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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Check state licensing requirements for fitness trainers (from this link, select your state to find licensing information)

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.

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