- Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
- Youth Counselor
- Human Services Assistant
- Home Care Aid
- Addiction Rehabilitation Assistant
Psychology is a dynamic field with diverse career options. Many people miss out on a rewarding career in psychology because they believe they must earn a master’s degree or higher. There is good news for all of those who want a rewarding career in psychology, but do not have the time or money to earn a university degree. These are the five top careers with an associate’s degree in psychology.
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
Those who are interested in both psychology and medicine should consider a career as a psychiatric nursing assistant. Individuals in this role assist psychiatrists and other medical care staff with assessing patients and administering treatments. They often interact with patients and their families to relay information, provide support, and ensure comfort. They typically work in either hospitals or clinics. In addition to the associate’s in psychology, one might consider taking biological science and nursing courses as electives, and completing internships at hospitals and clinics during the associate’s program.
Youth Counselor
People who enjoy making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents should consider a career as a youth counselor. Youth counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including schools and after school programs, community recreation centers and camps, mental health clinics, and juvenile justice centers. They interact with youth in a variety of ways, from playing games, to homework tutoring, to mentoring and providing advice. Youth.gov provides empirically based information about the benefits of youth programs.
Human Services Assistant
Psychologists, social workers, and other mental health practitioners need a great deal of support and assistance in order to provide life-changing services to their patients and clients. Becoming a human services assistant gives one the opportunity to participated in the success of these services. They organize materials and handle confidential paperwork, maintain schedules, and are often the first and main point of contact for patients and clients. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics offers logistical information about this role.
Home Care Aid
Many people require assistance with daily tasks due to mental or physical illness, injury or disability. Those who enjoy interacting with people and helping them live their best lives should consider a career as a home health aid. This role includes cooking and cleaning, helping people maintain good hygiene, running errands, and providing companionship. Home care aids can choose to work through the county or private agencies, they can work for people they know or for the general public.
Addiction Rehabilitation Assistant
Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing problem in society. Fortunately, addiction rehabilitation is a field that is growing in response. Those interested in contributing to this cause should consider a career as an addiction rehabilitation assistant. People in this role provide assistance to physicians and mental health professionals in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They help patients get settled, handle paperwork, make appointments, and manage supplies.
Conclusion
People who want to work in the field of psychology have plenty of career options at the associate’s degree level. Assistants, counselors, and aids at this level provide the foundation of the human helping services. They make a direct and positive impact on society every single day.
Related Resources:
