Many potential and current college students feel the pressure of completing their bachelor’s degree. For some, they are soon-to-be first generation college students, for others, it is a rite of passage. For other still, college holds the key to a successful career.

But the myth that a four year college degree is a necessary element to a successful career is not always true. Some of the fastest-growing and top paying jobs only require a two-year or associate’s degree, which means more money in your pocket before and after graduation. Check out these top 10 fastest growing jobs that don’t require a four year degree.

1. Veterinary Technician If you’re an animal lover, then this may be the job for you! Individuals in this career perform medical tests, prepare vaccines and serums for preventative medicine, take blood samples and conduct laboratory tests. Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
2. Professional Makeup Artist Put your makeover magic to use! This niche profession is used in virtually every industry. Artists ‘paint’ faces to reflect appropriate age, period and style for each event, commercial, performance or gala. Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
3. Esthetician Also referred to as skin care specialists, these professionals enable others to let their inner beauty show! Estheticians enhance natural appearances through cleansing and skillfully applying skin care treatments to the face and body through a variety of techniques. Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
4. Physical Therapist Assistant If you’re a problem-solver, this is the career for you! These assistants help physical therapists in the development and implementation of physical therapy treatments, as well as monitor, document and modify, if necessary, throughout progress of treatment. Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
5. Dental Hygienist Say ‘Ahh!’. These professionals examine, clean and floss your pearly or no-so-pearly whites, evaluate for oral diseases, take and develop X-rays and educate on oral hygiene. Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
6. Environmental Science Technician Smell the roses! Typically under the guidance of environmental specialists, these individuals sample gases, soil, water and other materials to monitor the environment for pollution. Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
7. Manicurist & Pedicurist Nail technicians are every chronic nail-biter’s best friend! These professionals clean, shape, polish and decorate customers’ fingers and toenails with speed and accuracy. Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
8. Personal Trainer & Aerobics Instructor These usually more-than-buff individuals are responsible to instruct, coach and motivate both groups and individuals in the fundamentals of sports and fitness. With our ever-increasing desire to become fit, employment rates are expected to increase 27% by 2016. Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
9. Preschool Teaching With seemingly everlasting patience, preschool teachers instruct young 3-5 year old children in engaging, fun activities that inspire intellectual growth, develop social skills and promote physical activity in a safe environment. Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
10. Cardiovascular Technologist & Technician Is the ‘ole ticker working? These trained individuals test both pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, lung capacity tests and measuring pulmonary functions. Basically, they make sure your lub-dub is performing at its best. Degree/Training Required: Associate Degree

Like this post? Know of other careers on the rise? Let us know and leave a comment!