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Five Careers You Can Start with Short-Term Training


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Phlebotomist

What Phlebotomists Do: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.

Work Environment: Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices.

Pay: The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $36,320 in May 2020.

Job Outlook: Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform bloodwork.

How to Become a Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a certificate from a phlebotomy program. Almost all employers look for phlebotomists who have earned professional certification.

Certified nursing assistant

What Nursing Assistants Do: Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living.

Work Environment: Most nursing assistants work in nursing and residential care facilities and in hospitals. They are physically active and may need to help lift or move patients.

Pay: The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020.

Job Outlook: Overall employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants will be needed to help care for an increasing number of older patients.

How to Become a Nursing Assistant: Nursing assistants often need to complete a state-approved education program and pass their state’s competency exam to become licensed or certified.

Commercial truck driver

What Truck Drivers Do: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another.

Work Environment: Working as a long-haul truck driver is a lifestyle choice because these drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time.

Pay: The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $47,130 in May 2020.

Job Outlook: Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations. As the demand for goods increases, more truck drivers will be needed to keep supply chains moving.

How to Become a Commercial Truck Driver: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Personal Trainer (or Fitness Trainer or Instructor)

What Fitness Trainers and Instructors Do: Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities.

Work Environment: Fitness trainers and instructors work in facilities such as recreation centers, health clubs, and yoga studios. Many work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Pay: The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $40,510 in May 2020.

Job Outlook: Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors.

How to Become a Fitness Trainer or Instructor: The education and training typically required for fitness trainers and instructors varies by type of specialty, and employers prefer to hire those with certification.

Wind Turbine Technician

What Wind Turbine Technicians Do: Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.

Work Environment: Wind turbine service technicians generally work outdoors, in confined spaces, and often at great heights. Although the majority of windtechs work full time, they may also be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends.

Pay: The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $56,230 in May 2020.

Job Outlook: Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 61 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new turbines. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician: Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. They also receive on-the-job training.

Information in this article comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the U.S. Depatment of Labor.

Nursing in the 21st Century

21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in

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Paying for Nursing School- Scholarships

Sumner College understands that every student’s financial situation is unique. Our financial aid department can provide you with more information about Oregon financial aid options

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How to Prepare for Nursing School

Nursing school can be intimidating, but here are some helpful tips for you to make the most of your time and studies. As always, feel

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Bend, Oregon, Our New Home!

In a recent article with the Bend Bulletin, our School President Joanna Russell shared how we are enrolling for February 24, 2025 at our newest

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RN to BSN – Career Upgrade!

Here at Sumner College we offer a program for current Registered Nurses, to further their education in a flexible schooling style and get a Bachelors

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Niche Award!

Exciting news! Sumner Nursing College was recently ranked by Niche, listed as #1 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon, #1 in Best Value Colleges in

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Check Out Our New Campus!

Welcome to our new campus in Bend, Oregon! We are excited to be welcoming the first BSN cohort February 24th, 2025. Stay tuned as we

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Upcoming Info Sessions

On the fence or have questions about starting your education at Sumner College? Check out our upcoming BSN Info Sessions! Available for on-campus in Portland

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All About TEAS

If you're considering enrolling at Sumner College (or other nursing schools!) you will be required to take the TEAS Exam. This stands for Test of

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Nursing School Study Tips

Nursing school is known to be extremely difficult, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself! NursingWorld.org suggests a few different things to

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$5,000 Education Award Available!

Exciting news! DiversityNursing.com is offering a $5,000 education award, with easy entry and no essays, why not enter for a chance to win $5,000 to

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New Member Bend Chamber of Commerce

Sumner College is proud to share we are new members of the Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. Coming soon our official ribbon cutting and social

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Spirit Week!

Happy Spirit Week! Stop by the Lobby or Front Desk throughout the week to say hi and show some school spirit! Monday: Meal Prep and

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Sumner College Student of the Month | September 2024

Congratulations Kristina, for being the September 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Kristina completed the LPN program from Sumner College and recently returned to

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Virtual Tour: SIM Lab 202

Welcome to Sumner College! Before you head in to our Portland Campus take a virtual tour where you can see our Simulation Lab, Hospital Simulator,

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New Campus Alert!

We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new additional campus location in Bend, Oregon! Conveniently located just around the corner from Bend's

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The Heart of Healthcare

Nursing can be described as both an art and science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity

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Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day! We will be closed Monday to enjoy a long weekend!

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Upcoming Class Start Dates

Join us on one of our upcoming start dates for RN's looking to achieve a BSN completion!

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What is an RN-BSN Program?

RN to BSN Degree- What is it? The RN-BSN degree is designed for nurses that earned their Registered Nurse licensure and would like to continue

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There’s Still Time!

There's still time to enroll for the September 3 class start date! All three programs are starting fresh this fall; BSN, RN to BSN, and

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Sumner College Student of the Month | August 2024

Congratulations Hanna, for being the August 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner College! Hanna was inspired to pursue a career as a Practical Nursing

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Tips for Great Admission Essays

Writing an admission essay may feel like a daunting task to accomplish, much less three, as we require here at Sumner. While they are short

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Is Nursing for Me?

Have you ever wondered whether nursing is the right profession for you? Take our personality exam to see if you have the characteristics of a

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Join the Nursing Workforce

When deciding what career to go into, one often will research the career to find out information like: average income, durability in the economy, and

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Celebrating 50 years!! Everyday NW’s Ally Osborne visits with Joanna Russell

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Sumner College in Northeast Portland is celebrating 50 years of helping people level up and reach for their career goals in

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Why choose to complete a BSN?

Sumner College is proud to offer multiple different nursing programs, suitable for all stages of life. However, completing the Bachelors of Science in Nursing is

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Our Application Process

As you find yourself getting ready to make the jump for the new term here at Sumner College, you may have questions about our application

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BSN Info Sessions – August

This month's BSN group information meetings are scheduled for August 1, 6, 8, 15 at 12p.m on campus, 8338 NE Alderwood Road, Portland, OR 97220

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BSN Info Sessions – July

In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend either of these informative hour long presentations to learn more about the program, the requirements

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