New Career in a Year

8 Ideas For Moms Going Back To School

When kids return to school, it’s a great opportunity to consider what to do next. For moms who have been out of the workforce for several years, a lot has changed, which can be intimidating. If you’ve been contemplating a new career, consider the options below that offer flexible learning (often at a reasonable price) and can launch you into a new industry in about a year.

1. Real Estate Agent:

Becoming a real estate agent is one of the more affordable education pathways and can be achieved in as little as a few months. The California Department of Real Estate requires 135 hours of pre-licensing classes, which are available through accredited in-person or online programs, including local community colleges. After passing state exams and finding a broker to work with, participants are ready to finalize the licensing application. Once established, San Diego real estate agents make an average of $91,087 annually, reports ZipRecruiter. Just know that realtors often work evenings and weekends.

2. Cosmetologist:

A California cosmetology license allows people to work as hair stylists, makeup artists, nail technicians and estheticians. California requires 1,000 course hours in a board-approved program, which are offered at private schools (such as Bellus Academy and Paul Mitchell) or San Diego City College. Schedules are often flexible and can be completed in one to two years. The exam approval and scheduling process can take up to 12 weeks. Once licensed, renewal is required every two years. Becoming (only) a nail technician requires less money and time. Cosmetologists in San Diego can expect to make an average of $44,920 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

3.  Radiology Tech:

People with an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology can perform diagnostic imaging exams (X-rays, CT scans and MRIs) and administer radiation treatments. Mesa College (Clairemont Mesa) offers a two-year program, but has prerequisites that must be completed five years prior to enrolling. Following classes, it’s necessary to get certified and licensed. According to ZipRecruiter, Radiologic Technologists in San Diego make about $101,000 annually.

4.  Medical Assistant:

Becoming a medical assistant provides a foot in the door for those interested in the medical field. A medical assistant performs administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals or physician’s offices. The career outlook is 15 percent growth over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A number of local schools offer medical assistant certification (including Poway Adult School), which can be completed in 12 weeks to two years, depending on specialty or focus. The median salary in San Diego for medical assistants is $45,000–$55,000, depending on several factors.

5. Dental Hygienist:

Theamount of time it takes to become a licensed dental hygienist depends on previous education. Both twoand four-year degrees are accepted in the industry. Participants must complete a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-approved dental hygiene program, pass three national and state exams and apply for a license. Local schools with accredited programs include Southwestern College and Concorde Career Colleges. The median salary of a dental hygienist in San Diego is $82,100 according to Salary.com.

6.  Dog Groomer: career path for people who love animals!

Dog grooming school (such as San Diego Grooming Academy in North Park) teaches safety, breed standards, grooming styles, and proper use of tools in a hands-on learning environment. Certification can be obtained in a matter of weeks. According to Salary.com, pet groomers in San Diego make an average of $41,802. Since dog groomers often split pay with shop owners, there is greater income potential for those who are self-employed.

7.  Bookkeeper:

also known as an accounts payable clerk or accounting specialist, assists business owners with general accounting procedures, payroll and tax preparation under the assistance of a CPA. Certification is available through several local colleges and online programs, which prepare participants for the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) exam. Completion takes between several months to two years, because on-the-job training is part of the process. According to Indeed.com, a bookkeeper’s average annual salary in San Diego is $55,905.

8.  Computer and Internetworking Technologies:

There are many opportunities in this field that often require less than a year for certification. The most common positions are in network design, security and management; these are the people who set up and maintain large computer systems and networks. Most local colleges offer a variety of technology and cyber security classes; participants just need to figure out which track to pursue. Depending on certification and job title, expect to make an average of $36,000 - $86,437 annually. v

Pam Molnar is a writer and mother of three. With the help of her supportive husband and family, she went back to school and started a new career in less than a year.