What jobs can you get with an associates in biology

An associate's degree in biology can lead to a number of entry-level jobs in the sciences. Many who earn associate's degrees in biology then transfer to a four-year program at a university; however, an associate's degree can give you the flexibility to work in a related field and see if that is what you want to pursue without spending as much time and money.

Laboratory technician

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One of the main career fields for those with associate degrees in biology is as a laboratory technician. Lab techs work in hospital, clinic and medical research labs. An average yearly salary for a tech is about $35,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A particular type of lab tech is the histologic tech. These workers prepare blood and tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist. These techs may earn between $13-20 an hour.

Research assistant

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Research assistants at medical research labs or at universities can earn varying amounts according to facility and the responsibilities. Environmental technicians are a type of research assistants who work for recycling or waste management companies, manufacturing companies or utility companies. They help companies ensure they are in compliance with environmental regulations and help clean up environmental problems. This career can earn in the range of $40,000 a year.

Other Career Fields

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Medical assistants work at physician's offices or clinics, depending on state requirements. Other possible fields for someone with an associate's degree in biology include veterinary technicians, state or national park worker, pest control specialists, or plant science technician.

Though most students use an associate's degree in biology as a stepping-stone to a four-year degree, you can still find work with the two-year sheepskin. You can parlay your science background into a lucrative sales career, or use it for entrance into a technical field. Once you’re working, however, you may want to still consider additional schooling to enhance your career options.

Sales

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a bachelor’s degree often is required, but it's not always a must-have for the job. If you’ve got the gift of gab and truly understand the science behind medical equipment, pharmaceuticals or biological materials, manufacturers may enter you into an in-house training program to get you up to speed on company products. You can make a substantial salary in sales, too. The 2010 median income for manufacturing and wholesale representatives was $56,620.

Lab Technician

If you like the details and investigative aspects of biology, you’ll enjoy a career in the laboratory. A lab technician needs an associate’s degree in biology as a minimum requirement. You can then begin the work of analyzing bodily fluids for a law enforcement agency or studying blood for a medical facility that does transfusions, for instance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2010, the median income for lab techs was about $46,660. In some states, however, you're required to get a license in addition to your degree.

Medical Assistant

A two-year biology degree could serve as your introduction to the medical field. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (at least through 2020) a minimum job growth of 31 percent for medical assistants. In 2010, the job paid a median salary of about $28,860. You can work in doctor’s offices and other health care facilities taking patient vital signs, making appointments and greeting patients. It could be an effective way to find out if you like the medical field before pursuing an advanced degree in medicine.

Veterinary Technologist

If you prefer to work with animals, look into a career as a vet tech. A two-year biology degree can help you land a position in a veterinarian’s office collecting lab samples, assisting with emergency care, and working directly with the animals to prepare them for surgery or provide aftercare. In 2010, the job paid a median income of about $29,710. Working in the field with your associate’s degree for a couple years could solidify your interests and support your advanced schooling to become a vet.

What are 5 jobs you can get with a biology degree?

So, what can you do with a biology degree?.
Research scientist..
Pharmacologist..
Biologist..
Ecologist..
Nature conservation officer..
Biotechnologist..
Forensic scientist..
Government agency roles..

What is the highest paying job with an associate degree?

What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?.
Radiation Therapy. ... .
Nuclear Technology. ... .
Nuclear Medicine. ... .
Dental Hygiene. ... .
Web Development. ... .
Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ... .
Aerospace Engineering. ... .
Electrical Engineering..

What kind of job can you get with a biology degree?

With additional education, you can use your biology degree to become a nurse, physician, veterinarian, engineer, or senior scientist. An advanced degree in biology can allow you to teach biology at a university or become a senior level manager or researcher at a pharmaceutical, environmental, or biotech firm.

What is AA in biology?

An Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree helps students seamlessly transition into a bachelor's degree program at one of Florida's four-year institutions. Biology students will complete the common prerequisite courses for an upper-division biology major as part of their general A.A. degree program.