It is never too late to go back to school. Check out these appealing roles for midlife career change in fast-growing fields, and learn what it takes to do the job.
The era of employment for life is over. With companies looking to be more agile and flexible in responding to changing economics, many employees find themselves downsized, underemployed, or forced to move to new states or countries in order to keep the same job. In addition, inflation pressures have encouraged many to look for a second or even a third job in order to make ends meet.
Four-year college degrees are no longer a guarantee of employment. What’s more, a majority of college graduates come out of school already saddled with student loan debt while finding it tough to land a job that pays enough to take care of both the rent and high loan payments. Because of this, vocational and technical schools are gaining new popularity among people of all ages and work experience. These trade schools in St. Louis offer accredited programs that get students certified, licensed, or registered in a new career within a short amount of time and at a fraction of the cost of four-year colleges.
It’s a new era, so embrace it no matter where you are in life. Are you looking for a fulfilling career that offers lots of opportunity for advancement in high-demand fields? Let’s talk about four of the fastest growing career fields that trade schools teach and what it takes to get yourself into one of these exciting careers.
Surgical Technologist
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Surgical technologists assist in the operating room. Also called operating room technicians, scrub techs, or surgical technicians, a surgical technologist is an integral part of the success of any surgical procedure, from setting up and preparing the room before surgery to assisting the surgeon during the operation.
If you want to start a rewarding career in healthcare, surgical technology training provides the specialized education and hands-on experience needed to thrive in this field.
Job Stats for Surgical Technologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in demand for surgical technologists through 2024, which equates to around 14,700 new jobs in the field. Constant advancements in surgical techniques means that more and more surgeries are being performed every year, and that means there’s a constant need for more people who are qualified and skilled enough to do the job and do it well.
Another factor in keeping demand high in this field is that baby boomers are retiring in greater and greater numbers, and they are going to need an increasing number of surgeries.
The median salary for a surgical technician is $43,350 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014 data, the most recent year for which this data is available. This number is $8,000 more than the median salary for all other American jobs. Depending on the state where you find employment, your salary can fall below or above the median salary, from around $31,000 on the low end to $62,000 on the high end for 80% of surgical technologists. The top 10% of surgical technologists make more than $62,000.
Educational Requirements for Surgical Technologists
You will need a high school diploma or GED in order to begin training for becoming a surgical technologist. The schooling length requirements for a surgical technologist are between one and two years, where you will receive either a certificate of completion or an Associates degree (two years). The program you complete must be CAAHEP or ABHES accredited. You will also need to pass the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam, which is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
During the program, you will also be required to complete an unpaid externship for further hands-on training.
To find out how to start your new career as a surgical technologist, click here.
Dental Assistant
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants are a vital part of most dental offices. They perform multiple tasks, from assisting dentists during procedures to managing patient care and scheduling.
Those interested in this growing field can enroll in a dental assistant program that prepares them for certification and employment in clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
Job Stats for Dental Assistants
The BLS predicts that dental assisting will see an 18% increase in demand by 2024, which is much higher than the average for all jobs. This means there will be about 58,600 new dental assisting openings that will need to be filled in order to keep up with demand.
The median salary for dental assistants, as of 2015, is $35,980 per year. Depending on the state in which you work and your experience, salaries generally range between $22,323 on the low end and $43,835 on the high end.
Educational Requirements for Dental Assistants
Dental assisting certification generally takes less than a year to complete, which makes this a smart career choice for those fresh out of high school or college, or those looking to change careers after years or decades of experience in the workforce. The course covers (among other topics) oral anatomy, dental materials, how to administer dental x-rays (radiography), dental pharmacology, using and caring for dental equipment, CPR and first aid for emergencies, and some office administration.
At the completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification exam as well as the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination. These certifying exams not only testify to your qualifications as a dental assistant but are also necessary for employment as a dental assistant in many states. Even in states that do not require formal training to get a job as a dental assistant, taking and passing these exams can help you rise above other applicants as well as command a higher salary.
To find out how to begin your career as a dental assistant, click here.
Veterinary Assistant
What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?
If you love working with animals, this is your dream job. As a veterinary assistant, you’ll be able to help pets and farm animals stay healthy and happy.
Many students begin their animal-care careers through vet tech programs in Missouri, where they gain essential skills in animal health, laboratory testing, and veterinary support.
Job Stats for Veterinary Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a huge demand for veterinary assistants between 2104 and 2020, an increase of 19%! This increase represents 17,900 new jobs in the field, one of which could be yours.
The median annual salary for veterinary assistants as of 2015 is $31,800, with the lowest 10% earning less than $21,000, and the highest 10% earning around $47,000.
Educational Requirements for Veterinary Assistants
Veterinary assistants, or vet techs, must complete an associate’s degree, which usually takes about two years. When you have earned your associate’s as a veterinary technician, you will be required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in order to become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the state in which you will be employed. For those seeking to work in a research facility, you will also need to certify through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
To find out how to begin your new career as a veterinary assistant, click here.
Medical Assistant
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
If you love working with people and helping them feel better, you will enjoy a career in medical assisting. Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks that keep medical offices running smoothly.
With accredited medical assistant training, you can build a foundation for a long-term career in healthcare while enjoying excellent job stability and advancement opportunities.
Job Stats for Medical Assistants
Demand for medical assistants from 2014 to 2024 is expected to increase by 23%, which is much faster than the average. One factor in that increase is the larger number of baby boomers who are requiring more medical attention as they age. Another factor is the large number of people who have been able to obtain medical insurance coverage through the ACA.
Medical assistants can expect to earn a median annual salary of $30,590, with a low end of $22,040, and a high end of $43,880. MAs generally earn more in outpatient care facilities, followed by hospitals, physician’s offices, and offices of other health practitioners, in that order.
Educational Requirements for Medical Assisting
There are two paths you can take toward becoming a medical assistant: a medical assisting diploma or a medical assisting degree. A diploma takes about 15 months to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete the classes. A medical assisting associate’s degree can be completed in as little as 19 months, and can be a springboard to higher medical degrees.
Once you have completed the medical assisting program, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam before being recognized as a CMA. From there, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, private clinics, or ambulatory clinics.
To learn more about becoming a medical assistant, click here.
Getting Started with Midwest Institute
Each of these four careers surgical technologist, dental assistant, veterinary assistant, and medical assistant are fast-growing, high-demand fields that offer fulfilling and meaningful work. Whether you’re a new graduate or considering a career change, Midwest Institute’s vocational and technical schools provide hands-on education and certification to help you reach your goals.
Midwest Institute offers top quality education in each of these fields, including access to the required certification examinations. Stop spinning your wheels. It’s time to thrive! Visit our website to begin a new and exciting phase of your life.
