year degree and instead opting to attend a trade or technical
school. Trade school enrollment continues to increase since
the early 2000s, but a steep decline in vocational education
in the 1980s and ‘90s led to a shortage of blue-collar workers
across the nation. Trying to gain back skilled workers has led
to an increase in wages, enticing students and parents alike to
see past the old stigma of choosing a trade school over college.
Here are a few of the best trades or vocations available.
• Air Traffic Controller – With a few years of intense
training and a certification by the FAA, air traffic controllers
are highly sought after. Individuals must have the ability to
concentrate, organize flight plans, inspect radio equipment,
and are required to be constantly vigilant to successfully
execute their job duties.
• Radiation Therapist – An associate degree is required to
land a job as a radiation therapist, along with a licensure to
practice. If you’re interested in caring for other people, this
job requires administering radiation for cancer treatments.
• Dental Hygienist – Smile! Your career could be in making
teeth brighter. Dental hygienists work to clean teeth, take
x-rays, and educate patients on oral health. They are also
ranked among the most satisfied workers. You’ll need an
associate degree to pursue this career.
• Electrician – Training to become an electrician takes about
as long as it takes to get a bachelor’s degree and a license,
but this job training pays for itself along the way. If reading
blueprints and installing or repairing wires and other
electrical components interests you, this career might be
electrifying.
• Plumber – You’ll need your high school diploma and an
apprenticeship to become a plumber. Once you are licensed,
you can start to work, but you’re sure to need some physical
strength to take on this job.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – After obtaining an
associate degree, sonographers go on to prep patients for
procedures, review and process images for physicians,
and administer ultrasounds. You’ll also be responsible for
operating imaging equipment.
• Elevator Installer – A career with high earning potential,
elevator installers repair and maintain elevators, escalators,
moving walkways, and lifts. A high school diploma and
apprenticeship is required for this role, so if you’re good
with power tools, this job might be a lift up for you.
TYPES OF COLLEGE LOANS
Getting into college is one of the most exciting times of a
student’s life and is the first step in shaping his/her career.
Many colleges and universities offer a myriad of grants or
scholarships to assist with paying for post-secondary school,
but often these are not enough. Student loans provide
financial assistance for students to cover the costs associated
with attending a college or career school, including tuition,
supplies, books, and living expenses. There are several types of
loans available including need-based, non-need-based, state,
and private.
Need-based loans are provided to students who are unable
to pay the amount needed to cover all costs to attend college.
Need is determined by the Free Application for Federal
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