2-Year Degree Programs for Older Adults

Some of the best two-year degree programs for older adults include associate degrees in in-demand fields that are accessible through online classes at accredited colleges.

Explore various career and degree options for older students and some advantages of pursuing a college education later in life.

5 Featured 2-Year Degree Programs for Older Adults

Acquiring new skills at any age benefits continuing education and lifelong learning. The following features the best degrees to consider that rank among the top choices for advancing your knowledge as an older student.

1. Associate Degree in Nursing

Many older adult learners choose to pursue nursing careers. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) prepares you to become a registered nurse in just two years. The Community College of Baltimore County offers this as an online degree or on campus, providing both theoretical and clinical training. Graduates often choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing, leading to more opportunities in the healthcare field.

2. Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

An associate degree in dental hygiene includes courses like clinical services and dental radiology. It provides instruction in delivering quality patient care and is an excellent choice for older learners. The program at Rowan College in Burlington County is a two-year full-time degree focused on evidence-based dental hygiene care that provides training as clinicians and prevention specialists.

3. Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

An associate degree in respiratory therapy provides the skills and knowledge for identifying and treating respiratory issues that impact the lungs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that many older adults choose this line of work, and jobs in the field demonstrate consistent growth until 2032. Saint Joseph's University in Pennsylvania offers this two-year degree that teaches respiratory care procedures and theories in pulmonology.

4. Associate Degree in Surgical Technology

An associate degree in surgical technology provides comprehensive training in supporting medical teams during surgical procedures. Texas State Technical College offers hands-on instruction and clinical experiences through its accredited associate degree program with coursework in pharmacology and medical terminology. It prepares you to provide excellent patient care and enter the field in entry-level positions.

5. Associate Degree in Software Development

An associate degree in software development is a two-year degree often chosen by adult learners. It delivers instruction in coding and deploying applications, where you learn to create web content and various technologies. Minnesota State College Southeast has an online degree program that teaches web design and database application development, which you can complete in two years.

Benefits of Obtaining a 2-Year Degree as an Older Adult

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a growing number of people working later in life, particularly those aged 65 and older.

Enrolling in a college degree program and pursuing higher education as a senior citizen provides the credentials to succeed in a new career or advance your knowledge at your current job.

Earning a two-year degree as an older adult college student has many benefits, such as:

• many schools, such as the University of Delaware and the University of South Carolina, offer tuition waivers and other sources of financial aid geared specifically toward senior citizens that help alleviate costs
• as an older adult student, your work and life experience can serve you well in your college courses, where you can apply what you already know and, in many cases, earn credit hours toward your degree
• it opens doors to better-paying salaries and high-demand career options in business administration or computer science, where most entry-level jobs require a college education

Career Paths for Older Adults With 2-Year Degrees

Several career paths are accessible to older adults who have obtained two-year degrees. They present many lucrative job opportunities across a range of fields, as described below.

Dental Hygienist

Being a dental hygienist is a great job for older adults. They review and assess patients' oral health and conduct screenings to learn about dental health history. They assist the dentist by taking dental X-rays and often perform teeth cleaning. You must complete an associate-level degree in the field and become licensed in your state to pursue dental hygienist roles. Licensing mandates vary, and you should research requirements regarding your specific state before enrolling in a program.

Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist is trained in pulmonary medicine and performs diagnoses on patients with heart and breathing conditions. An associate degree in respiratory care gets you on a successful track and prepares you for the necessary examinations you need to pass to become a registered respiratory therapist. It is a high-demand field that attracts many older adults who can potentially make a lucrative salary in entry-level respiratory therapist roles.

Surgical Technician

A surgical technician is trained in the skills and knowledge needed to assist nurses and surgeons in preparing operating rooms and setting up the necessary equipment to ensure safety in surgical settings. They play a crucial role in sterilization and preparing patients for various operations. Many older adults pursue this role, where you need a two-year associate degree to land a job in hospitals and physician's offices.

Web Developer

The main job of a web developer is to create and maintain websites. They leverage their expertise in computer programming and graphic design to develop user-friendly sites in roles that offer the potential for high-paying salaries, even as an older adult. Getting an associate degree teaches the necessary programming languages and computer skills for succeeding in this position.

Software Engineer

A software engineer has a comprehensive understanding of computer science and uses coding knowledge and creative problem-solving skills in software development. This position typically requires a two-year associate-level degree, which offers extensive software design and architecture training and is a good job choice for older students.

FAQs About 2-Year Degree Programs for Older Adults

Here are answers to some of the most-asked questions about two-year degree programs available for older adults.

What Is the Easiest Degree to Get in Two Years?

An associate degree in sought-after fields such as business administration and information technology is one of the easiest to obtain in two years. The ease of graduating from these degree programs depends on various factors, including your personal interests and the amount of skills and knowledge you have in the field.

What Two-Year Degree Pays the Most?

Some of the best two-year degrees that pay the most are in information technology, focusing on areas like software development and support specialists. Other well-paying associate programs are also available in healthcare, such as respiratory therapy and nursing, which lead to sought-after careers with good salaries. These degrees are designed to prepare you for entry-level roles with high earning potential.

What Are the Most Flexible Two-Year Degree Programs?

The most flexible two-year degree programs offer online courses, making it convenient for older adult learners to get a college education part-time while balancing busy working schedules. Many of these programs also offer easy transfer options if you are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and other advanced degrees like a master's degree.

Can You Have Two Associate Degrees?

Yes, you can earn two associate degrees, as most colleges do not have a limit on how many you can obtain. If they are in similar fields, this can be very beneficial in providing well-rounded skills for your choice of career. You should research your desired school and program regarding specifics on doing so.