16 Careers Available Without A College Degree

Let's face it, college is not for everyone and that's okay! A lot of careers require a college education, however there are still a variety of careers available to you without having to get a college degree. Instead of committing 4-6 years of your life to get a degree, you could choose to get a certification instead, which will only take you about 1-2 years. I could go on for hours about how many career paths there are available, so instead I will touch on some of the most common ones that are offered at most community colleges.

1. Accounting

Programs involving accounting usually include

1. general accounting
2. computerized accounting
3. computerized bookkeeping
4. financial planning
5. enrolled agent
6. microsoft dynamics
7. project management
8. business planning

These certifications prepare you for jobs such as accounts receivable/payable clerks, payroll clerks, income tax preparers, data entry processor, bookkeeper, entry-level accountants, financial planner, financial assistant, accounting assistant, and much more!

2. Auto Technology

Programs in this area include:

1. advanced engine performance
2. chassis service
3. drive train service
4. engine performance and electrical
5. engine service
6. automotive business technology

These programs will open jobs up such as automotive service technicians, automotive mechanics, smog technicians, front-end mechanic, break and transmissions specialists.

3. Biotechnology

Programs offered in this area:

1. biotechnology lab assistant
2. biomanufacturing technician
3. laboratory technician

The jobs available through these programs include: lab assistants, biomanufacturing technicians, research and development technicians, and quality control within the fields of biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and testing laboratories.

4. Business Applications & Technology

Programs include:

1. general business applications
2. digital publishing
3. microsoft office professional
4. office management
5. language interpretation and translation

Jobs available through this program: general office clerk, bilingual office clerks, clerk typist, receptionist, computer operator, administrative secretary, and administrative assistant.

5. Child Development

Programs include:

1. Infant-Toddler Option
2. Preschool Child Option
3. School Age Option
4. Bilingual Preschool Associate Teacher

Prepares you for jobs such as: Preschool Teacher, Parent Educator, Family Daycare Provider, Infant -Toddler Teacher, Assistant/Associate Teacher, Instructional Aide, Recreational Leader, and After School Leader.

6. Computer Information Systems

Programs include:

1. Computer Information Systems
2. Database
3. Enterprise Systems
4. Help Desk
5. Networking
6. PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting
7. Unix
8. Web Programming

Prepares you for jobs such as: Entry-level Computer Operators, Data Entry Clerks, Web Page Designers, Web Programmers, Unix Administrators, Entry-level Programmers, Network/Database Administrators, and Software Developers.

7. Criminal Justice

Programs include:

1. Corrections Officer
2. Law Enforcement Option
3. Basic Academy

Prepares you for jobs such as: Law Enforcement Officers, Sworn Law Enforcement Officers, Corrections officers, and Probation Officers.

8. Digital Media

Programs include:

1. Digital Media Arts
2. Digital Media Arts - Graphic Design
3. Digital Media Arts - Web Design
4. 3D Modeling & Animation (Art)
5. • 3D Animation (Television/Video Communications)
6. • 3D Modeling & Animation (Video Game & Interactive Media Art
7. • 3D Modeling & Animation (Previsualization)

Prepares you for jobs such as: Web Designers, Graphic Designers for Print and Digital Media, Animators for 3D, Film and TV, Digital Effects and Game Designers, and Website Designers.

9. Engineering

Programs include:

1. Engineering Civil Technology
2. Engineering Computer Aided Drafting and Design
3. Engineering Drafting and Design
4. Architectural/Civil Engineering/Construction Drafting and Design
5. Mechanical 3D Solid Modeling
6. Engineering Industrial Technology
7. Energy Analysis
8. Engineering Sustainable Facilities Management

Prepares you for jobs like: Surveyors, Computer Aided Design Drafters, Mechanical Drafters, Designer or Engineering Technicians, Architectural Drafters, Computer Aided Designer/Drafters, and Industrial Designers.

10. Fashion Design & Merchandising

Programs include:

1. Fashion Design
2. Fashion Merchandising
3. Apparel Product Development and Technical Design
4. Dressmaking and Alterations Option
5. Costume Design

Prepares you for jobs such as: Fabric & Apparel Patternmakers, Tailors, Costume Designers, Custom Dressmakers, Tailors, Apparel Retail Management, Assistant Buyers, Personal Shoppers, and Visual Merchandisers.

11. Management

Programs available:

1. Management
2. Retail Management
3. Human Resource Management
4. Small Business
5. Supervision

Jobs available: Management positions in business, government, and public organizations, supervisory positions, and small business owners.

12. Nutrition & Foods

Programs offered:

1. Culinary Arts Option
2. Hospitality Option

Prepares you for jobs like: Management in hospitals, schools, hotels and restaurants, community nutrition educators, food preparation workers, cooks, bakers, and event planners.

13. Occupational Therapy

Program offered:

1. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Prepares you for jobs such as: Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) who help people of all ages who are having difficulty performing daily tasks and functions.

14. Pharmacy Technology

Programs available:

1. • Pharmacy Technology (Basic)
2. • Pharmacy Technology (Advanced Option)

Prepares you for these jobs: Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians in outpatient/retail pharmacies, and Pharmacy Technicians in hospitals & home infusion pharmacies.

15. Television/Video Communications

Programs available:

1. Television Production
2. Broadcast Journalism
3. Television Scriptwriter
4. Computer Graphics and Animation for Video
5. Media Studies

Prepares you for jobs such as: TV Producers, Editors, On-Air Reporters, Writers, Camera Operators, Animators, Video Producers, Directors, and Sound Technicians.

16. Welding Technology

Programs Available:

• Welding Technology
• • Advanced Arc-Semi-Automatic Welding
• • Advanced Pipe Welding Technology
• • Automated Robotic Welding Systems

Jobs available after: Welders, Welder Technicians, Inspectors, Maintenance Welders, Production Welders in Manufacturing, Construction Industries and Shipbuilding.

As you can see, there are various career paths available to you if you don't want to pursue a college education. The programs are typically offered through community colleges, but they're different than degree programs. Hopefully you find this helpful and don't forget to check with your local junior college for more information!