According to experts, four-year university graduates can expect to earn an average of $50,000 in 2021 for their first post-college job. Paradise Valley Community College offers many two-year degrees and certificates that can easily put you in this salary bracket, or better yet, even more. Check out these programs and degrees.
PVCC’s Nursing program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), prepares students with the fundamental skills necessary to be successful as a nurse assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), or as a registered nurse (RN) in a variety of acute, long-term, and community-based healthcare settings. In the past five years, 96% of our students have received a passing grade, well above the national average (86.53%) and Arizona state average (89.2%). Completion of PVCC’s two-year nursing program, enables students to be eligible to apply for their nursing license and able to work in nursing jobs nationwide earning an average annual wage of $75,000.
Today, fire departments are putting more emphasis on having a Fire Science and EMT education background. PVCC offers degree and professional certificate programs consisting of numerous fire science and EMT classes, managed and instructed by active and experienced fire service and EMS professionals. A career in the EMS field paves the way for employment within the fire service, law enforcement, private ambulance services, emergency flights services, search and rescue, the clinical setting, community paramedicine, and EMS education. While the program is extremely competitive, the rewards for substantial earnings are guaranteed. For paramedics, starting base pay is between $40,000 to $60,000 before overtime hours; overtime hours are extremely advantageous and can raise a paramedic’s annual income upwards of six figures.
Healthcare Technology Systems (HTS) is one of the fastest growing and in-demand career paths with continued growth expected in medical and health services management positions for years to come. PVCC’s two year Associate of Applied Science degree enables students to jump into this growing industry quickly. For those who choose to move on and pursue their bachelor’s degree at one of PVCC’s partner universities, their credits easily transfer and increase their wage possibilities tremendously. The median salary for Healthcare IT professionals is $90,000.
Accounting is a skill for life that can be applied to so many different careers. With a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting, you can begin working in high-demand, entry level positions including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and many clerk positions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, claims, payroll and credit. As you gain experience working in your chosen field, you may choose to continue your education and prepare for certification in their professions such as a Certified Bookkeeper, Enrolled Agent, or Certified Payroll Professional. Arizona-based annual median wages for this program range from $35,000 to $75,000.