EMTs can also work as part of an airplane or helicopter flight crew during transport for critically ill or injured patients.

• Salary: $35,400
• Projected Job Growth: 7%
• Average Length of Education: 1-2 years

Pharmacy Assistant

These assistants help pharmacists fill prescription medications for patients or health professionals in hospitals or pharmacies. Pharmacy assistants collect information from patients and healthcare providers, measure the appropriate amounts of medication according to prescription details, and package and label prescriptions.

They work under the direct supervision of pharmacists, who review all prescriptions filled before releasing them to customers. Depending on the state, pharmacy assistants can sometimes mix medications or call physicians to receive authorization to refill a prescription.

• Salary: $33,950
• Projected Job Growth: 7%
• Average Length of Education: Less than two years

Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Occupational health and safety technicians inspect workplaces to ensure they adhere to regulations for health, safety, and the environment. These professionals also review incidents to understand their causes and study how to prevent them.

They examine equipment, lighting, ventilation, and other materials. Some professionals also create and carry out employee safety and training programs on emergency response and correct usage of equipment. The largest employers of these professionals include government, manufacturing, and construction.

• Salary: $70,480
• Projected Job Growth: 6%
• Average Length of Education: Two years or less

Medical Equipment Technician

Responsible for maintaining, installing, and repairing patient care equipment, medical equipment technicians test and calibrate equipment and parts. These professionals review technical manuals and attend training sessions to ensure accuracy and precision.

These biomedical equipment technicians work on medical imaging equipment, ventilators, defibrillators, and other life-supporting equipment. In hospitals, medical equipment repairers and technicians should be comfortable working in an environment with patients, since repairs often occur while equipment is in use.

• Salary: $49,280
• Projected Job Growth: 4%
• Average Length of Education: Two years