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Going to college represents a piece of the American dream. Students can expand their minds, learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy intellectual, social, and cultural experiences they might otherwise not have a chance to experience. But it also represents an opportunity for students to improve themselves by preparing for employment after college.

Advantages of attending a community college

The advantages of attending a community college are numerous.

• You can graduate sooner, usually in just two years.
• The skills you acquire are often immediately applicable to the workplace, making you an attractive candidate for fast employment. Community college is much less expensive than four-year institutions, meaning that more of the money you begin to earn goes into your pocket and not towards paying off student loans.
• Many of the most in-demand jobs are those that require only an associate’s degree. An added bonus is that a number of these jobs offer excellent income potential, with starting salaries for many of these in-demand occupations in the $40,000-$50,000 range. Some jobs even offer the potential to earn a six-figure salary with just a community college degree!

The trick is to find something that you are both passionate about and that will allow you to earn a comfortable living. Unfortunately, not everyone’s passion will be in a career area that is growing quickly, or that pays well. However, if you have an interest in a job in the medical field, you are certainly in luck because

Students entering the California Community College system will now have another tool to help them choose a degree program and motivate them to complete that program. Through a new online tool, California students will be able to see how much they can earn with the various degrees offered through their school. The tool was recently unveiled by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

Introducing Salary Surfer

The new website, dubbed Salary Surfer, allows students to track a person’s potential salary in California for five years after earning a two-year degree. The site uses data from graduates across the state, to compile significant information that can help students choose the best degree program for them. The Huffington Post reports that Salary Surfer shows the median annual incomes for 179 of the most popular community college programs in the state.

The website does not include data on students that transfer to four-year institutions. It does not have information on federal employees or self-employed graduates. Graduates that move out of state are also not included in the salary averages listed at Salary Surfer.

EdSource reports that Salary Surfer is the first online database of its kind in the state. The website tracks average annual salaries for the various programs two years after graduation, and again five years after graduation. Students can see how much they might expect to make in their discipline and compare that to what they were making prior to graduation.

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 two-year degree

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 patient records