Six Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well
You don’t need a college degree to get a good job. In some fields, a six month certificate program could either substitute for a degree, get you a higher salary, or make up for a lack of experience. Find out which six month degree programs pay a fair salary.
Real Estate Agent
To become a real estate agent, you need between four and six months of training. This is the equivalent of about 60 to 90 hours of instruction. Typically, you can do the training online or in person. After the training, you must pass an online exam. Then, you can get started under the watchful eye of a real estate broker.
As a real estate agent, you have the potential to earn a very high salary. The amount of money you make directly relates to how many homes you sell. Therefore, you should only embark on this career if you love sales. As with all sales-focused positions, you don’t always have a steady income. With that said, the median annual salary for a real estate agent is around $74,000.
Truck Driver
These days, there’s a truck driver shortage. Because drivers are in high demand, the pay is relatively high. You may be eligible for a bonus or other benefits. And, contrary to popular belief, being a truck driver doesn’t always mean weeks away from home. You can do short-distance drives or find a company with more flexible scheduling.
Before you can become a truck driver, you need about three to six months of training at a truck driving school or a community college program. Once you pass the certification and get your license, you can expect to make a median salary of $46,717. You can be an independent contractor or work for a large company.
Phlebotomy Technician
A phlebotomy technician has the job of drawing blood and collecting specimens in a laboratory setting. Generally, they work in a medical facility, hospital, or lab. Although the median hourly salary for this position is only $16.56, it’s an opportunity to get into the medical field. If you’re considering medical school or a job in the healthcare industry, you might want to become c phlebotomy technician first,
The training for this position usually takes under one year long and takes place at a vocational school or a community college program. Before you embark on the career, look into your state’s licensing requirements. There’s a great deal of job growth in this industry, so there’s a lot of potential for jobs.
HVAC Technician
The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. No matter what part of the country you live in, you can expect there to be a demand for heating and cooling services. If you’re good with your hands, you can make about $24 an hour as an HVAC technician.
In order to get started in this field, you need to go to a trade school and receive on-the-job training. There may also be an opportunity for an apprenticeship. Although pay for being an apprentice is low, the opportunity for future employment and the high salary makes this route worthwhile.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Another healthcare position, a certified nursing assistant or CNA is a role that allows you to care for individuals at home or in a facility. You need to take a state-approved program and pass the certification exam. Then, you may be able to find a job as an orderly or nursing assistant.
This is a field that could be a stepping stone into a higher-paying role. So, while CNAs only make about $15.79 per hour, there’s a potential for much better pay. There’s also a growing demand in this field, which makes it even more appealing. If you choose to become a nurse or another more advanced position, your experience as a CNA can set you apart from other candidates.
Personal Trainer
For years, the health and fitness industry has been thriving. If you love exercising and helping others, you should consider working as a personal trainer. You can work at a gym or in clients’ homes to help them get into shape or meet fitness goals.
Although the requirements for being a personal trainer vary, you probably need a license or online certification to teach. Most of the programs are under six months long, and some of them can be done online. As the industry grows, there are more and more personal training jobs available. The pay depends on where you work, but you can expect to make a minimum of $20,000 a year. If you work for yourself, you can build up a client base and charge a high hourly rate.
Emergency Medical Technician
If you want to save the day, you can become an EMT. The training for this position is usually only a few months long. After the coursework, you need to complete a state licensing exam that includes both a written and practical section.
A licensed EMT works on an ambulance to provide emergency care to individuals. With a median hourly salary of $20.25, EMTs get a fair hourly wage. They often go on to continue training and work in more advanced roles in the medical field. Because this role requires you to make quick decisions and take on a great deal of responsibility, it’s not for everyone.
Are You Looking for a New Career?
You don’t need to go back to college to embark on a new career. Whether or not you already have a degree, there are jobs available that don’t require you to have years of education. You can take a six month certification and be on your way to a new career path.
Before you take any courses, do some research. Find out what certifications you need and whether or not it’s the right path for you. On;y take the plunge if you’re ready to start something new.