If you have always wanted to work in a field assisting professionals such as doctors, teachers, lawyers or social workers, there are many paraprofessional degrees that offer this type of education. Paraprofessionals are necessary to offer cost-effective and efficient services to the customer. Job duties often consist of preparatory work that assists the professional in daily business. For example, a physician requires assistants to prepare and file paperwork, take vital signs, complete laboratory work and assist patients with personal needs.
Most professional careers require the assistance of other employees for smooth operation. The medical field requires a large number of paraprofessionals depending on the level of care offered. A hospital consists of a host careers such as X-ray technicians, laboratory assistants and medical transcriptionists. In the social work or psychiatry field, social work assistants complete mental health intakes and paperwork for psychologists before sessions. The education field requires teacher assistants in the school program to provide assistance with reading programs, special education and other tutoring needs.
Community colleges offer a wide range of paraprofessional degrees. Degree offerings fit the communities surrounding the college. Berkeley City College in Berkeley, California, offers a social work paraprofessional degree. According to Berkeley City College, students interested in group home positions, foster care agencies or rehabilitation counseling would consider the social work paraprofessional program. The programs are offered in an associate of arts or a certificate program. A number of online schools also offer degrees for a variety of careers. Jobs that are common for someone who has completed an online associate degree in paraprofessional education include some teaching jobs, teaching assistants or childcare positions.
Many professional careers require some form of degree or certificate for employment. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has prompted many school systems to require specific paraprofessional degrees before hiring. Instead of hiring a teacher with no past educational experience, someone with an associate of arts in education would have knowledge in classroom management, literacy, health, safety, observation and instruction. Paraprofessionals allow more time for the physician or teacher to spend quality time with patients and students.