The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the health care industry will have created 3.2-million jobs between 2010 and 2020. Three careers in particular will experience terrific growth. And the transition to these jobs only requires an associate degree.
Pharmacy Technician: About 75% of pharmacy technician positions are in retail settings. The Department of Labor estimates employment of pharmacy technicians and aides will grow 32% through 2020. ($$PTA degree)
Medical Assistant: This job involves working directly with patients, often taking vital signs and medical histories. Medical assisting jobs are projected to grow by 34% through 2020. According to a 2011 salary survey by the American Association of Medical Assistants, Certified Medical Assistants have salaries 10 to 15% higher than medical assistants who are not certified. ($$MAA program)
Medical Records and Health Information Technician: These employees work with patient data in an office setting. The field has a 21% projected job growth through 2020 as the population ages, leading to an increase in the number of healthcare records, and an increased need in technicians to manage them. The median annual salary is $32,350. ($$MCD program)
