People often pretend that the discussion about growing job sectors that require more professionals should be limited to discussing jobs with a high bar for entry. But this way of thinking no longer applies. A college degree, although still valuable, is starting to become less important when it comes to being considered for a job.
New York Times reports that more and more companies are removing a 4-year college degree as a requirement for jobs, with 51% in 2017, to 44% in 2021. In this article, we will take a look at some of the fast-growing and high-paying jobs that do not necessarily require a college degree. Let’s begin.
Nursing
Nursing is an incredibly rewarding and challenging profession that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Nurses play a critical role in patient care, providing essential medical support and serving as a primary point of contact between patients and doctors.
There are many different types of nursing positions available, from registered nurses (RNs) to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). Each type of nurse has its own set of responsibilities and required education, but all share a commitment to caring for patients and improving health outcomes.
Related: Everything You Wanted to Know About Becoming a Nurse Educator
A great thing about nursing is that it is an extremely quickly growing profession. In February 2023, Ascension St. Vincent and Marian University in Indianapolis joined hands to organize an open house event seeking to guide and encourage young aspiring nurses. As the important role of nurses in healthcare becomes more and more clear, the demand for their services is also bound to increase.
The interesting part is nursing courses can now be completed online as well. You can simply search for Indiana online nursing programs on Google and enroll in one of the programs without ever stepping into one of those events mentioned above.
Electricians
One of the main benefits of becoming an electrician is job security. Electrical work is essential to modern life, and electricians are always in demand. As a result, there are many job opportunities available, and electricians can often find work in a variety of settings, including construction sites, factories, and maintenance departments.
In addition to job security, electricians can also enjoy a good salary and benefits package. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median wage for electricians is over $60 000 a year, much higher than the average national income.
Of course, becoming an electrician requires a significant amount of training and education. Most electricians complete a four-year apprenticeship program. It includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. They must also be licensed and certified to work in their field.
Despite the challenges, many people find that a career as an electrician is both rewarding and fulfilling. They enjoy the hands-on nature of the work, the opportunity to solve complex problems, and the satisfaction of knowing they are making a valuable contribution to society.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who work alongside dentists to provide preventive oral care services to patients. They clean teeth, take X-rays and educate patients on proper dental hygiene practices.
A career as a dental hygienist has a great job outlook. The demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This growth is driven in part by an aging population that requires more dental care and by the increasing importance of preventative care in the healthcare industry.
Another benefit of a career in dental hygiene is flexibility. Many dental hygienists work part-time, making it a good choice for those who want to balance work with family or other responsibilities. Additionally, the work environment is often pleasant and low-stress, with comfortable chairs and modern equipment.
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete a two-year associate degree program and pass a state licensing exam. Once licensed, you can work in a variety of settings, including dental offices, schools, and public health clinics.
Paralegals
Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, work alongside lawyers to provide support in legal matters. They conduct research, draft legal documents, and manage case files, among other tasks.
One of the most appealing aspects of a career as a paralegal is the strong demand for capable professionals. As the legal system becomes increasingly complex, with new precedence being set every day, lawyers are relying more and more on paralegals to assist with their workload.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), you don’t need any special certification to become a paralegal. Although the ABA certifies training programs for paralegals, it does not offer any certification for individual paralegals. The only state to regulate paralegals directly at the time of writing is California, with minimum educational and continuing education requirements.
There are many professions that offer good job prospects and career opportunities without requiring a high level of formal education. Careers in nursing, electrician work, dental hygiene, and paralegal work are just a few examples of jobs that offer fulfilling work and competitive salaries with relatively low educational barriers to entry.
