Many jobs don’t require many years of schooling. Short training courses provide the skills that you need and can often lead to well-paid and rewarding jobs that can last a lifetime. You need to know where to look!
It doesn’t matter if you’ve just graduated high school or you’re looking for a career change. Sometimes, spending years training for a job isn’t the best solution for you. It’s not always possible to commit to a long and expensive course when you’re over 30 and have family commitments.
If you’re unsure of the right career and need to know what to do next, take a look at some of the training courses that are included on this list. They could offer you long-term employment and genuine job satisfaction. So, let’s take a closer look at your options.
Which Jobs Have Short Training Courses?
This guide will cover several of the best quick courses for good jobs. If you think you can’t have a successful and lucrative career without years of training, think again. The careers listed here cover different industries, so you’re sure to find something that suits your skill set.
Phlebotomy Training
Medical jobs don’t always require years of schooling. In reality, there are jobs in the healthcare field that take relatively little training. A career in phlebotomy is the perfect example!
Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients. This is a procedure called venipuncture. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They can also be found doing work for local blood banks or organizations like the American Red Cross.
Phlebotomy training courses ‘usually’ last less than a year. They take 4-8 months to complete, on average. During this time, training covers things like medical terminology and systems of the body. The training also takes a hands-on approach during the second half.
You can also choose to further your phlebotomy education by becoming certified. Certification is typically offered at the end of a phlebotomy training program. It takes a few extra weeks of schooling, and you have to pass an exam. But, it can help you to find work faster and start at a higher salary.
There are opportunities for advancement in phlebotomy through experience and extra training. The average salary for a phlebotomist is around $32,000 each year.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training
Another popular medical job that doesn’t take four years of training is an EMT.
EMTs are usually the first responders for people who are in accidents or have suddenly become ill. They’re responsible for providing medical help to those who need it and making sure a patient is stable until they can get to a doctor or hospital.
There’s currently a large need for qualified EMTs. This is mostly due to the aging population. The baby boomer generation is getting older. Unfortunately, that means things like heart attacks and strokes are becoming more frequent for more people. EMTs are needed to keep up with these ailments and get people the help they need quickly.
EMT training programs can take anywhere from six months to two years. It all depends on the facility where you receive your training. There are many training programs throughout the country. But, when you’re looking for one nearby, make sure you select an accredited training program/facility.
Some colleges offer a training program and allow you to get an associate’s degree. But, you can find specific programs, too. Sometimes, even hospitals will offer their own training courses for EMTs.
On a basic level, EMTs need 100 hours of training. If you want advanced certification, up to 1000 hours of training are needed. Not only do you need to complete a course, but you’ll be required to complete a qualifying exam. This is a national exam that is given to everyone who wants certification.
Each state’s rules for EMT training can be a bit different. If you’re interested in this career, the best thing to do is to find what’s expected in your state, and search for accredited programs nearby.
On average, an EMT makes around $33,000 each year.
Personal Trainer Certification
If you’d like to be your own boss, you might consider becoming a personal trainer. This isn’t a career for everyone, but it’s a great option if you have a passion for health and fitness.
Personal trainers are usually either employed by gyms or work on their own and have a private client list. They do everything from design fitness routines for clients to creating meal plans and nutrition guidelines. It’s not just about working out and staying fit.
Personal trainers should be able to give their clients a complete package when it comes to staying healthy and lean. You have to market yourself, and it may take time to build up a large client list, but it can be a rewarding career that really changes people’s lives.
It doesn’t take a long time to become a certified personal trainer. In fact, many people complete their training online. You’ll typically find that online courses for personal trainers last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. You can also take a class in person from an accredited program.
Generally, you’ll end up investing 80-100 course hours into becoming a personal trainer before you take your certification exam. Again, you’ll have the option to take your exam online or find a location near you that offers it. Just remember to choose an accredited facility, or it may be difficult to find a job at a gym or be taken seriously as a private trainer.
The salary of a trainer depends on where they work and how many clients they regularly see. Full-time trainers can make well over $50,000 a year. If you’re willing to market yourself and your skills, you can find success in this career without much academic training.
Real Estate Agent Licensing
A real estate agent/broker is someone who helps people both sell and buy homes. They often work as a ‘middleman’ in these transactions, and usually, work for a real estate company. Becoming a real estate agent is considered an entry-level job that only takes a high school diploma or GED to get started.
It can be a tough industry to get into, not because of training, but because it’s easy to give up if you don’t sell enough houses right away. But, with a little perseverance, real estate can be a lucrative career. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of education to become a licensed realtor.
Becoming a real estate agent means you’ll have to take a pre-licensing course. This typically costs around $300-$400, so you’re not investing a ton of money into your training. The number of hours you have to train before you can take your licensing exam varies from state to state. California has one of the highest requirements at 135 hours.
During your training, you’ll cover things like how to determine property value, as well as the legalities of real estate. You can choose to receive your training either online or in person.
Once you’ve completed your coursework, you can take a real estate license exam. The exam covers both federal and state laws for selling homes. Even if you don’t pass the exam the first time, you can re-take it as often as you’d like for up to two years.
You can choose to work for a brokerage or work on your own. But, the important thing about being a realtor is getting your name out there to prospective clients. If you build up a strong reputation, real estate can be a lucrative career.
On average, agents make over $45,000 each year. But, you can make much more than that depending on your location and the type of homes you work with.
Commercial Driver Instruction
There is a huge demand for goods to be shipped all across the country. One of the best ways to get those goods from one place to another is still by using ‘old fashioned transportation.’ Because of that, commercial drivers are needed now more than ever.
Specific requirements to become a commercial driver can vary by state. If you want to know more about the specifics of your state, you can contact the division of motor vehicles.
But, there are some generalities you can expect when training for this job. Commercial drivers typically need to attend an accredited school or training course. You’ll have to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some states will test your skills when it comes to driving a truck before issuing a CDL.
These training programs usually don’t last long. On average, you can expect to take a course anywhere from 2-6 weeks. You may need to have extra training if you plan on carrying hazardous materials.
In some cases, your employer may want you to train more with that specific company. On the job training can be helpful in letting you know how that company works and what they expect from you. It will also give you more experience.
If you have a knack for driving and don’t mind long hours on the road, this is a great opportunity that doesn’t take a lot of formal education. Plus, you might be surprised to know that truck drivers can make quite an impressive salary. On average, commercial drivers make over $45,000 each year.
Trade Programs
One of the best ways to get a job quickly is to learn a trade. Trades are sometimes looked at as ‘dying’ industries, but they are still needed just as much as ever. Instead of attending a four-year college, you can learn a specific trade through a combination of training classes and hands-on experience.
Of course, each training course is different depending on the trade you choose. You can also often get an apprenticeship for many trades. This allows you to work directly with someone who has been doing that job for a long time. You’ll work alongside them and get real-world, hands-on experience. Sometimes, no amount of classroom training can beat learning on the job!
Some of the most common trades that will allow you to start working quickly include:
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- Plumber
- Mechanic
- HVAC Technician
- Electrician
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On-the-job training for these trades can last over a year, but in an apprenticeship, you’ll usually get paid during that time. If you like working with your hands, any of these trades could be the perfect fit for you.
IT Technician Training
It probably comes as no surprise that the world of technology needs qualified people to make sure everything is running smoothly. That’s where IT techs come in. There are several different ways to become an IT technician, and one isn’t necessarily better than another.
You can choose to attend a four-year college and graduate with a degree in information technology. Two-year associate’s degrees are also acceptable. But, more IT techs are taking specialized programs to get their education and learning on the job.
If you’re going into the world of computers, you probably already have a passion for technology or a knack for fixing it. IT specialists are needed for so many things. They can do everything from fixing hardware and software to managing network support. Because of the growing need for these individuals, your practical experience can sometimes win over a formal education.
If you want to be an IT technician, we recommend taking a training program. But, don’t feel as though you have to stick with a four-year plan just to get hired. You can always continue your education while you’re still working to improve your skills and certification. It techs can either work for a company or do ‘freelance’ work on their own.
If you build up enough of a client base, you can have a successful career. Keep in mind that technology is always changing. You will need to keep educating yourself somehow on those updates and changes to stay relevant in the field.
The average salary for an IT tech in the United States is over $38,000 each year.
Dental Assistant Education
Dentistry is another branch of the healthcare industry that continues to see rapid growth. As a result, dental assistants are needed continuously throughout the country. It’s the job of a dental assistant to do everything from providing patient care to scheduling appointments. Responsibilities vary depending on the office they work for. A dental assistant is different from a dental hygienist, and it doesn’t take as long to become one.
The education required to be a dental assistant typically takes 9-11 months. But, some programs offer accelerated learning. You may be able to get through the program faster and get hired that much sooner.
You can receive your education to become a dental assistant at a community college, tech school, or dental institute. You can then become certified by taking a national exam after you’ve completed two years of work. As you might expect, certification allows you more responsibilities and usually comes with a pay raise. On average, dental assistants make nearly $38,000 per year.
Hair Styling/Cosmetology School
Hair stylists and salon workers are likely never to see a drop in employment. People will always need their hair trimmed, so you’re very unlikely to find that your job has been replaced by a robot! Plus, it doesn’t take long to become a qualified hairdresser.
Hairstylists do everything from cutting hair to coloring and styling it. Most training programs to become a stylist last less than a year. Each state’s licensing requirements are different. But, most states want to make sure you have about 1000-1500 hours of education before getting your license.
To get your license, you’ll have to complete a written exam. Some states also will make sure you take a practical exam in which you’ll work on someone’s hair or a model bust.
There are cosmetology schools all over the country, and it’s never too hard to find a program starting soon that you can join. Hairstylists make an average of around $27,000 each year. Of course, this all depends on where you work and your clientele.
Hairstyling is another field where you can continue your education. Even though it doesn’t take long to train, hair trends, products, and tools are changing all the time.
To keep up with the trends and changes, most hair stylists attend things like conventions and take extra classes throughout their career to keep their license. This will make it easier to keep your clients happy, and you’ll likely end up being more successful. The more you can stay ahead of the latest styles and techniques, the better.
What Are Other Benefits of Short-Term Training?
As you can see, there are many jobs that you can get with short training courses. If you don’t have a lot of time or money to spend before landing a career, you don’t have to worry. Any of the jobs listed in this guide can kick off a long and fulfilling career. Many of them pay quite well.
But, there are more benefits to short-term training that you can continue to use throughout your career. Don’t assume that you have to be ‘stuck’ in the same position forever.
Many times, you can take extra short courses throughout your career that can help you move up. Short-term training programs are often used to get promotions or to make more money, no matter what industry you’re in. Whenever you’re able to learn a new skill, you can expect that it will benefit your career somehow.
Keep in mind that short training courses don’t always have to be specific to your job to be beneficial. For example, if you work in the medical industry, you could take a course on learning Spanish.
While it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with medicine, it can help you out a lot! Bilingual employees are needed in the healthcare industry, and if you have that skill, you could earn more money.
Many high-paying jobs don’t take years of training. There are no ‘job guarantee courses,’ but the ones listed here will help you on your path to landing a job as quickly as possible.
Whether you want to learn a specific trade or you’re starting out on a new career path, short-term training is an excellent way to go. Many of the jobs are seeing rapid growth, and that means they offer recruits a stable and secure career.
You can still have a successful and lucrative career after taking a short training course. So, whether you’re starting a new job or trying to get a raise, keep short training courses in mind as a way to do it quickly and effectively.
