An associate's degree in nursing, which will qualify you for a Registered Nurse or R.N. credential, takes two years of full-time study plus up to a year of required prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, and related subjects. Following an associate's degree and licensure, you can begin applying for jobs right away, but the possibility also exists of pursuing additional education later to obtain a bachelor's, master's, or even doctoral degree in nursing.
Physician's assistants diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a medical doctor. Depending on your background, you can become a physician's assistant after two to four years of training. Admission requirements and program specifics vary greatly. Some educational programs require that you have health care experience before you apply, and some programs require an existing bachelor's degree, so check the available options in your area to see if they will work for you.
If the scientific aspect of medicine is what interests you, rather than the patient care aspect, consider a degree in medical laboratory technology. A two-year associate's degree will qualify you for certification as a medical laboratory technician, which can lead to work conducting the diagnostic tests ordered by physicians. With this degree, you may also be able to transfer into a bachelor's degree program in medical technology if you decide you want to build on your knowledge and become qualified for additional responsibilities.
Medical sonographers and radiologic technicians handle diagnostic ultrasound and other imaging tests ordered by physicians. Radiologic technicians may also have a role in providing radiation therapy to cancer patients. Degrees leading to work in this field are usually two to four years long, with the associate's degree being the minimum for certification eligibility. Most degree programs are structured toward either sonographic or radiologic imaging rather than both, so make sure to choose the right program to match your interests.