Going to college isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you dislike the monotony of bookwork and lectures, know that there are many hands-on careers you can pursue without spending years in the classroom. We’re going to dive into some career paths you can pursue that require minimal training and no college degree.
Can I Start a Career Without a Degree?
Yes, there are actually many careers that don’t require a degree, and many of them only require you to get a license or certification to start in the field. Spending less time in training means you can get into your chosen field sooner. As long as you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, you can start training for most of these careers immediately. Don’t have your high school diploma or GED? Read this article to find out how you can get yours.
Careers You Can Pursue Without a Degree
Truck Driver – Truck drivers are the backbone of our nation, delivering goods to warehouses and stores across the nation. In order to become a trucker, you must complete a training course that is approved by the FMCSA. Typically these programs are quite short, lasting about 3-6 weeks. After your training is complete, you can take the CDL exam and earn your license.
Dental Assistant – Dental assistants support dentists and other professionals in a variety of different practice settings, including in orthodontic, periodontal, and endodontic offices. They primarily assist dentists during procedures, clean and sterilize instruments, and also often assist in office organization. You can earn a certificate in dental assisting in as few as 10 months.
Pharmacy Technicians – Pharmacy Technicians work alongside pharmacists to fill prescriptions and serve customers in a retail or hospital pharmacy. To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a certificate program, but you may also choose to pursue an associate degree program. Certificate programs can last anywhere from a few months to about one year.
HVAC Technician – HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration units in residential and commercial buildings. This line of work incorporates many elements from other disciplines, including electrical and plumbing. You can earn your HVAC technician certificate or diploma in as few as 6 months.
Wind Turbine Tech – Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and service wind turbines that generate electricity. In training, you’ll learn about electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems that make up wind turbines. In order to become a wind turbine technician, you should complete a certification program, which typically runs about 10 months.
Makeup Artist – Makeup artists use all types of cosmetics on their clients for different events and performances. As a makeup artist, you could work in a salon to prepare clients for weddings, proms, television shows, and film. Special effects makeup artists work specifically in the film industry to transform the actor’s appearance. To become a makeup artist, you can attend a cosmetology school or a makeup artist school. Programs last about 10 months. While you do not need a license to become a freelance makeup artist, you will need one if you choose to work in a salon.
Massage Therapist – Massage therapists treat clients through a variety of techniques to relieve muscle aches, treat chronic pain, and simply for relaxation. In training, you’ll learn about physiology, anatomy, body mechanics and more. Most massage therapist programs take less than a year to complete. The majority of states also require massage therapists to be licensed in order to practice.
As you can see, there are many career paths that don't require a 4 or even 2-year degree to get started. This list only scratches the surface on career paths you can get started on without a college degree. Read up more on diploma programs that take one year or less. If you don’t mind spending a little more time in school, learn more about careers you can start with a 2-year degree here.
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