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Associate Degree Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Degree information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do associate degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate degree in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Degree vs Medical Assistant?

AspectAssociate DegreeMedical Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically requires 2-year college coursework, including general education and major-specific classesUsually requires a postsecondary certificate or diploma, sometimes an associate degree, with certification preferred
Work EnvironmentVaries widely; can include healthcare, business, technology, depending on majorPrimarily in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and physicians' offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across multiple industries; not specific to healthcarePrimarily employed in healthcare as clinical or administrative support staff

While an Associate Degree offers broader educational options across various fields, a Medical Assistant program focuses specifically on healthcare support roles. Medical Assistants often pursue certification to enhance job prospects, whereas an Associate Degree provides foundational knowledge for diverse careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Degree holder in the workforce, and why are they important?

To thrive with an Associate Degree, you need foundational knowledge in your chosen field, practical problem-solving abilities, and the credential itself. Familiarity with industry-specific software, technical tools, or certifications—such as Microsoft Office for business or CompTIA A+ for IT—can enhance your qualifications. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you stand out and adapt to diverse workplace environments. These competencies are essential to demonstrate readiness for entry-level roles, support career advancement, and contribute effectively to organizational goals.

What kind of job can an associate degree get?

An associate degree can qualify individuals for entry-level positions in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades. Common jobs include administrative assistant, dental assistant, pharmacy technician, IT support specialist, and HVAC technician, often requiring specific technical skills or certifications. These roles typically involve working in office, clinical, or technical environments and may require on-the-job training or additional certification.

What are associate degrees?

Associate degrees are undergraduate academic programs that typically take about two years to complete at a community college, technical school, or some universities. They provide foundational knowledge and skills in a specific field, preparing students for entry-level jobs or further education. Many students use an associate degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, while others enter the workforce directly after graduation. Common types include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying sales roles such as real estate brokers or financial advisors can earn $10,000 or more per month, often requiring strong communication skills, industry knowledge, and licensing. Additionally, some entrepreneurs or business owners generate this level of income through their ventures, but these paths typically involve significant experience and risk.

What types of entry-level roles are commonly available to candidates with an associate degree, and how can graduates position themselves for advancement?

Graduates with an associate degree often find entry-level opportunities in fields such as healthcare (e.g., medical assistant, radiologic technologist), information technology (e.g., support specialist), business administration, and skilled trades. To position themselves for advancement, candidates should gain hands-on experience, seek industry certifications, and actively participate in professional development opportunities. Networking with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and demonstrating a strong work ethic can also help associate degree holders move into supervisory or specialized roles over time.

What are the highest paid associate degrees?

Associate degrees in fields such as nursing (ADN), dental hygiene, computer science, and engineering technology tend to lead to higher-paying jobs, often with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. These programs typically require technical skills, certifications, and practical training, and graduates can work in healthcare, technology, or technical industries with strong job growth and earning potential.

What can you do if you have an associate's degree?

An associate's degree qualifies individuals for entry-level positions in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades. Common roles include administrative assistant, dental assistant, technician, or customer service representative, often requiring specific technical skills or certifications. It can also serve as a foundation for further education or training to advance in a career.
What are popular job titles related to Associate Degree jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Associate Degree jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Degree jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Degree jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Associate Degree jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Associate Degree job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Degree job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,872 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Laboratory Scientist - Lovelace Women's Hospital, (1099)

Laboratory Scientist - Lovelace Women's Hospital, (1099)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 0830-1900 with holidays and other shifts needed.
Location: Lovelace Women's Hospital
Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position
Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as "Testing Personnel" for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.
2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.
3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.
4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.
5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.
6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.
7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.
8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.
9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.
10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;
a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.
b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.
c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.
d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.
11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Minimum Qualifications:
Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:
Laboratory Scientist I:
Must meet one of the following per CLIA regulations:
• Bachelor's degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelor's degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
• Associate's degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
• Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either:
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
• Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
No experience required.
Laboratory Scientist II:
Must meet one of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or
• Bachelor's degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years' direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelor's degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or
• Associate's degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years' direct clinical laboratory experience, or • Two years' direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
• Two years' direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or
• Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.
Laboratory Scientist III:
Must meet one of the following:
• Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or
• Bachelor's degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years' direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelor's degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or
• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years' direct clinical laboratory experience, or
• Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or
• Associate's degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years' direct clinical laboratory experience, or
• Four year's direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
• Four years' direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
Laboratory Scientist IV:
Must meet one of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years' direct clinical laboratory experience, or
• Bachelor's degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years' direct clinical laboratory experience.
PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist
*Certification required for LS IV placement
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
TriCore is New Mexico's largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.