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Career paths that value skills over a four-year degree.

Showing 145–168 of 261 careers · Page 7 of 11

  • Medical Appliance Technician

    Build, fit, adjust, and repair braces, supports, prosthetic components, and other medical appliances from prescriptions and measurements. Shape materials, use precision tools, and verify fit and finish.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $48,030/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; orthotic, prosthetic, machining, or fabrication courses can help.

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  • Medical Assistant

    Perform clinical and administrative tasks that help medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities care for patients and operate efficiently.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $44,200/yr median

    Growth: 12% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Medical assistants typically complete a certificate or associate-degree program. Some enter with a high school diploma and learn on the job; certification requirements vary by employer and state.

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  • Medical Equipment Preparer

    Clean, disinfect, sterilize, assemble, inspect, and distribute medical instruments and equipment used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Maintain sterile-processing records and follow infection-control procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $47,700/yr median

    Growth: 11% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; workers usually receive moderate-term on-the-job training, and sterile-processing certification can strengthen job readiness

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  • Medical Equipment Repairer

    Install, inspect, maintain, calibrate, and repair medical equipment used for patient care. Troubleshoot electronic, mechanical, software, and network-related problems and document service work in healthcare settings.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $61,660/yr median

    Growth: 13% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree or certificate in biomedical technology or a related field; some enter with high school plus relevant apprenticeship, military, or work experience

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  • Medical Records Specialist

    Compile, review, code, process, and maintain patient health information. Verify records for accuracy, assign medical codes, protect confidentiality, and use electronic health-record systems for billing, reporting, and data retrieval.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,140/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: A postsecondary certificate is typical, although some positions accept a high school diploma with healthcare experience; employers may prefer professional coding or health-information certification

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  • Medical Secretary / Administrative Assistant

    Schedule appointments, prepare records and correspondence, handle insurance and billing information, and coordinate communication in medical offices and healthcare facilities.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $45,930/yr median

    Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; medical terminology or office certificate programs can help.

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  • Medical Transcriptionist

    Convert recorded dictation from physicians and other healthcare professionals into written medical reports. Review and edit speech-recognition drafts, apply medical terminology, check accuracy, and prepare documentation for electronic health records.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $40,410/yr median

    Growth: 4% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: Typically requires postsecondary education leading to a certificate, with training in medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare documentation, and grammar

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  • Merchandise Display / Window Trimmer

    Plan and build store displays, windows, signs, and product presentations that attract customers and support sales campaigns. Arrange merchandise, props, lighting, and graphics.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $39,390/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical; visual-merchandising or design courses can help.

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  • Metal Heat-Treating Equipment Operator

    Set up and operate furnaces, ovens, baths, and related equipment that heat-treat metal or plastic parts. Monitor temperatures, timing, atmosphere, and product quality.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $48,750/yr median

    Growth: 10% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical.

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  • Mortician / Funeral Arranger

    Meet with families to plan funerals or memorial services, coordinate transportation and preparation of the deceased, arrange paperwork and services, explain options and costs, and help families navigate legal and practical requirements after a death.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $55,010/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: An associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science is typically required; most states also require supervised training and a licensing exam

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  • Motorboat Operator

    Operate small motor-driven vessels that transport passengers, supplies, or equipment on rivers, lakes, harbors, and coastal waters. Navigate routes, monitor weather and vessel systems, assist passengers, and perform safety and maintenance checks.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $47,520/yr median

    Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A postsecondary maritime program and related experience are typical. A U.S. Coast Guard credential or operator license may be required.

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  • MRI Technologist

    Operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create detailed diagnostic images. Screen and position patients, follow safety procedures, and work with radiologists to capture usable studies.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $95,480/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree plus radiologic or MRI training; most employers require certification and some states require licensing.

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  • Musical Instrument Repairer / Tuner

    Inspect, adjust, tune, maintain, and repair musical instruments. Replace worn parts, correct mechanical or acoustic problems, and help musicians keep instruments performance-ready.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $46,420/yr median

    Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma plus an apprenticeship or specialized repair program is typical.

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  • Neurodiagnostic Technologist

    Record electrical activity in the brain, nerves, and muscles using EEG and related equipment. Prepare patients, monitor tests, recognize artifacts, and provide results for physician review.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $50,290/yr median

    Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in neurodiagnostic technology; professional credentialing is often preferred.

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  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist

    Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, operate imaging equipment, monitor patients, and create diagnostic images that show organ or tissue function.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $101,370/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology; certification and state licensing may be required.

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  • Nuclear Technician

    Operate and maintain radiation-monitoring, testing, and power-generation equipment. Record readings, collect samples, support reactor operations, and follow strict safety procedures.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $110,240/yr median

    Growth: 1% growth (2025–2035), slower than average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in nuclear science or nuclear technology, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training and employer qualification.

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  • Nursing Assistant

    Provide basic care by helping patients bathe, dress, eat, move, and use the bathroom; measure vital signs, observe changes, and communicate with nurses.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $42,260/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: A state-approved postsecondary nondegree nursing-assistant program and competency examination are typical; state registry requirements apply

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  • Occupational Health & Safety Technician

    Collect data, inspect workplaces, test equipment and environments, help investigate incidents, and support programs that reduce workplace injuries and health hazards. Document findings and help employers follow safety requirements.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $61,560/yr median

    Growth: 19% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent can be enough for technician roles; technicians usually receive on-the-job training, and OSHA courses or industry credentials can strengthen job readiness

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  • Occupational Therapy Aide

    Support occupational therapy services by preparing treatment areas and equipment, transporting or assisting clients, maintaining supplies, scheduling appointments, completing clerical work, and helping therapists and assistants keep sessions organized.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $39,160/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; occupational therapy aides usually receive on-the-job training

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  • Occupational Therapy Assistant

    Work with occupational therapists to help clients build or regain skills needed for everyday activities. Guide therapeutic exercises and activities, teach use of adaptive equipment, record progress, and support treatment plans.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $72,300/yr median

    Growth: 21% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically a 2-year associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program; state licensure and NBCOT certification are commonly required

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  • Ophthalmic Medical Technician

    Assist ophthalmologists by performing clinical eye-care tasks such as taking patient histories, measuring vision, administering diagnostic tests, preparing patients and equipment, and documenting results for the physician.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $45,570/yr median

    Growth: 21% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree award is the typical entry-level education; employers may also value professional ophthalmic-assisting or technician certification

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  • Optician

    Fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses from prescriptions, measure clients, adjust frames, advise on lens options, repair eyewear, and maintain sales and patient records.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $47,260/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training are typical; some states require licensure and employers may prefer certification

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  • Packaging & Filling Machine Operator

    Set up, operate, and monitor machines that package products or fill containers. Load materials, adjust equipment, inspect finished packages, record production information, and clear minor jams or equipment problems.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $43,220/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers machine operation, quality checks, safety, and basic maintenance.

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  • Painter / Construction Maintenance

    Apply paint, stain, coatings, and protective finishes to buildings and other structures. Prepare surfaces, repair minor defects, select materials, mix colors, protect surrounding areas, and use brushes, rollers, or spray equipment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $49,400/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Moderate-term training, vocational courses, or an apprenticeship develops painting and finishing skills.

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