Not all rewarding civilian careers require a college degree to get started.
Professional certification, particularly combined with military training and experience, may get you in the door.
Some careers can be greatly enhanced by the combination of a degree and certification, while some – such as nursing – will require state licensure with several options to get there.
Project Management (Credential)
Project managers are needed in many industries, from IT to construction to finance. A credential proving you have experience is more important to employers today than ever before. There are many choices for certification, but one of the most widely recognized is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
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Project Manager, Program Manager, Business Operations Manager, Construction Manager, IT Project Manager, Operations Manager, Software Engineer, Front-line Supervisor: Construction
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- Columbia Southern University
- Creighton University
- Grantham University
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Lebanon Valley College
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
Airframe & Powerplant License
If you worked on aircraft in the military and want to continue this career as a civilian, you will benefit by earning an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license from the FAA. You can get an airframe rating or a power-plant rating, but most mechanics get both.
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Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Avionics Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Director, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Aviation Maintenance Technician
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- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach (plus B.S. and A.S.)
- Kansas State University Global Campus
Registered Nurse (license)
You’ll need a license to work as a registered nurse in the state where you live. There are typically three paths leading to a license: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.
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Registered Nurse, School Nurse, Charge Nurse, Staff Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Pediatric Nurse
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Automotive Technician (Certification)
Most employers prefer that technician candidates have formal training and certification, although military experience can certainly get you started. A certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the standard credential for civilian service technicians, and ASE certification is available in nine different specialty areas.
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Automobile Mechanic, Automobile Technician, Automotive Technician, Service Technician, Diesel Service Technician
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- Delaware County Community College
- University of Northwestern Ohio
Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
Even if you drove heavy duty vehicles in the military, you’ll still need a Class A CDL if you want to drive the big rigs as a civilian. Under the Military Skills Test Waiver Program you can, however, earn your CDL without taking the road test portion of the state licensing exam. If you want to haul hazardous materials (HAZMAT), you’ll need a hazardous materials endorsement (H).
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Truck Driver, Long-Haul Driver, Over the Road Driver, Hazardous Materials Driver, Owner-Operator, Local Driver
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- Delaware County Community College
- Pitt Community College
- University of Northwestern Ohio
