In today’s competitive job market, many individuals, including immigrants, are seeking opportunities for high-paying immigrant jobs. These careers offer a chance to earn substantial incomes and build a successful life in a new country.
There are many certificate programs you can complete depending on the jobs you want to pursue. Some certificate programs can last two or more years while others can be completed in six months or less.
While longer certificate programs can sometimes earn higher wages, six-month programs allow you to find and acquire jobs faster so you can begin earning more quickly. The following positions require a certificate from programs that can be completed in six months:
1. Emergency medical technician (work in Ambulance)
National average salary: $14.65 per hour
An emergency medical technician is one of the best certificate programs that may provide you with prerequisite training for other careers that require a certificate. Emergency medical technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent but must complete postsecondary educational programs and some other training programs, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
As the field continues to grow and become more competitive, it could possibly become one of the highest-paying certificate programs. The chance of earning a desirable position in emergency medical services is better with more certifications and a 6-month EMT training program.
Being an emergency medical technician is a mentally and physically demanding job that requires empathy and compassion. Most of the workday involves responding to and caring for injured and ill individuals in emergency situations, so it’s important to be able to operate effectively in a crisis.
2. Funeral director
National average salary: $18.90 per hour
A funeral director is a high-paying job that requires little education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in funeral service or a related field. Funeral directors can earn a high salary with extensive experience.
The U.S. requires licensure for funeral directors, and some individual states require an apprenticeship, job shadowing or completion of a short-term certificate program. The National Funeral Directors Association offers a variety of training and certification programs, though several colleges and universities also have in-class or online funeral director certificates.
Funeral directors typically offer to counsel grieving family members and help to prepare the funeral service. This type of work can be challenging for some people, so it’s important to be comfortable with supporting people during difficult situations.
Funeral directing is one of those high-paying immigrant jobs that can be particularly appealing to those looking to establish a prosperous career in a new land.
3. Brick mason
National average salary: $20.51 per hour
If you want to learn a trade in six months, becoming a brick mason is a great option. Brick masons must have a high school diploma or equivalent, to start, though extensive apprenticeship programs and coursework may also be required. You can also earn a masonry certification through the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Candidates with previous construction experience are preferred since they require less training before they can begin work.
During an apprenticeship, you’ll learn masonry practices, construction basics, measurement calculations, safety procedures and other practices to construct walls, fences and structures out of bricks. A typical workday could include reading blueprints, cleaning surfaces with power tools, gathering materials and lifting heavy objects.
Brick masons work long hours in a fast-paced and physically strenuous environment with a high risk of injury. Important skills for this job include physical strength, hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
Becoming a brick mason is a pathway to high-paying immigrant jobs that offer stability and financial security.
4. Personal trainer
National average salary: $21 per hour
Personal training is a high-paying career with the potential to earn more by building your client base, working for a high-paying organization or by training higher-paying clients.
This career will require qualifications to teach physical fitness techniques to clients, and many personal trainers have backgrounds in exercise science, nutrition and other related fields. Certification programs are available for personal training including three-month certificate programs, six-month certificate programs and other short certificate programs. Several online certificate programs are available as well, which combine print, online and in-person education.
Generally, successful personal trainers are physically fit themselves, stay up-to-date on fitness and nutrition trends, and have the appropriate attitude to motivate and encourage others. Personal trainers may work at public gyms, private fitness facilities, in clients’ homes or through virtual coaching, giving you different options for income. They should also have a strong work ethic, as it requires time and dedication to build a client base.
5. Medical coder
National average salary: $21.64 per hour
Medical coding is one of the more popular certifications that pay well for those looking for interesting educational opportunities. Medical coders are in demand as healthcare organizations continue to need qualified individuals to translate and communicate medical content. If you want to become a medical coder, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as medical coding certification through the AAPC.
Medical coders type up detailed reports on procedures and bill the insurance company for the amount they owe to medical offices. Specific training programs are necessary to learn how to use the software for this position. It’s also helpful to have an in-depth understanding of health records, database management and medical terminology.
6. Automobile service station manager
National average salary: $23.59 per hour
An automobile service station manager is a high-paying job with minimum education requirements. Though a high school diploma or equivalent is all that’s officially needed, some employers may prefer a degree or certification. You can also earn a certificate through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
For most people, the best way to get this job is to work their way up through the company by gaining on-the-job experience, since this provides the skill set necessary to run the day-to-day operations of a service station successfully. The scope of the job includes setting the gas prices for the day, making the employee schedule, training employees, managing inventory, maintaining safety regulations and managing employees.
Customer service, interpersonal and managerial skills would be helpful for this position, as well as some accounting experience.
7. Real Estate associate or sales person
National average salary: $71,287 per year
Real estate brokers have the opportunity to earn six figures with the right experience and skill set. To become a real estate associate, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent, though a college degree in a related field could be beneficial. Earning your real estate certification involves a few classes and some testing. The courses and testing are much less expensive and time-consuming than a traditional four-year college. Certification requirements vary by state, but many colleges have real estate certificate programs, both online and in-class.
Real estate brokers earn money by selling houses and filing the paperwork for the transactions, as well as guiding homeowners through the process. It’s important to have flexible hours and good interpersonal skills to be successful in this position.
The real estate industry presents enticing high-paying immigrant jobs, allowing individuals to leverage their skills and create substantial income.
8. Phlebotomy Technician (drawing blood for medical tests).
Average Salary: $38K to $57K per year
Can make your own hours as long as go to patients’ homes to draw blood.
- Minimum High School Diploma (or) Equivalent (GED, TASC)
Phlebotomy Technician is a career that involves drawing blood for medical tests. This profession offers an average salary ranging from $38,000 to $57,000 per year. One of the advantages of being a Phlebotomy Technician is the flexibility to set your own hours, as long as you are willing to go to patients’ homes to draw blood. To pursue this career, a minimum requirement is a High School Diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED or TASC.
9. Medical assistant
- Minimum High School Diploma (or) Equivalent (GED, TASC)
The job of a medical assistant is an excellent opportunity for immigrants looking to establish a career in the healthcare field. As a medical assistant, individuals will play a crucial role in supporting healthcare professionals and ensuring the smooth operation of medical facilities.
One of the key requirements for this position is a minimum high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED or TASC. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have obtained basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Medical assistants are responsible for various administrative and clinical tasks within healthcare settings. On the administrative side, they may schedule appointments, maintain patient records, handle billing and insurance claims, and manage front desk operations. These tasks require good organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in using computer systems. Medical assisting is one of the high-paying immigrant jobs that provide opportunities for a rewarding career in healthcare.
In addition to administrative duties, medical assistants also provide direct patient care under the supervision of physicians or other healthcare professionals. They may take patients’ vital signs, prepare them for examinations or procedures, collect laboratory specimens, administer medications as directed by physicians, and assist with minor surgical procedures. Strong communication skills are essential in order to interact with patients compassionately while maintaining professionalism.
This job offers immigrants an opportunity to enter the rewarding field of healthcare without requiring extensive education or experience. It provides valuable exposure to various aspects of medical practice while allowing individuals to contribute positively towards patient care. With further training and experience gained on the job as a medical assistant, immigrants can explore potential career advancement opportunities within the healthcare industry.
10. EKG Technician – measuring someone’s heart beats for medical testing
Average salary: $24/hour
- Minimum High School Diploma (or) Equivalent (GED, TASC)
- Physical of Health
Candidates typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent as the minimum educational requirement. However, employers may prefer candidates who have completed formal training programs in EKG technology or related fields.
Becoming an EKG Technician offers a promising career path with accessible entry requirements. Becoming an EKG Technician is a promising option for immigrants in search of high-paying jobs in the healthcare sector. Generally, a high school diploma or its equivalent is sufficient to start working in this field. Employers often provide on-the-job training to familiarize technicians with EKG equipment and procedures.
While formal education programs in EKG technology are available, they are not always mandatory. However, completing a certification program through organizations like the American Society of EKG Technicians can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.
In this role, EKG Technicians play a crucial role in medical testing by operating electrocardiogram machines to measure and record patients’ heartbeats. They work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure accurate results, which are vital for diagnosing heart conditions and creating treatment plans.
To excel in this position, individuals should possess strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a healthcare setting. Additionally, a compassionate and patient-oriented approach is highly valued, as EKG Technicians often interact with patients who may be anxious or unwell.
11. Nurse’s Aide/ Assistant (C N A) – Average Salary is $40K to $47K
- Minimum High School Diploma (or) Equivalent (GED, TASC)
- Physical of Health
Candidates typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent as the minimum educational requirement. However, employers may prefer candidates who have completed formal training programs in EKG technology or related fields.
Becoming an EKG Technician offers a promising career path with accessible entry requirements. Generally, a high school diploma or its equivalent is sufficient to start working in this field. Employers often provide on-the-job training to familiarize technicians with EKG equipment and procedures.
Nurse’s Aide/Assistant roles are among the high-paying immigrant jobs in the healthcare field, offering stability and a chance to make a significant impact.
While formal education programs in EKG technology are available, they are not always mandatory. However, completing a certification program through organizations like the American Society of EKG Technicians can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.
In this role, EKG Technicians play a crucial role in medical testing by operating electrocardiogram machines to measure and record patients’ heartbeats. They work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure accurate results, which are vital for diagnosing heart conditions and creating treatment plans.
To excel in this position, individuals should possess strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a healthcare setting. Additionally, a compassionate and patient-oriented approach is highly valued, as EKG Technicians often interact with patients who may be anxious or unwell.
If you are interested in longer education:
Licensed Practical Nurse – 2 years degree
Salary is $44K to $64K per year.
Registered Nurses (RNs) play a critical role in the healthcare industry, providing patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with physicians to develop treatment plans. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and various healthcare settings, making it a versatile and rewarding profession. The demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, offering stable employment opportunities.
Licensed Practical Nurses have the opportunity to secure high-paying immigrant jobs while contributing to the healthcare industry.
Interior design
Designers earn an average of $63,832 per year.
Associate programs help students develop basic design skills to help them create practical and aesthetically pleasing interior environments.
Interior design students may learn skills like:
- Space planning
- Building codes
- Material selection
- Lighting design
- Sustainability
Drafting
The average salary for drafters is $64,138 per year
A degree in drafting trains you in computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, which you can use to create detailed plans, schematics and blueprints.
Drafters typically work in fields like architecture and engineering, in which they assist architects, engineers and product designers.
Courses typically focus on:
- CAD programs
- Manufacturing processes
- Design
- Algebra
- Architectural principles
- Drawing
- Cost estimation
Upon graduation, you may work as a drafter.
Electrical engineering
An electronics technician earns a national average salary of $69,987 per year
An associate degree in electrical engineering teaches students how to wire, repair and maintain electrical systems.
Courses may focus on:
- Power systems
- Troubleshooting
- Circuits
- Appliance repair
Graduates with this degree often work as electrical engineering or electronics technicians assisting electrical engineers.
Network engineering
Networking engineering associate degree graduates may find work as network administrators, earning an average of $71,577 per year.
Network engineering associate degrees equip students to work in information technology (IT) and specialize in network support. These programs train you in setting up, securing, maintaining and troubleshooting network connections.
Network engineering offers high-paying immigrant jobs in the IT sector, where skilled individuals can thrive.
Courses may cover:
- Routers
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Mobile device connectivity
- Local area network (LAN) connections
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy assistants, a typical career for those with this type of associate degree, make an average of $74,180 per year.
An associate degree in occupational therapy educates individuals about ways to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses.
Courses cover:
- Ethics
- Assistive technologies
- Physiology
These programs often prepare students for the standard certification exam.
Physical therapy
Graduates with associate degrees in physical therapy often become physical therapist assistants, who make an average of $75,137 per year.
Associate degrees in physical therapy provide students with classroom lectures and clinical experience for a career helping others improve their movement.
These programs cover:
- Human anatomy
- Kinesiology
- Clinical pathology
- Biomechanics
Web development
Graduates with an associate degree often become web developers, a career that makes a national average of $76,125 per year.
An associate degree in web development teaches students how to build websites.
This program teaches students skills like:
- Programming languages
- Design elements
- Troubleshooting
- User experience (UX) design
- Collaboration skills
Aviation maintenance
The average salary for an aircraft mechanic is $77,773 per year.
Associate programs in aviation maintenance teach students the basics of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance so they can diagnose mechanical issues and perform hands-on repairs.
These programs often include courses in:
- Physics
- Powerplant systems
- Propeller systems
- Aircraft tools and materials
Graduates from these programs can find work with airlines, government groups and manufacturers.
Dental hygiene
Dental hygienists working make an average salary of $96,298 a year.
An associate degree in dental hygiene consists of a combination of lectures and hands-on labs to prepare someone for a role in a dental office.
Students learn about:
- Oral pathology
- Anatomy
- Patient management
- Dental materials.
In their labs they create molds, take X-rays and interact with patients.
Respiratory therapy
The average salary for a respiratory therapist is $98,681 per year.
Respiratory therapy is a health care field that enables safe breathing.
An associate degree program in respiratory therapy might teach you how to:
- Perform examinations and identify the cause of breathing issues
- Develop effective treatments plans targeting respiratory function
- Administrator diagnostic tests
While guidelines can vary depending on your state, an associate degree is typically enough to practice as a respiratory therapist.
Robotics
The average salary for a robotics engineer is $101,599 per year.
During an associate degree robotics program, students learn how to program machine tools and modify controller networks. This may include covering different types of programming, such as C++ programming.
Those graduating with an associate in robotics have the potential to work in a variety of industries, ranging from electronics to space industries.
Robotics engineering is an exciting field with high-paying immigrant jobs, providing opportunities for those with a passion for technology.
Diagnostic medical sonography
After earning an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography, you could work as a sonographer, earning an average salary of $105,465 per year.
Diagnostic medical sonography is an area of health care focusing on ultrasound technology.
In these programs, you learn how to:
- Interact with patients
- Use diagnostic equipment
- Input data into patient records
Software engineering
Upon completion of an associate degree in software engineering, graduates can become software engineers and make $109,117 per year.
An associate degree in software engineering trains students in software engineering industry standards and practices and techniques to build and test new programs.
Classes cover:
- Database systems
- Networking
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
Nuclear science
Graduates with associate degrees can become nuclear technicians, who make an average of $83,954 per year, or nuclear medicine technologists, who make an average of $112,616 per year.
An associate degree in nuclear science gives participants an understanding of nuclear energy equipment and tools used in power plants. These types of programs instruct students on the fundamentals of nuclear technology processes,
including their interactions, productions and radiation measurements.
Radiation therapy
The average salary for radiation therapists, a common career option, is $121,591 per year.
An associate degree in radiation therapy or radiography teaches individuals how to use technology to treat those with medical conditions, especially cancer
patients.
Core topics include:
- Radiation physics
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Planning radiation treatments
Students also gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting to prepare them for a career in radiation therapy.
Vascular technology
Graduating with an associate degree in vascular technology can become vascular technologists and make an average of $124,028 per year.
An applied science associate degree in vascular technology teaches students howto diagnose and treat patients with vascular diseases.
Courses may include:
- Sonographic identification
- Abnormal and normal anatomy
- Sonographic physics
During the program, students learn how to use diagnostic imaging and monitoring equipment.
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