- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Radiologic Technologist Associate Degree
- Physical Therapy Assistant Degree
- Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Degree
- Shorter school means you start working (and earning) sooner
- You can avoid massive student loans
- Theres a constant demand for skilled healthcare workers
- Easy to build on your degree if you want to go further someday
- Nursing (ASN or ADN): Start as a registered nurse in about two years and make a median salary close to $80,000. You can always go back for a BSN or more, but you dont have to wait.
- Radiologic Technologist: These techs run imaging equipment and make around $60,000 to $70,000 a year, often with shift differentials and bonuses.
- Respiratory Therapist: Youll work in hospitals helping patients breathe, with salaries over $65,000 in many states.
- Physical Therapy Assistant: Help patients get back on their feetliterallyand expect a median pay of about $62,000. Plus, the jobs in high demand.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Use ultrasound to help diagnose problems, earning $70,000 or more after a quick certification or associate program.
- High school grads wanting a quick start
- People changing careers after getting laid off
- Parents who need a stable job for their family
- Military vets using their GI Bill to get trained fast
- Registered Nurse (Associate Degree): $70,000 median salary
- Radiology Techs: $65,000 median salary
- Respiratory Therapist: $65,000 median salary
- Medical Lab Tech: $57,000 median salary
- Physical Therapy Assistant: $62,000 median salary
- Youll have to pass background checks for most of these jobs
- Some states make you pass licensing exams
- Its a real commitmentits not easy, just faster
- Can I handle blood, needles, or working nights?
- Do I like talking to people, or am I better behind the scenes?
- Am I organized and able to learn fast?
- Does this fit my salary goals and schedule?
- Is the school accredited and do most students pass their boards?
Absolutely. Most techs, assistants, and nurses in hospitals started with a 2 year medical degree. Youll be able to find steady jobs that pay well and have real responsibilityeven without a full bachelors.
The quickest are medical assistant and phlebotomy programssome take under six months. But for bigger paychecks, look at two year healthcare degrees like respiratory therapy or nursing.
If the school is accredited, yes. More hospitals are open to hiring people who did part or all of their classes online. Always check a programs pass rates and reviews before you sign up.
You finish faster and usually pay less. The tradeoff is you may have fewer options for certain specialties or leadership roles, but you can always go back and finish a higher degree later on.
Definitely. Many people start as assistants or techs, work for a few years, then use tuition benefits to get more schooling and moveup. Healthcare offers a lot of ladder-climbing if you want it.
Theyre fast, so classes can be intense. Theres less downtime and more cramming. Make sure youre up for the pace. But if you like learning by doing, its often a better fit than endless lectures.
