Most people think you need a bachelor’s or master’s-level education to work in healthcare or social services. While it’s true there are many positions in healthcare management, social work and administration that require advanced degrees, there is also a great need for entry-level healthcare professionals.

Many entry-level positions—such as a nursing assistant—in healthcare require no education above a high school diploma and a short certificate course. However, if you want to have a more direct role in care or open career pathways that align more closely with your personal interests, an associate degree is a flexible and great place to start.

Degrees that fall under the umbrella of health and human services provide a solid foundation for students who aren’t sure where to start their healthcare career, but know that this is the field for them. There are many doors that a degree in this field can open. Here’s who this degree is for and what steps you can take if you’re interested in learning more.

What is an associate degree in health and human services?

This two-year degree is designed to provide students with a functional understanding of health and human services. Undergraduates may complete their program solidly prepared for many different entry-level positions in a variety of settings.

Students can focus on specialties such as counseling, family systems or human development. Depending on the kind of concentration a student chooses, the program may also explore topics such as sociology, ethics and case management. It’s also common for hands-on experience to be a part of the human services curriculum. Through internships or capstone projects, students will have the chance to develop practical skills in clinical situations to use in their careers.

Often an online associate degree requires around 60 credits to graduate. Most programs are designed to transfer conveniently to other bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees.

What to expect in your program

The curriculum for an associate of health and human services online degree program typically includes a combination of general education courses and core courses specific to the field. The curriculum should provide students with a balanced understanding of health and human services concepts, skills and ethical considerations. Below is a general overview of what you can expect to study in your online program.

Specializing your degree

Students may review the specific offerings of the institution they are interested in to determine whether there are subfields or concentrations available within the online associate health and human services program. Students may have the opportunity to customize their degree through elective courses that align with their specific interests and career goals.

While a health and/or human services degree is offered in some form in almost every college or university, there are many different specialties and concentrations that may or may not be right for you. For instance, if you’re looking to start a career in social work, a human services degree that emphasizes helping people in the justice system is not going to set you up for the job you want.

There are many populations and communities in need of support services, and you’ll likely find a program for every one if you look long enough. Some common specialties you’ll find as you start your search include:

• Social services: Places focus on preparing students for careers with social services agencies. Courses emphasize case management, counseling and support services for individuals and families.
• Community health: Emphasizes topics related to public health, health education and outreach in community settings. Preventing illness and promoting wellness within communities is a primary focus.
• Gerontology: Focuses on the unique health and social needs of the aging population. Courses may cover issues related to healthcare for seniors and services designed to support their well-being.
• Mental health: Concentrates on ways to provide support to those facing mental health challenges. Topics such as counseling, psychology and behavioral health services are areas of focus for this degree.
• Global health: Courses are designed to learn about current health issues on a global scale. This curriculum addresses topics such as international health policies, global healthcare disparities and cross-cultural healthcare.

Browse our vetted selection of programs

What can I do with an associate degree in health and human services?

An online associate degree in health and human services can lead to various career opportunities in the healthcare or human services sector. While it may not provide as many specialized roles as a bachelor’s or higher degree, it definitely serves as a valuable entry point into the field.

Here are some potential career opportunities for individuals holding an associate degree:

• Social and human service assistant: Assist professionals in providing client services in areas such as healthcare, social work and rehabilitation. This role involves helping clients access benefits, arranging appointments and providing support.
• Community health worker: Work in community settings to promote health education, facilitate access to healthcare services, and advocate for individuals and communities. Community health workers play a vital role in addressing public health issues.
• Behavioral health technician: Support individuals dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues. Responsibilities may include assisting with therapeutic activities, monitoring clients and providing emotional support.
• Home health aide: Provide basic healthcare services to individuals in their homes. This may involve assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring health conditions and offering companionship.
• Medical administrative assistant: Work in healthcare settings, managing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining records and assisting with billing. This role is crucial for the smooth operation of medical offices.
• Case management aide: Assist case managers in coordinating services for clients, such as healthcare, housing or social services. Case management aides play a supportive role in helping clients access necessary resources.
• Rehabilitation assistant: Support individuals with disabilities in rehabilitation programs. Responsibilities may include helping with exercises, providing emotional support and assisting with daily activities.
• Patient navigator: Guide patients through the healthcare system, helping them access necessary services and resources. Patient navigators assist individuals in understanding and navigating the complexities of healthcare.
• Substance abuse counseling assistant: Work alongside counselors to provide support and assistance to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Responsibilities may include organizing group activities, monitoring clients and offering encouragement.
• Health educator assistant: Assist health educators in developing and implementing programs that promote wellness and educate individuals and communities about health-related topics.

While these roles represent entry-level positions, individuals with an associate in health and human services can gain valuable experience and may choose to pursue further education to advance their careers. Additionally, some employers may offer opportunities for career progression and professional development within these fields.

Salaries can vary depending on many factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some guidance. Social and Human Service Assistants earned a median pay of $41,410 per year in 2023, for instance. The median annual income for Community and Social Service specialists rested at $49,690.

Like many careers in the healthcare industry, opportunities for occupations in this field are slated for above-average growth (which is currently estimated to see average growth of 3% across the workforce through 2032, says the BLS). Openings for Social and Human Service Assistants, for instance, are projected by the BLS to increase by 8.6% through 2032.

Online learning success

To succeed in your online associate degree program, there are a few things you should know about distance education.

• Textbooks are the same as in-person classes, and professors often record live lectures so online students can experience traditional instruction. Some classes invest in interactive software to simulate hands-on labs. Some courses may require you to participate in an on-site lab component to satisfy the course, too, so be sure to read the course description carefully before selecting your class.
• Quizzes and tests are typically taken using proctoring software. This means that you’ll need a high-resolution camera and live internet connection to ensure you’re not using notes or a separate computer to look up answers.
• Assignments are typically due by midnight on a given day. This can be beneficial, especially if you work and attend school. However, it means paying close attention to deadlines. Just as you would expect from a traditional classroom, missed or late assignments may not be accepted—even with a valid reason, such as internet outage.
• Many online learners find that meeting in study groups is a helpful way to stay focused and engaged. Some instructors may require weekly or biweekly group meetings via Zoom or Teams, too. If this doesn’t work with your schedule, be sure to discuss it with instructors early on. You will most likely be able to drop or swap your course for one that is a better fit for your needs.

Helpful resources

Professional organizations can provide professional resources, industry knowledge and scholarship opportunities. Some human service organizations include:

• National Organization for Human Services (NOHS): A nonprofit that supports human service professionals, students, educators, and future professionals. NOHS offers professional development, certifications, and social change advocacy.
• American Public Human Services Association (APHSA): Supports leaders from state, county, and city human services agencies.
• American Public Health Association: Focuses on improving the health of people and communities in the U.S.
• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP): Offers membership types for direct support professionals, human service organizations, and other stakeholders.

Choosing the right online degree program

Next steps

If you’re ready to use your gift of empathy and compassion to help others, an online associate degree in health and human services is a great place to start. There are many opportunities that require no clinical experience but still allow you to help care for communities in need.

The courses in this degree may transfer easily to other undergrad and graduate academic programs. You can choose to pursue an online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare, or specialize in billing and coding or apply your existing credits to an associate degree in nursing—the possibilities are vast.

Take the first step toward a rewarding career and explore some of the online associate degree programs using the Find Schools button on this page.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can an associate degree in health and human services lead to a higher-earning career?

As a rule, salaries reflect the level of education and experience required to do the job. In and of itself, an associate degree is most often the first step in an educational journey. Most students move on to a bachelor’s or master’s degree after completing their associate degree program.

However, that is not necessarily a hard and fast rule. Salaries can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your position, type of healthcare facility and region of the U.S. you’re employed in. For those who are not interested in obtaining additional credentials, an associate degree can still lead to a great salary and a job you love.

What kind of work-life balance can I expect in human services or healthcare?

The work-life balance in a career in health and human services can vary depending on the specific job and employer. Some roles may involve standard 9-to-5 business hours. Certain roles, such as those in crisis intervention or emergency services, may require more flexibility and responsiveness to client needs. This could mean evening, weekend or on-call work.

Work-life balance can be influenced by the type of employer. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies may have more standardized hours, while the private sector might have different expectations. Administrative or managerial roles within health and human services may involve more regular hours and predictable schedules compared to direct client care positions.

The increasing use of technology and telehealth services has introduced more flexibility into certain roles, allowing professionals to work remotely or adopt flexible schedules. As you research different positions in healthcare, target remote or hybrid work and examine those roles closely to see if you feel they’re a good match for you.

Should I just enroll in a bachelor’s degree for health and human services instead?

The benefit of starting your education with an online associate degree program is two-fold. First of all, it can provide you a pathway into the kind of healthcare career that interests you more quickly. If you’re eager to get started or aren’t 100% sure what sector of the industry interests you the most, this is a great option for you.

For another, an associate’s degree provides you with a good benchmark. If you start a bachelor’s degree but your plans change or you decide you aren’t right for the area of study you’ve chosen, you may only have partial credits toward your degree completion. An associate degree is a good pivot point, educationally speaking. You can return to it, transfer it or stick with it and be none the worse off.

---