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Ready to kick your dead-end job in favor of more lucrative prospects? A community college degree might be just the ticket. Many of the jobs in the U.S. that were hot at the end of the 20^th century are barely simmering today. Now might be the perfect time to make a career change with the help of the two-year school in your area. Check out these jobs gaining ground and alternatives that might put you back on a positive career track once again.

Desktop Publisher

This job was a hot one at the end of the last century, as many small business owners turned to pros to turn out their marketing material and newsletters. However, new and improved software has made the job significantly easier, which makes the job of the desktop publisher less cost-effective today. Some companies are also outsourcing this type of work to save a buck. According to Yahoo Finance, this field is expected to decline by more than 14 percent over the next decade, as businesses turn to other sources for their publishing needs.

Instead of stagnating in the fading world of desktop publishing, Yahoo Finance suggests an alternative career in drafting. Drafting takes you from published designs to manufacturing designs, creating technical drawings and plans for everything from the cardboard holder for your coffee cup to full-size building structures. Many community colleges across the country offer

If you are looking for a job with serious career potential for the 21^st century, a community college might be the place to start. Two-year schools offer many degree options for in-demand industries for the local workforce and beyond. Check out these ten community college degrees with excellent future potential.

Plumber

Plumbing may not be the first thing you consider when considering lucrative careers for the 21^st century, but guess what? According to Yahoo Finance, this industry is predicted to grow by more than 25 percent over the next ten years. The average annual salary can also go up to more than $67,000. While some enter the plumbing industry through an apprenticeship or on-the-job experience, an associate degree from a local community college could sweeten the pot on employment.

Veterinary Technician

If you love animals, a career as a veterinary technician might be the perfect choice. These professionals work alongside veterinarians, offering support with regular checkups, performing diagnostic examinations, and assisting during surgery. A two-year degree from the right community college can launch your career in this growing field. According to Money Crashers, the projected growth for veterinary technicians over the next ten years is around 35 percent, with an average annual salary of $30,000.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

These healthcare professionals utilize ultrasound equipment to screen and diagnose several conditions. As this technology has grown and evolved to encompass many diagnostic purposes, the need for medical sonographers has also grown. According to a report at

A two-year degree can launch a lucrative career in a variety of industries today. For those looking for the best job stability and security after college, high-growth careers are a good option. These fields are predicted to enjoy faster than average growth over the next few years, ensuring more jobs will be available for those trained to move into positions. Check out these high-growth jobs you can land with a two-year degree to determine which career is right for you.

Nurse

The field of nursing is one of the hottest in terms of growth right now, according to Yahoo Education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts this field will grow by 26 percent through 2018. As the baby boomer population ages, the need for health care workers, particularly nurses, will continue to increase. Many enter this field with an associate degree in nursing and vocational certification. The average annual salary for a registered nurse is $60,010.

Dental Hygienist

Yahoo Finance states that the predicted job growth for dental hygienists through 2018 is a whopping 38 percent. This field also offers excellent income potential, with an average annual salary of around $68,000. Many earning that amount work part-time hours. More dental hygienists will be needed as the demand for high-quality dental care increases across the United States. Most dental hygienists enter the field with a two-year associate degree.

Medical Coder

Medical coders and medical information technicians maintain

Make this year your most lucrative year yet, by launching a degree program in one of the hottest career fields out there. Some of the most in-demand positions of this decade can be landed with a two-year degree from your local community college. Training is relatively short and cost-effective, and the potential in some of these fields provides plenty of prospects for the future. Check out the best careers that you can start with an associate degree.

Dental Hygienist

Still holding the top spot as one of the most promising careers of the decade, the job of a dental hygienist involves working directly with patients to provide education and preventative care. Dental hygienists typically work in the offices of dentists or orthodontists, keeping regular office hours. Many work part-time with flexible scheduling and job-sharing options available. According to U.S. News and World Report, the average annual salary for a dental hygienist is $69,280, and the outlook for job growth is excellent as more dentists add hygienists to their staff in order to increase the patient load.

Real Estate Appraiser

According to MyKelly.com, both commercial and residential real estate appraisers should enjoy significant job growth over the next few years. This position involves assessing all types of properties to determine the current value for resale or financing purposes. Appraisers must have a solid understanding of real estate principles and practices, as well as basic processes involved in appraisals and property sales. MyKelly.com

When most people dream of a high-paying profession, the thought of years of schooling also comes to mind. The perception is that in order to earn more, you must study more to prepare for your career. However, plenty of six-figure jobs are available to those with a community college degree as well. While not all of these positions earn a high salary as a starting point, many working in the profession can work their way up to six figures through dedication and hard work. Check out these six-figure jobs you can land with a community college degree.

Air Traffic Controller

While many air traffic controllers launch their careers with a four-year degree, community college options also appear for this position. Community College of Beaver County offers a two-year program in air traffic control that prepares students for the job of control tower operator. The school boasts a student-staffed control tower to give students on-the-job training while earning their degrees. According to CB Salary, the average annual salary for an air traffic controller is $109,850.

This video reports on air traffic controller training at Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville.

Personal Trainer

Those with a passion for fitness and health may find their calling as a personal trainer. According to KDVR, personal trainers that are willing to work hard and provide flexibility in scheduling to their clients can easily make a