Despite the perception that high-paying jobs require four-year degrees, many community college graduates have found great job opportunities in skilled trades.
Vocational programs prepare students for a career in areas such as plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. Some also offer certification and apprenticeships. Others allow students to transfer to a four-year college and pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Healthcare
Healthcare careers are in high demand, thanks to an aging population and advances in medical technology. But while most people think of doctors and nurses, many lesser-known healthcare jobs have great pay and can be exciting and fulfilling.
Students looking for career paths in the healthcare industry can find many options at community colleges. For example, students interested in oral hygiene can study to become dental hygienists, while those who want to provide emergency services can train as EMTs or paramedics. Meanwhile, those interested in administrative, clinical or managerial duties can train to become medical assistants.
In addition to associate degrees, community colleges also offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that can lead to jobs in healthcare-related fields. For example, Pace University offers a Master’s program in Healthcare that prepares students for careers in the healthcare industry. Students who complete the program can expect to earn a median annual salary of $76,850.
In addition to offering certificate and degree programs, community colleges can help students advance in the field through internships and other work experience opportunities. In fact, Borough of Manhattan Community College has launched a new Associate in Health Sciences degree that provides students with three educational pathways within one program: Healthcare Careers Preparation (e.g., nursing and other professions that directly deliver healthcare services to patients and consumers), Healthcare Administration, and Care Coordination.
Skilled Trades
If you enjoy working with your hands and want a steady job, then a career in the skilled trades might be the right fit for you. You can pursue a trade school program that aligns with your interests and skills, or find an apprenticeship to gain on-the-job experience. Many trade jobs also allow you to specialize, allowing you to expand your earning potential.
If your interest in a particular trade is strong enough, you can continue on to become a journeyman, or even master of your craft. Journeymen typically work under a master tradesman to learn the intricacies of their field.
You can choose to work for a company, or you can be self-employed. In either case, you should be able to follow strict safety protocols and understand the risks associated with your job. You should also be a good communicator and have the ability to follow directions.
The demand for skilled workers continues to grow. Baby boomers are retiring, and a focus on college education has reduced the emphasis on vocational training, leading to a shortage of tradespeople. However, with the push for sustainable and green energy technologies, new opportunities are emerging in fields such as electrical work, welding, and construction. As such, now is an excellent time to consider pursuing a career in the trades.
Information Technology
A college degree has always been considered a piece of the American dream, giving students opportunities to expand their minds and enjoy intellectual, social and cultural experiences they might not otherwise experience. But it also represents a valuable opportunity for young people to start their careers and gain valuable skills that can propel them into long-term success. Many career-oriented jobs require a four-year degree, but some careers in high demand are available with only two years of study at community colleges and other vocational schools.
Information technology jobs are one of those sectors where graduates with a two-year associate’s degree can quickly find work and earn a great salary. The average wage in this sector is more than double that of the national average. The information technology field includes a number of different occupations, including computer programming, network administration, computer support and web design.
Students with an Applied Associate of Science degree (A.A.S.) with concentration options in information technology and computer science can take the courses needed to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in the area. These programs prepare students for the careers of a computer programmer, a computer systems analyst and a software developer.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul is committed to making sure that everyone has access to the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce. She’s expanding community college, trade and technical school tuition assistance, as well as workforce development, apprenticeship and microcredential initiatives that help New Yorkers get good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.
Public Safety
There are a number of public safety careers that community college graduates can pursue. Law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services are all popular choices. These careers are highly satisfying because they give people the opportunity to serve their communities. However, it’s important to realize that these jobs require a lot of hard work and training. They also have high physical demands. As a result, they aren’t suitable for everyone.
The quickest path to a job in this field is to become a police officer. The duties of a police officer are to enforce the law, respond to emergencies, and interact with the public. Another option is to become a sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff’s deputies are tasked with performing the same functions as police officers, but they also manage county jails.
A community college can also offer an associate degree in public safety administration and visit https://baoxinviec.shop/. This degree teaches administrative, leadership, and financial skills to help students find employment in fire departments, emergency management organizations, government agencies, industrial firms, and educational institutions.
SUNY Broome’s Office of Public Safety is looking for a campus peace officer to perform proactive security, intervention and law enforcement duties on the District and college campuses. Interested applicants should have an understanding of the responsibilities and limitations of their position, maintain availability for extended shifts and overtime work, be physically capable of climbing stairs, and have above-average written and oral communication skills.
