Associate of Science Careers
Healthcare is a field that is experiencing significant growth, with a high demand for skilled professionals. While many individuals pursue careers in healthcare with advanced degrees, an associate's degree in science can open up a variety of opportunities in different fields. The average earnings for several science-related careers, such as nursing, medical billing, and more, are outlined below. For more information on science-related careers, you can visit the website http://kd2kub.com for additional resources.
1. Nursing Assistant
Average National Salary: $13.75/hour
Primary Duties: Nursing assistants play a crucial role in patient care by assisting patients with daily activities. They are responsible for monitoring and recording patient vitals, providing personal care such as toileting and catheter care, changing beds, helping patients with eating and drinking, as well as bathing, showering, and oral care. A nursing assistant must possess compassion and sensitivity to provide comfort and support to patients.
Educational Requirements: Nursing assistants typically undergo a six to 12-week training program to become certified nursing aides. Hospitals and healthcare facilities such as Medilodge, HCR ManorCare, and VA Hospital often have openings for nursing assistants.
2. Medical Scribe/Transcriptionist
Average National Salary: $14.02/hour
Primary Duties: Medical transcriptionists play a vital role in documenting patient information by transcribing reports from voice recordings of physicians and healthcare providers. While advancements in transcription technology may impact the demand for transcriptionists, there is still a need for professionals who can accurately transcribe complex medical terminologies. Medical scribes are often responsible for recording physician-patient interactions during appointments using a computer or tablet.
Education: While not mandatory, many transcriptionists and scribes have a background in healthcare and may have completed relevant courses to ensure they are knowledgeable about medical terminology. Some healthcare providers such as Etheredge Chiropractic, Renalus Kidney Care, and LDMTS hire medical scribes and transcriptionists.
3. Phlebotomist
Average National Salary: $14.89/hour
Primary Duties: Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients, labeling vials, storing samples, and ensuring they are sent to the appropriate destination for testing. They must adhere to strict protocols for sterilizing equipment, following patient order forms, and disposing of hazardous materials. Patient comfort is a priority for phlebotomists, as they must possess strong communication skills to help patients feel at ease during procedures.
Educational Requirements: Phlebotomy technicians undergo specialized training courses and must be certified in some states. Laboratories such as LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and the American Red Cross often hire phlebotomists for their services.
4. Medical Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.10/hour
Primary Duties: Medical assistants work alongside doctors in clinics to provide support in various medical tasks. They may collect and test patient samples, perform routine checkups, record health histories, and assist with administrative duties such as filling out paperwork and managing patient files. Medical assistants must have strong interpersonal skills and be organized to excel in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Education: Medical assistants typically obtain certification and registration to practice. Healthcare organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health frequently recruit medical assistants to join their teams.
5. Emergency Medical Technician
Average National Salary: $15.16/hour
Primary Duties: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to medical emergencies and provide critical care to patients in need. They are often the first responders at the scene of an emergency and play a crucial role in assessing patient health, administering necessary treatment, and determining the appropriate course of action for transportation to a medical facility. EMTs must possess strong communication skills and a passion for helping others in crisis situations.
Employers: Companies such as Medcor, United Ambulance, and City Ambulance Service employ EMTs to respond to emergency calls and provide medical assistance to those in need.
6. Administrative Assistant
Average National Salary: $15.47/hour
Primary Duties: Administrative assistants provide essential support to businesses and offices by handling various administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling meetings, managing office supplies, and organizing appointments. Those with an associate's degree in science may find opportunities to work in healthcare settings where they can assist with scheduling appointments or managing office staff.
Employers: Organizations like the US Department of Defense, Mount Sinai Health System, and UPS often hire administrative assistants to support their daily operations.
7. Medical Biller
Average National Salary: $16.03/hour
Primary Duties: Medical billers are responsible for processing insurance claims, coding medical procedures, managing patient balances, and ensuring accurate billing practices in healthcare facilities. Attention to detail and organizational skills are essential for medical billers, as they must accurately document and submit claims to insurance companies.
Employers: Healthcare providers such as UnitedHealth, Planned Parenthood, and Texas Children's Hospital employ medical billers to manage billing and revenue processes in their facilities.
8. Drugstore Worker
Average National Salary: $16.21/hour
Primary Duties: Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in providing medications to patients, maintaining pharmacy inventory, and ensuring compliance with confidentiality laws. They may also assist in processing insurance claims, answering patient questions, and coordinating with insurance companies for reimbursement. Pharmacy technicians must possess strong communication skills and attention to detail to excel in their roles.
Education: Pharmacy technicians are often required to obtain certification in several states. Companies like Costco Wholesale, Magellan Health Services, and Aetna hire pharmacy technicians to work in various pharmacy settings.
9. Lab Assistant
Average National Salary: $17.21/hour
Primary Duties: Laboratory assistants play a key role in conducting tests, analyzing samples, and maintaining accurate lab records. Precision, attention to detail, and organizational skills are essential for lab assistants to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Education in laboratory technology or certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) may enhance job prospects for lab assistants.
Employers: Healthcare institutions like PeaceHealth, Salem Health, and UT San Antonio often have openings for lab assistants to support their laboratory operations.
10. Engineering Technician
Average Annual Salary: $56,937
Primary Duties: Engineering technicians provide technical support to engineers in various projects by assisting with experiments, data collection, and quality control measures. Individuals with an associate's degree in science may pursue a career as an engineering technician, leveraging their analytical skills, math proficiency, and interest in technology to excel in this role.
Educational Requirements: Employers typically prefer candidates with associate's or bachelor's degrees for engineering technician roles. Professional certification or advanced degrees may also be beneficial for career advancement in specialized areas such as aerospace engineering.
In conclusion, an associate of science degree opens up a wide range of opportunities in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, and administrative roles. Whether you are interested in patient care, medical billing, or laboratory operations, there are numerous career paths to explore with an associate's degree in science. For more information on science-related careers and educational resources, please visit http://kd2kub.com to learn more about the diverse opportunities available to aspiring professionals.