5 Careers That Require Less Than 2 Years of Training

Having a successful career starts with knowing what you want to do and working hard to pursue your goals. Although for many students this means getting a bachelor’s degree, a four-year course is not the only way to be successful. In fact, there are many in-demand jobs that require less than two years of college or technical coursework, which is great news for students opting for an associate’s degree or certification. With this training under their belt, they can graduate more quickly and begin to establish a career in an economically stable industry.

Here are five career paths that require less than two years of training.

1. Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are trained to work in the electro-mechanical industry and assist with planning, budgeting and overseeing the development of public projects. Bridges, waste treatment systems, highways, interstates, dams and city landscaping ventures are just a few jobs in which civil engineers are qualified to work.

Why you should consider it: Some technical schools offer civil engineering certification and degree programs that take less than a year to complete. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that civil engineering job opportunities are expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next decade.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse

Licensed practical and vocational nurses perform all the same duties as registered nurses with the exception of more specialized tasks like prescribing medication. Earning an LPN certification can take less than two years and students who complete an LPN or LVN program become certified to measure vital signs, take blood pressure, give injections and monitor medical equipment.

Why you should consider it: According to the BLS, this career is expected to grow 16 percent before 2024, meaning the need for LPN/LVNs is very high right now and the median pay is over $42,000 a year.

3. Radiology Technician

Radiology technicians help doctors conduct CT scans, mammograms and X-rays. Radiology techs also work closely with patients to explain the technical aspects of radiology procedures, prepare patients for scans or X-rays and make sure that physicians receive radiology scan results in a timely manner.

Why you should consider it: It’s a fairly lucrative field and you can train quickly. According to the BLS, radiology techs can make $57,000 a year after completing a two-year associate’s degree.

4. Massage Therapist

Alternative healing therapies have become really popular over the past 20 years, including therapeutic massage. Massage therapists use their knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to help clients identify pain points and then treat them using a variety of massage techniques.

Why you should consider it: The demand for massage therapists is expected to increase by 22 percent between now and 2024 and you can get trained fairly quickly. With 500-1,000 hours of training, massage therapists can earn a median salary of around $37,000.

5. Paramedic / EMT

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics hold an extremely important position in society by being the first responders to accidents and medical emergencies. And although it requires a high level of skill, training to be a paramedic can take as little as a few weeks, with more specialized training lasting up to two years.

Why you should consider it: It’s a rapidly growing field that’s expected to experience a 24 percent increase in openings by 2024, with an average salary of around $31,000 per year.

Having a great career is all about identifying your interests and finding out what steps you need to take to get started. By knowing what to expect from these careers, you can make a decision that’s right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume: The Basics and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?