Jobs You Can Do with a Diploma

There are many reasons why a person might not be able to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree. For some people, the time commitment is too great, especially if they are juggling family and an existing job. For others, it could be the cost.

What is a diploma or certificate program?

The alternative to a four-year degree program is to get a diploma or certificate. These are short-term programs that require less time to finish than a traditional degree. They are also far cheaper. You can get some certificates in just a few months while others may take a year or two. Most diplomas take about two years to earn.

Why get a degree alternative?

If you are looking for a job, having the right certificate or diploma will significantly improve your chances over those with no certification. You might also choose such a program if you’re considering a change to a new career or need to start a career quickly.

What should I study?

There are some great, rewarding careers out there where you can make good money with just a certificate or diploma qualification. Here are just a few to consider:

Web Developer

Web developers are in charge of designing websites, and they can work on their own, for marketing companies, or for an IT department or computer design company. This is a job with a lot of freedom if you’re willing to work at it.

The average salary for a web developer is over $65,000 a year, and you only need an associates degree or certificate of web development to get started. Some web developers get started even without these qualifications, but that is becoming increasingly rare.

Commercial HVAC Contractor

A commercial HVAC contractor repairs and maintains large heating and air conditioning units for commercial buildings. Commercial contractors work regular hours and make more money than residential HVAC techs. To get there, you need both experience and education.

You can join an apprenticeship where you get classroom education towards your certification while also getting on-the-job training. If you have the North American Technical Excellence certification and the EPA’s Section 608 certification, you will be ahead of the game.

Civil Drafter

A drafter makes drawings of building designs or civil engineering projects. The average salary for a drafter is over $50,000 a year, and this is a great job for someone with an orderly mind and a penchant for drawing.

These days you’ll need to be familiar with computer-aided design and drafting, mechanical drawing, and basics of engineering if you want to work as a drafter. You can get this through either a certificate program or a two-year associate's degree.

Medical Assistant

A medical assistant diploma program is something you can finish in just a year or two, and this is a great way to springboard into a medical career. The average MA salary is over $30,000 a year. Once you are working there are plenty of chances to advance and get further training if you like.

MAs help take patient vital signs, assist with medical exams, take blood, and prepare lab specimens. They may also perform EKGs, work in administrative roles, and help with patient education. An MA might work in a clinic or hospital, at a lab, or in an elder care facility.

Court Reporter

Court reporters are in charge of transcribing every word of a legal proceeding, whether it happens in court or in a deposition. Some court reporters work primarily at home or in freelance positions while others work for legislatures or courts.

The average court reporter will make more than $50,000 a year. To break into this industry, you need a certificate in court reporting. You can get these from many technical institutes or from community colleges.