Accredited degree programs or training
There can be no way for this website to cover all the possibilities available to those who take the time to look for marketable specialties at College and 4-year institutions.
It is quite remarkable the diversity in learning opportunities available to those with the time and desire to learn a new skill, and quite impossible for a single person to master them all.
This page attempts to highlight the greatest bang for the buck that can come from some of these programs. Unfortunately, basket weaving won’t make the cut. Hopefully, something on this page will prime the creative juices as pilots determine how to best continue to grow professionally in whatever fields are available to them. Please check the other four pages including the graduate work page.
Due to the number of possibilities out there, sometimes its nice to start with skill sets you may already have and then build upon them.
For example, someone with a Bachelors’s in Biology will already be that much farther ahead in obtaining the year and a half training to become an RN. Another with an aviation degree with a business emphasis might be better served by obtaining an accounting certification. These are just ideas, the situations and strengths will be as diverse as the number of pilots in the field. It’s wise to play to the strengths in each individuals unique hand.
Add on degrees or certificates
If you already have a 4-year degree, not to worry some of your credit may transfer and give you a head start. A college admissions office can point you in the right direction to see what counts and what doesn’t.
Keep in mind when it comes to schools; that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. These are programs (2-4 year collegiate) teaching advanced skills, usually resulting in some certification. The ability to get the certification is what qualifies one to do the work, not the prestigiousness of the school. The pay usually reflects this reality.
Scholarships and Grants
It’s not uncommon for states to have scholarship and grant money available to those who have been furloughed or laid off. It is worth checking with the school’s financing department.
Bachelor Degrees
Most of these programs are NOT certificated but will be accredited. However, there are many job openings that while they don’t require certification they do require an accredited degree. The breadth of opportunities in these areas is as widespread as the bulk of american professional opportunities. This is just a highlight.
Engineering
Engineering ranges from Mechanical to Civil, Electrical, Chemical, and everything in between.
If you already have this degree but you’ve been out of it for a while. There are ways to get back into it.
- Try to go a trade show
- IEEE or some other association to see what is the latest and start getting current.
- Study.com might provide a class that allows you to dig your teeth back into the material
- Pick up freelance or contract work, to practice and build resume.
Business
The world of business! Usually, a four-year program focuses on many different topics, including Accounting, Economics, Marketing, or Business Management among others.
If you already have this degree pay will vary greatly, but you will be qualified for a large number of jobs, especially if you have stayed current.
Social Sciences/Humanities/Languages
This may include English, or other languages, Art, and Humanities. These degrees lend themselves to work in the social sciences area. This might be teaching or other speciality work at companies. Social media has been a place many companies have found to apply the talents of those with these backgrounds.
Due to the breadth of these degrees, they naturally lend themselves to specialization in the graduate-level work, where they find often their best chance for financial value.
Sciences/Mathematics
There are many fields ranging from Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and everything in between.
If you already have this degree, it might be time to brush off the old text books, or take another class to get up to speed.
As you interview, just remember there are ways for you to bring in your experience as an asset. It might be just the conflict resolution, and real-world problem solving that is inherent in aerospace, but those are valuable skills many entry-level applicants are lacking. By taking a new class, or learning a new certification associated with your science background you also demonstrate to recruiters your not so “dusty” you effectively learn new relevant skills.
Medical Careers (Associates)
Medical positions naturally are in high demand and require certification. Creating a unique mix that is worth highlighting on this page. Many of these programs can be two year or four-year degrees that end in certification.
Sonographer
Specialize in using ultrasound technology for analysis.
Average Pay: 69,000$ per year
Available at colleges. Time to certification and Associates is about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$ depending on the school.
Dental Hygiene
A hygenist is responsible for cleaning teeth, during most dental visits.
Average Pay: 75,000$ per year
Available at colleges. Time to certification and Associates is about 2+ years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$ depending on the school.
Electrocardiographer
Specializes in using ultrasound to analyze the heart.
Average Pay: 71,000$ per year.
Available at Colleges. Time to certification and Associates takes about 2 years depending on the course to obtain the certificate.
Tuition: 5,000$.
Paramedic
Paramedics are like EMT’s on steroids. Not only are they first responders they can perform advanced care in the field in ways EMT’s cannot. This could include applying a pacemaker, or creating surgical airways for someone who cannot breath among many other things
Average Pay: 45,000$ per year.
Available at Colleges. Time to Associates and certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$ depending on the school.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Treats patients under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
Average Pay: 65,000$ per year.
Time to certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$+ depending on school.
Radiologic Technologist
These specialists provide some radiological examination, patient care, and assist the radiologist.
Average Pay: 57,000$ per year.
Available at Colleges. Time to Associates and certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$ depending on the school.
RN (Registered Nurse)
The levels in nursing include CNA, LPN, RN, and Nurse Practitioner.
RN – Average Pay: 70,000$ per year.
Time to certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
RN -Tuition: 5,000$+ depending on school.
Occupational Therapist Assistant
The specialty helps people with disabilities function more independently.
Average Pay: 60,000$ per year.
Time to certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$+ depending on school.
Surgical Technologist
Specializes in the preparation of the operating room and assisting before, during, and after surgery.
Average Pay: 47,000$ per year.
Time to certification takes about 2 years depending on the course.
Tuition: 5,000$+ depending on school.
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