Traditional college education is not for everyone. There are plenty of jobs with certification out there that do not require you to spend two to four (or more!) years in school in order to start making a living. In fact, some certification jobs actually pay more than those that require a degree. Here are some of the best certifications you can get without a traditional college degree:
1. Life Coach
Are you great at giving advice? Do people find it easy to talk to you? If so, you might be a great life coach. Life coaches help people get from where they are to where they want to be. There is currently no required licensure or certification requirement for life coaches, but voluntary certification is available and highly encouraged. Most life coach training is available online or through correspondence programs. Some seminars are offered in person, especially through the International Coaching Federation. Clients appreciate knowing their coach has a certification. This usually translates into a pretty good salary of about $150 per hour.
2. Doula
A doula is someone who works to support and guide an expectant mother through her pregnancy, delivery, and provides support in the postpartum period. The use of doulas is associated with safer, easier, and more natural birth experiences. Many doulas also provide child birth education classes. The more services you are trained in, the more money you can make. Most Doulas earn around $30,000 a year. Doulas are not monitored by any government agencies, but most do receive professional training and certification. Training is available online through several internationally recognized agencies.
3. Sales and Marketing
There are plenty of available jobs in sales that don’t require a degree, but a certification will definitely put you ahead of the competition. Sales negotiation training is usually conducted as a continuing education course or seminar. Most sales and marketing certificates can be obtained through online study or even some in-class options through local community college courses. They are very desirable in the field and far less financially taxing than a degree in marketing. As a sales representative, average earnings are around $57,000 per year, while in management earnings can be much higher.
4. Medical Billing/Coding
Medical billing and coding is a highly lucrative career field right now with salaries in the mid $30,000s with no formal degree. Medical billers and coders work with insurance companies and patients to ensure that paperwork is done correctly and services are paid for. Medical billing and coding is offered through different higher or continuing education institutions with courses both in class and online. Most medical billing and coding programs take about one year or less to complete.
5. Firefighter
Firefighters are an important part of an emergency response team. While their primary focus is putting out fires and rescuing people from burning buildings, they are also called to help with vehicular accidents, natural disasters, and even provide basic emergency medical services. Firefighters must earn a post-secondary non-degree award in fire science and pass state certification exams. They must also pursue extensive on-the-job training. Income for firefighters is over $45,000 per year. Beyond the income, firefighters are respected and most people hold them in high esteem.
These occupations are currently growing and there expected to be more jobs in these areas over the next ten years. Also, while it is hard to get a decent return on your college education investment, the same is not true for certifications. The average individual will spend about $1000 or less on a life coaching certification and can expect to make around $30,000 in their first year as a life coach. There are many college graduates who can’t say they earn that much. Certifications are really the way to go in the current economy.
