Specialized Associate Degrees

Education has long been a gateway to a career that requires specific training. While some general degrees can prepare for a wide variety of jobs, a specialized associate degree provides specific education for a particular job in about two years. There are associate degrees that train students to work in nursing, computer science, cosmetology, culinary arts and health information technology, to name a few. Classes towards a specialized degree can be taken on a campus, and online options are sometimes available. The one defining trait of a specialized degree is that it will allow you obtain an education for a specific career but may not open opportunities in the general job market.
  1. Nursing

    • Nurses fill pivotal positions in hospitals and private medical practices. A two-year degree is available at the community college level and some private health colleges. Students usually complete required courses in anatomy, chemistry, math, English and biology in preparation for entering a program. Contact your local State Board of Nursing for acceptable schools that the state will recognize. Nurses with an associate degree typically take positions in direct patient care and sometimes management with a few years of experience.

    Culinary Arts

    • Professionals in culinary arts work across the world in some high-profile tourist locations. Those that are familiar with cooking at home may not have the knowledge of food safety and sanitation that is expected of culinary professionals. Two-year degrees are offered at many locations such as a community college or private culinary school. Graduates commonly work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, private clubs, cruise ships and institutional settings. Opportunities are available anywhere food is being served. This type of degree is a good starting point for anyone interested in the field as it encompasses basic skills: cooking, baking, safety, management, marketing and accounting as it relates to the food industry. An associate degree program can usually be completed in two-years by those attending full time. Most schools also offer experience classes to help with employment after graduation.

    Computer Science

    • Computer use has grown, and so has the need for trained personnel in computer science. There are different aspects of this specialized degree, including hardware, software, design, coding and graphics. Some colleges offer general degrees, while others offer degrees with a specific emphasis. Graduates can work in many diverse fields in nearly every business that uses computers to conduct business. Other job opportunities include working as a freelancer in developing websites and specialized applications for businesses.

    Health Care Technology

    • The field of medicine and health has changed over the years in terms of the delivery methods and how each piece interacts with the entire system. Technology is one area that is very specialized and requires specific training to produce competent individuals capable of performing their services. Health care technology includes many different jobs, but they are similar in the fact that their respective degrees prepare people for that specific career. Some options include medical information technology, medical lab technician, billing coder, database manager and information systems. The demand for jobs involving medicine and technology is expected to grow as more medical providers are connected through technology. Some local colleges offer online classes to help those who have to work while attending school. Contact your local community college to get more information about degree requirements in health care technology.

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