You’ve chosen your dream job, and now it’s time to get that college degree, right? Not so fast. You may not even need to earn a degree to enter your desired career path. There are myriad jobs that instead require you to complete specialized programs or acquire advanced training like an apprenticeship, where you focus on gaining the skills necessary to succeed in that role. You can then work towards earning an industry-accredited certification or license that validates your expertise and verifies your preparedness for the job.
As you begin to discover the journey towards your career of choice, explore careers that leave you room for advancement in the industry. Advanced education and training can get you there without the demand for a four-year degree.
If you are searching for an alternative pathway towards a career, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve hand-picked six careers you can pursue that don’t require a four-year degree
Web Developer
A Web Developer uses coding and programming tools to build and maintain websites to ensure that they function properly for users. Web Developers need to learn how to use code and computer programming languages to fulfill their role. Once they acquire these skills and put their knowledge to practice, they can begin working as a Website Developer! An online course that emphasizes this area can be a vital stepping stone towards gaining the skills to enter the field.
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic medical sonographers or Ultrasound Technicians examine patients’ organs using sonographers to assess them for health conditions. An Ultrasound Technician can enter the field by earning a professional certification after they graduate from a program at an accredited school, complete clinical requirements, and pass a certification exam.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are responsible for responding to emergencies and transporting patients to medical facilities. EMTs must complete a state-approved educational program in emergency medical technology, earn a certification in CPR, as well as a certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) to qualify for a state license and officially become an EMT!
Pharmacy Technician
A Pharmacy Technician assists a Pharmacist by measuring, packaging, and labeling prescriptions. You can pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician after graduating from an accredited program and obtaining a certification recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Software Developer
Software Developers use programming languages to build and maintain software such as mobile applications and operating systems. To learn the craft and gain the experience to become one, many Software Developers will join a programming boot camp that provides the training for success. Finding programs that issue badges is a great way to demonstrate the skills and expertise you’ve acquired throughout the experience.
Court Reporter
A Court Reporter transcribes court and legal proceedings. They must enter a National Court Reporters Association approved program, and earn a certification through the National Court Reporters Association, or the National Verbatim Reporters Association.
If you want to explore careers and gain awareness about how you can enter a career path, build on your knowledge and skills for success. At VLACS, we are dedicated to providing an educational experience that prepares students for their journey after high school, whatever that looks like–advanced training, a college degree, or entering the workforce right after high school. Discover what VLACS can offer you!
