Emily
What are good degree options for a 20-year-old leaving ABA?
I’m 20 years old and planning to go to college. I’ve been in ABA for 7 months making $22/hr, and I don’t have a passion to pursue this field long-term. The job is both physically and mentally demanding, and I’ve received little to no support in what feels like an extremely unethical work environment.
Right now, my main focus is to get my associate’s degree, but I want out of ABA as quickly as possible. I’m looking for something that can lead to a stable, supportive, and beneficial career with opportunities to grow. I can’t do programs that require clinicals because I need to work full-time while in school, but I am open to other healthcare-related roles.
My main interests include psychology, law, beauty/cosmetology, and business. I’ve considered becoming a paralegal, but I live in a small city and I don’t think there are many job listings in that field. I’m open to other options as well—I just want something where I can get good support, decent pay, and long-term advancement opportunities.
1 answer
Matt Kisling
Matt’s Answer
With your interests in psychology, law, beauty, and business, here are three promising Associate Degree paths that don't require clinicals, fit a full-time work schedule, and offer long-term growth.
Path 1: Human Resources (HR)
Combines: Business + Psychology
If you like understanding human behavior but prefer a structured setting, HR is a great option. It avoids the emotional strain of direct care while using your people skills.
Role: Manage employee relations, onboarding, benefits, and workplace culture.
Why it works in a small city: Every business, school, hospital, and government office needs HR staff. Plus, many HR jobs are now hybrid or remote.
Degree: Associate in Business Administration or Human Resources (available online).
Pay & Growth: Entry-level HR roles pay about $20 to $28/hr ($42,000–$58,000/yr), with potential to earn $80,000+ as you advance.
Path 2: Healthcare Administration or Health Information Management
Combines: Business + Healthcare (No Clinicals)
With your healthcare background, you can move to the administrative side of medicine.
Role: Manage medical offices, compliance, health records, or patient scheduling.
Why it suits you: These are fully administrative programs you can do online while working full-time. No clinical rotations involved.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration or Health Information Technology.
Pay & Growth: Entry-level roles pay $22 to $26/hr, with strong opportunities for advancement in clinic management.
Path 3: Beauty/Cosmetology Corporate Roles
Combines: Business + Beauty
You don't have to be a stylist to work in beauty. Big beauty brands need business support.
Role: Store management, regional coordination, marketing assistant, or supply chain coordinator.
How to start: Consider working full-time as an administrative assistant or counter manager at a beauty retailer or spa. This shifts you from ABA, pays well, and builds business experience.
Degree: Associate in Business Administration or Marketing.
Pay & Growth: Retail/spa management starts at $20 to $25/hr, with higher pay in corporate roles.
Tips for a Safe Transition
Prioritize your mental health by seeking entry-level Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, or Office Coordinator roles now. These jobs pay $18–$23/hr and offer a way out of the challenging ABA environment while boosting your resume.
Explore Local Government: In small cities, places like the county courthouse, city hall, and school boards offer stable clerical or legal clerk jobs with good benefits and ethical standards.