Registered nurses care for patients in hospitals, home health-care facilities, nursing homes, outpatient-care centers, and a variety of other health-care settings. An accredited associate degree in nursing (ADN) program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Registered nurses have average annual earnings of $62,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also according to the BLS, the job outlook for RNs is excellent, with employment growth of 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.
An associate degree is the most common level of education for a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth, examine the teeth for gum disease or abnormalities, take dental X-rays, and perform other duties related to oral hygiene in dental offices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn an average of $66,570 annually. Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS.
Paralegals perform basic clerical duties and investigative research to help attorneys build cases. They also assist in preparing various types of contracts. An associate degree in paralegal studies is the most common way for individuals to enter this career. The BLS projects employment for paralegals will increase 28 percent from 2008 to 2018. Paralegals, who are most often employed by corporate legal departments or the government, earn $46,120 a year on average.
An associate degree in criminal justice is ideal for an individual who wishes to pursue a career as a police officer. Police work for state and local governments. Their job duties may include monitoring traffic, ensuring public safety, testifying in court, keeping records, and responding to telephone calls. BLS data show that police officers have average annual earnings of $51,410. The job outlook for police officers is favorable, with the BLS projecting employment to increase 10 percent from 2008 to 2018.