Medical associate’s degrees are available in a variety of fields, including nursing, dental assisting, radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography, and healthcare administration. Medical associate’s degrees are two-year programs that are usually offered through community colleges and are a less expensive option than four-year bachelor’s degree programs at universities. Students can use these degrees to become a registered nurse, diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologist, or medical assistant, as well as a dental assistant, medical records manager, or medical technologist. Many community colleges and technical schools offer low-cost medical associate’s degrees, and some classes are even available online.
An associate’s degree in nursing is a less expensive alternative to a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, and it emphasizes technical nursing skills rather than nursing theory. This two-year program prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs) and work in a technical nursing position. Graduates with an associate’s degree in nursing can work as registered nurses right away or use it as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree, which is required for many professional nursing positions.
An associate’s degree in dental assisting prepares students to work in a dentist’s office, assisting with teeth cleanings, surgeries, and other basic oral care procedures. Dental hygiene, oral anatomy, preventative oral care, and patient relations are examples of specific courses. Relevant clinical training will be supplemented by classroom instruction. Students who earn an associate’s degree in dental assisting can work as dental assistants at the entry level.
Medical associate’s degrees in radiation therapy prepare students to collaborate with oncologists and radiologists and to assist in the delivery of radiation therapy to cancer patients. Radiologic patient care, anatomy, radon principles, medical terminology, and technical writing are examples of relevant coursework. Graduates with an associate’s degree in radiation therapy can work in hospitals and doctor’s offices with cancer patients.
For students who are interested in both technology and healthcare, an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography is a good choice. This degree prepares students to operate ultrasound technology equipment properly and effectively communicate the results with healthcare providers. Anatomy, sonographic imaging, ultrasound, scanning techniques, and medical terminology will all be covered in these classes.
Medical associate’s degrees in medical records management teach students how to organize, track, and manage patient medical records in a doctor’s office or hospital setting. A career as a medical records manager is a good fit for someone with excellent organizational skills and a strong interest in medicine. Anatomy, medical terminology, database management, medical office procedures, and computer applications are among the topics covered in class.
A medical billing and coding associate’s degree is also available. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in the medical reimbursement field in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or insurance companies. Medical office protocol, introduction to health care financing, medical terminology, international classification of diseases, and understanding insurance claims are among the topics covered in these classes.