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<p>Preparing for a stable career doesn&#8217;t need to be a long and expensive endeavor. Certificate programs provide practical career skills to high school graduates, career changers, or professionals wishing supplement work experience. If you feel that a two-or four-year degree isn&#8217;t the right choice but still want a career with good pay and job prospects, consider the following certificate programs.</p>
<h4>Court Reporting<strong><br />
</strong></h4>
<p>Court reporters create transcripts of legal proceedings and prepare transcripts. They generally work for state and local governments, but may also work on a freelance basis. Court reporters earned a median annual wage of $47,700 in 2010, and growth of 14% is projected through 2020*. Although on-the-job training is the basic requirement for some jobs, certification can greatly improve job prospects.</p>
<h4>Welding</h4>
<p>Skilled welders can expect good job opportunities due to lack of qualified applicants. A welding program may include instruction in arc welding, solid state welding, welding metallurgy, soldering, cutting, fabrication, quality control and safety procedures. Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earned a mean annual wage of $38,410 in 2012. Job growth of 15% is projected through 2020.</p>
<h4>HVAC Technology</h4>
<p>HVAC or HVACR technicians install and repair heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics earned a median annual wage of $42,520 in 2010. Rapid growth is projected, with a 34% increase in employment through 2020.</p>
<h4>Automotive Technology</h4>
<p>Automotive service technicians may specialize in collision repair, brakes, electrical, engine performance, and other areas. Long term on-the-job training is required for most jobs, but formal training can increase job opportunities. The median pay for auto technicians and mechanics was $35,790 in 2010.</p>
<h4>Computer Systems Networking</h4>
<p>Computer network support specialists test network connections, troubleshoot networks and perform maintenance. Formal training is particularly useful for computer support specialists wanting to supplement work experience or on-the -job training. Computer support specialists earned median annual wage of $46,260 in 2010. Growth of 18% is projected through 2020.</p>
<h4>Surgical Technology</h4>
<p>Surgical technologists prepare patients and equipment for surgery, pass instruments to surgeons during operations, apply dressings and organize surgical tools supplies. Surgical technologists earned a median annual salary of $39,920 in 2010 and growth of 19% is projected through 2020. Visit <a href="http://www.ast.org/" target="_blank">ast.org</a> for more information on surgical technology education and careers.</p>
<h4>Dental Assisting</h4>
<p>Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Their duties include office administrative procedures, taking x-rays, and preparing patients and equipment for procedures. Dental assistants earned a median annual wage of $33,470 in 2010 and rapid employment growth (31%) is projected through 2020.</p>
<h4>Medical Assistant</h4>
<p>Medical assistants may perform clinical and/or administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, taking patient histories, assisting with examinations, and drawing blood. With a projected growth of 31% through 2020, medical assistants can expect promising job prospects. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $28,860 in 2010.</p>
<h4>Phlebotomy</h4>
<p>Phlebotomists draw blood for the purpose testing, transfusions and donations. They may work for hospitals, medical laboratories, doctors&#8217; offices. Phlebotomists earned a mean annual wage of $30,910 in 2012. Visit <a href="http://www.ascp.org/certification">ascp.org/certification</a> for more information.</p>
<h4>Pharmacy Technician</h4>
<p>Pharmacy technicians prepare medications according to prescriptions. They work under the direction of a pharmacist, and generally work in retail or hospital settings. Job opportunities should be good, particularly for those with experience and formal training. Growth of 32% is projected through 2020 and pharmacy technicians earned a median annual salary of $28,400 in 2010.</p>
<p>For more career ideas, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593579284/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&;camp=1789&;creative=390957&;creativeASIN=1593579284&;linkCode=as2&;tag=collegecareerlife-20">300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree, 4th Ed</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" alt="" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=collegecareerlife-20&;l=as2&;o=1&;a=1593579284" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p><em>*All wage and employment projection data from United States Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm" target="_blank" class="broken_link">Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-2013</a></em></p>