With rising food and gas prices boosting the cost of living in the U.S., finding a job that pays a solid wage is a virtual necessity. Pursuing a degree or certificate through an adult learning program can help you qualify for some of the hottest jobs in the market today.
Once considered a non-traditional way of learning, many online colleges and adult education programs now offer career training that can lead to outstanding employment opportunities. If you're a busy professional, an older student or have family obligations, you can train for well-paying jobs through online education's self-paced, accelerated learning modules. You can even enroll in a hybrid program that combines campus visits with Web-based coursework. The following eight careers, all attainable through distance learning, give you the chance to weather the financial storm and earn $50k almost right away.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Online and campus-based career training programs provide fast-track education that can prepare you for this in-demand profession, which offers entry-level wages that can meet the half-century mark. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 75 percent of network and computer systems administrators earned at least $50,420 in 2007.
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Through self-paced, flexible educational programs, you can complete an online associate or bachelor's degree in Network Administration or Information Technology to get started. Or, consider upgrading your computer credentials by pursuing network systems or security certificates through adult learning programs.
Physical Therapists
Many of today's physical therapists begin their careers as physical therapy assistants, working under direct supervision and tutelage of a licensed physical therapist while they pursue a master's degree. You can receive training as an assistant through an associate degree program and enter the profession immediately. Physical therapists earned a median annual salary of $69,760 in 2007, with a whopping 90 percent of them earning more than $48,530.
Web Designers
Right now, you're looking at an attractive page that was created by a Web designer. Through online degree or adult learning programs, you can receive career training to help you learn the ins and outs of designing your own Web page. Pathways to the profession include associate or bachelor's degrees in graphic design or computer programming, as well as through certificate programs that document your proficiency. The BLS reports that salaries for Web designers started at approximately $47,000 per year in 2006, with the highest wages reaching $71,500.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses typically complete a two- or four-year degree program to qualify for positions. Earning an associate or bachelor's degree can be a great first step if you're looking to join the RN ranks. If you've already received an associate degree in nursing (AND) or bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and want to advance into higher-paying positions, online graduate degree programs offer in-depth training. According to the BLS, 75 percent of RNs earned at least $49,810 in 2007, with median wages creeping just over $60,000.
Sales and Marketing Managers
Almost every business in the United States focuses on selling goods or services. Learn the finer points of sales, marketing, and managing by earning an associate, bachelor's or graduate degree through online or adult learning programs. In 2007, 90 percent of sales and marketing managers earned more than $53,520, with the top 25 percent earning more than $144,250.
Education Administrators
Education administrators earn their good starting pay contributing to the delivery of quality schooling to young people. You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching credential first, and then complete a master's or PhD program to join this dynamic career group. Starting salaries for entry-level administrators on the elementary or secondary school level can reach well over $50k per year. According to the BLS, the median salary for this occupation was $80,580 in 2007.
Computer Software Engineers
A bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science can qualify you for entry into one of the fastest-growing career groups in America. Enroll in online courses to add to your skill set and keep pace with advancements in technology to move up the career ladder. The BLS reports that 90 percent of software engineers earned more than $52,090 in 2007. The top 25 percent took home more than $100k.
Financial Analyst
Trying times in today's economy require keen minds to keep things afloat. Financial analysts serve as a fulcrum in this ever-changing business world, helping companies and consumers make key investment decisions. Analysts gather data, examine macro and micro economic trends and deliver their recommendations to their clients. If you possess a degree in a business-related field but would like to concentrate on finance, consider continuing your training online. A bachelor's degree or MBA in finance can help you enter an occupation slated to grow by 34 percent through 2016. Furthermore, the BLS asserts that financial analysts earned a medial salary of $70,400 in 2007, with 75 percent of them taking home more than $53,150.
If you're a nine-to-fiver looking to move up the ranks in your current field, or a fed up entrepreneur in desperate need of a career change, distance learning offers a flexible and convenient way to earn the training you need. Online associate, bachelor's and graduate degrees can help you enter some of the most in-demand and highest paying entry-level positions in the job market today.
