Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 12%
The job outlook for psychiatric technicians is significantly higher than that of all other occupations. Skilled workers are also needed to care for patients affected by cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
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17,500 MORE PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS AND AIDES ARE NEEDED BY 2029
As the nation’s population lives longer, an estimated 159,800 psychiatric technicians and aides will be needed by the end of the next decade.
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EMPLOYMENT IS EXPECTED TO RISE BY 17% IN THE NEXT DECADE
A larger elderly population has prompted a significantly greater demand for social and human services assistants. More of them are also needed in treatment programs to help people with addiction.
Our Research
This list covers associate programs that prepare students to pursue further education such as a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Graduates of these programs are also qualified for lower-level jobs in mental health and human services. Degrees offered include Associate of Science in Psychology, Associate of Arts in Psychology, Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology, Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer, and Associate of Arts in Psychology.
Accreditation is awarded to degree programs that meet specific academic standards at the national and regional levels. You might also be able to transfer credits from accredited programs to other institutions. Schools on this list are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 67 hours to write this article
- 194 universities and colleges we assessed
- 309 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Associate in Psychology Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a program of study, it’s important to consider your career goals. Though an associate degree in psychology offers introductory coursework focused on human development and social problems, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to pursue other occupations in psychology. If you’re interested in a career as an entry-level aide or assistant, an associate degree program might be right for you; however, if you wish to work as a counselor or psychologist, you must pursue a bachelor’s program in psychology. Most careers in psychology also require a master’s or doctoral degree. Determine which roles you want when deciding on a program of study.
Certifications in psychology can help you if you want to obtain an advanced degree in the field. They can also help you validate your skills for potential employers. Mental Health First Aid Training, Psychological First Aid Training, Certified Alzheimer Caregiver, and Interpersonal Rhythm Training certifications are valuable credentials for students in associate or undergraduate programs.
Though additional study is needed for professional roles in psychology, graduates with an associate degree in psychology face a positive job outlook. The projected growth for psychiatric technicians and human service assistants is significantly higher than that of all other U.S. occupations.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching associate degree programs in psychology:
- Am I eligible for this program? Associate degree programs in psychology accept students from all educational backgrounds. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED as well as a minimum standardized test score and personal statement of intent.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Students can expect to complete associate degree programs in psychology within two years. The programs on this list require 60 to 67 credits to graduate. Further education in the field of psychology, such as a bachelor’s degree, takes four years of full-time study to complete.
Research application deadlines and make sure to submit all requested materials on time. For detailed information about entry requirements and application due dates, visit the school’s website or contact the program directly.
An associate degree may be more affordable than a bachelor’s program, but it still requires financial investment. You might be eligible for loans, grants, or other government funds to help cover tuition costs, so submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.