Best 2-Year Medical Degrees That Pay Well 2025

The healthcare field is full of opportunities for those who want well-paying, in-demand jobs. Surprisingly, some of these careers are available to those with only a two-year degree or certificate. Perhaps you'd like to learn more about these careers; in particular, you'd like to find out about the top 2-year medical degrees that pay well.

Keep reading as we explore our list of the best 2-year medical degrees, the careers you can pursue with them, and average salary information. We'll also discuss some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Accredited 2-Year Medical Degrees That Pay Well

There is a surprising variety of medical associate degrees that pay well. Let's take a closer look at some of the best types of two-year degrees that lead to high-paying careers in the medical and healthcare industries.

The following salary information was gathered from reputable sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Radiation Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $98,300

Students who earn a radiation therapy associate degree are qualified to become radiation therapists. These professionals administer doses of radiation to patients with cancer or other medical conditions.

Radiation therapy programs often feature both classroom and clinical training. Students take courses in radiation procedures and theories, anatomy, physiology, and physics.

2. Nuclear Medicine Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $92,500

The field of nuclear medicine technology involves preparing and administering radioactive drugs to treat various health conditions. Nuclear medicine technologists commonly hold an associate degree in this field, though some pursue a bachelor's degree or a related associate degree followed by a certificate program.

Students in nuclear medicine technology programs take courses in physics, chemistry, anatomy, computer science, and radioactive drugs. They also receive extensive clinical instruction under the supervision of experienced technologists and surgeons or physicians who specialize in nuclear medicine technology.

3. Dental Hygiene

Estimated Median Salary: $87,530

Dental hygiene associate degrees are typically required to become dental hygienists. These programs may last up to three years, though accelerated programs can help students graduate within two years or less.

Dental hygiene programs combine classroom, lab, and clinical experiences to provide a well-rounded education. Common coursework includes topics like anatomy and physiology, periodontics, and medical ethics.

4. Nursing

Estimated Median Salary: $86,070

Nursing is a common associate degree that can lead to a lucrative career as a registered nurse (RN). RNs are employed in almost every type of healthcare facility, and the job outlook is highly favorable for this career that's always in demand.

Nursing degree and diploma programs cover a variety of topics like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and social and behavioral sciences. Nursing students gain extensive hands-on experience through clinical rotations as part of their training. Upon graduation, they are eligible to pursue RN licensure.

5. MRI Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $83,740

MRI technology degrees prepare students to work as MRI technologists. These healthcare professionals operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, prepare patients for MRIs, and perform various other duties before and after MRI scans.

Students typically take classes in MRI procedures and safety, anatomy, medical terminology, and psychology. Training courses typically include internships or externships so students can gain hands-on experience.

6. Cardiovascular Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $80,850

Students interested in cardiovascular technology can pursue certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees in the field. This type of program prepares students to work as cardiovascular technologists and technicians.

Students in these programs take courses in anatomy and physiology along with other applied sciences. Instruction in invasive and noninvasive cardiovascular procedures is also common, and students gain clinical experience as part of their training to prepare them for their careers.

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Estimated Median Salary: $80,850

Diagnostic medical sonography is a common associate degree program that prepares students for careers as diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians. These professionals use ultrasound machines to diagnose various medical conditions.

Classes in diagnostic medical sonography programs cover topics like medical terminology, anatomy, and advanced courses in sonography specializations (like breast or abdominal sonography). Clinical rotations help students gain hands-on experience.

8. Respiratory Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $77,960

Respiratory therapy programs are typically two-year degrees that help students pursue careers as respiratory therapists. They work in a variety of healthcare settings providing care for patients who are having trouble breathing due to respiratory conditions.

These degree programs may have prerequisites, such as biology, physics, and algebra, that students can fulfill in high school. College courses typically cover anatomy and physiology along with diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and tests. Most programs require extensive supervised clinical experiences.

9. Radiologic Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $76,020

Radiologic technology degrees lead to careers as radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers. These healthcare workers are trained to perform X-rays and other types of imaging exams on patients.

In addition to anatomy and physiology courses, students also study patient care, pathology, radiation protection, and image evaluation. Students typically complete clinical hours as part of their training.

10. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Estimated Median Salary: $65,450

Occupational therapy assistant degree programs prepare students to fill entry-level occupational therapy roles. These workers assist occupational therapists with patient care or by performing routine tasks like room cleaning and preparation.

Occupational therapy assistants must undergo both classroom and clinical training. They study a wide range of courses like psychology, anatomy, and kinesiology.

Our Selection Criteria

We used a variety of criteria when choosing the types of degrees discussed above. Some of the factors taken into consideration include:

• Salary_: Each of the degrees listed leads to careers with average salaries above $65,000 a year according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Medical or healthcare program_: All of the higher education programs considered are types of healthcare or medical degrees leading to careers in high-demand healthcare settings.
• Timeframe_: All of the programs are associate degrees or certificate programs that can be completed within two years.

How To Find Associate Medical Degree Programs for High-Paying Jobs

Now that we've discussed different types of medical and healthcare degrees, perhaps you're wondering how to find specific programs at specific schools. The good news is that there are many colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools that offer these types of programs.

To find these two-year programs, consider which specific types of degrees interest you the most. Then, look online for lists of schools offering those types of programs. If you're interested in attending specific schools, check those school websites directly to find out if they offer your chosen programs.

If you can't find the information you're looking for online, reach out to the specific schools that interest you. Speaking with an academic advisor should help you find out more about the programs and admission requirements at those schools.

If you're still in high school, speak to a school counselor about your academic and career goals. The counselor may be able to provide you with resources, such as lists of schools that offer your programs of interest.

Benefits of Earning an Associate Degree in the Medical Field

There are many benefits of earning a healthcare or medical associate degree. For starters, associate degrees tend to be much cheaper than bachelor's degrees or other more advanced programs. Getting an associate degree gives you an affordable way to get your foot in the door of the medical profession.

What's more, there are a wide variety of medical careers to choose from, even if you only have a two-year degree. Many of these careers have a stable job outlook and provide respectable salaries, helping you gain experience and earn a decent income while making a difference in a high-demand field.

Finally, an associate degree is considered the easiest medical degree you can get because it is the most basic, entry-level form of education. If you want to get started in your career quickly and easily, getting a two-year degree might be the right path forward for you.

FAQs About 2-Year Medical Degrees for High-Paying Careers

If you still have questions about pursuing medical and healthcare jobs with an associate degree or certificate program, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to common questions you may be wondering about.

What Two-Year Medical Degree Pays the Most?

One of the highest-paying two-year degrees is radiation therapy, as radiation therapists earn an average salary of $98,300. Another great choice is an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology; nuclear medicine technologists earn average annual salaries of $92,500.

What Is the Average Cost of a 2-year Healthcare Degree Program?

Program costs can vary widely depending on the type of degree and career path you are pursuing; that said, associate degrees are generally the least expensive types of programs. An associate degree in nursing, for example, costs an average of $12,300 a year, including tuition, room and board, and various other expenses. Other types of associate degrees may cost more or less depending on the program and the school, but this figure gives you a good idea of what to expect when planning how to finance your education.

What Is the Easiest Medical Job That Pays Well?

There is no one healthcare profession that's considered the ''easiest,'' but generally speaking, careers that require minimal amounts of training are considered easier than those that require many years of education. These low-training medical jobs include surgical technologists, physical therapist assistants, and medical assistants.

Explore Two-Year Medical Training Programs

If you're ready to become a healthcare provider, explore two-year degrees at schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of these schools directly to learn more about their programs and to find the right one for you.