If you are looking for a job with serious career potential for the 21st century, a community college might be the place to start. Two-year schools offer many degree options for in-demand industries for the local workforce and beyond. Check out these ten community college degrees with excellent future potential.
Plumber
Plumbing may not be the first thing you consider when considering lucrative careers for the 21st century, but guess what? According to Yahoo Finance, this industry is predicted to grow by more than 25 percent over the next ten years. The average annual salary can also go up to more than $67,000. While some enter the plumbing industry through an apprenticeship or on-the-job experience, an associate degree from a local community college could sweeten the pot on employment.
Veterinary Technician
If you love animals, a career as a veterinary technician might be the perfect choice. These professionals work alongside veterinarians, offering support with regular checkups, performing diagnostic examinations, and assisting during surgery. A two-year degree from the right community college can launch your career in this growing field. According to Money Crashers, the projected growth for veterinary technicians over the next ten years is around 35 percent, with an average annual salary of $30,000.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
These healthcare professionals utilize ultrasound equipment to screen and diagnose several conditions. As this technology has grown and evolved to encompass many diagnostic purposes, the need for medical sonographers has also grown. According to a report at 24/7 Wall Street, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an increase of around 45 percent in the number of diagnostic sonographers needed between 2010 and 2020. The average annual salary for this field is around $64,000, with the highest-paid sonographers making more than $88,000 annually.
Electrician
Electricians are doing much more than hooking up the lights these days – with increased technology also comes the need for more connectivity in homes and businesses. According to Yahoo Finance, electricians are also starting to work with alternative energy sources like solar and wind energy. As demand increases, so does the need for training in this field. A two-year degree from a local community college might be an effective way to get your foot in the door of this expanding industry, which is expected to grow by around 23 percent over the next ten years.
Dental Hygienist
The dental hygienist position makes it on nearly every current career list due to stellar job growth, flexibility, and a high annual income. According to 24/7 Wall Street, this field is expected to grow 37.7 percent over the next ten years. In addition, the average annual income of more than $68,000 encompasses full-time and part-time professionals. Dental hygienists work directly with patients in dentist offices, providing cleaning, preventative care, and patient education.
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Yahoo Finance explains that environmental science and protection technicians “monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting health.” These professionals may begin their career path with a two-year degree in public safety technology, which prepares graduates for a career in environmental protection and fire science, homeland security, and administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nearly 20,000 more jobs will be added to this industry by 2020, with an average annual income of more than $41,000.
Registered Nurse
Nursing is a career that never goes out of style, and the next decade will be no exception. The difference today is that many nurses are now getting their start in this rewarding career from a two-year school with a robust healthcare program. Nurses enjoy incredible versatility, working in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. Some even offer home care to patients who cannot seek medical care out of their homes. The average annual salary for registered nurses ranges from $53,000 to more than $80,000. Job growth over the next ten years will continue at around 26 percent.
Biomedical Engineering Technician
Biomedical engineering technicians provide service and repair to various medical equipment used in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. Although some companies require a bachelor’s degree to land a position in this field, many technicians also get their foot in the door with an associate degree. The position is expected to grow significantly over the next decade – at a rate of nearly 67 percent, according to 24/7 Wall Street. Professionals in this field can expect to earn an average annual salary of more than $83,000.
Physical Therapist Assistant
This is another position that makes its way to several career lists today due to its exponential growth and seemingly endless possibilities. Physical therapy assistants work alongside physical therapists, overseeing exercises and administering care to help patients recover from surgery, injury, or illness. The field is expected to grow more than 47 percent through 2020, with an average annual salary ranging from $41,000 to around $60,000.
Computer Information Technician
The technology sector will continue to grow over the next decade, which is good news for those pursuing a degree in computer information technology. A two-year degree will launch you on a rewarding career in computer security, PC support, or networking. According to Ivy Tech Community College, entry-level information technology analysts make an average annual salary of $60,000 or more, and job growth is predicted at 30 percent over the next decade.
Community college is an excellent place to find a career that will grow with you into the future. These hot fields are in demand today and show plenty of promise in future years.
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