Careers A to Z

Deciding what type of job or career is best for you sometimes takes research. In the chart below, you will find a host of options as well as related links to Southwestern Michigan College’s certificate and associate degree programs. The chart also includes a brief description of the types of jobs available under a category and what level of education is required to work in that field.

* Salary ranges are based on national averages taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Indicates 4-year degrees that can be obtained on the SMC campus.

Area of Study SMC Program
[Click Description for Curriculum Guide]
Prepares you for: Years of Study Average Yearly Earnings
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Agriculture Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in agribusiness, extension services, resource management, conservation, farm management/production, landscape construction. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in plant and soil sciences, wildlife and fisheries management, forestry, animal science, education, economics or business. Transfer  
Environmental Science Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in education, ecotourism, ecology, conservation, natural resource management and protection, and state and national parks. Transfer to a university to continue studies in environmental education and communication, solid/ hazardous waste management, air/water quality management, land/water conservation, fishery/wildlife management, parks and outdoor recreation, forestry, or environmental law. Transfer
Architecture and Construction
Plumbing Technology Apprenticeship The plumbing program is a 3-year program, requiring one 5-credit hour class per semester. At the completion of the curriculum, the student will receive a Contracting with Business & Industry Certificate. If the student has been employed as a plumbing apprentice for 6,000 clock hours during the course of the three years, s/he is eligible to take the State plumbing exam. Career opportunities include working as a pipelayer, plumber, pipefitter, steamfitter and other plumbing related jobs.   $23,000-$45,000
Arts, AV Technology and Communications
Art Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in construction, contracting, or interior design. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in architecture, construction, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, business, or civil engineering. Transfer  
Architecture Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in construction, contracting, or interior design. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in architecture, construction, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, business, or civil engineering. Transfer  
Communications Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in advertising, book, newspaper or magazine publishing, television, radio, electronic media, and public relations. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in communications, advertising, publishing, broadcasting, public relations, or technical writing. Transfer  
Dance Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in dance companies, theatrical productions, musicals, and on television and in film. Transfer to a university to continue studies in performance, choreography, education or dance therapy. Transfer  
English and Literature Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in journalism, libraries, advertising, media and education. Transfer to a university to continue studies in writing, editing, education, publishing, advertising, public relations, law or business. Transfer  
Graphic Design Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree Entry-level employment in advertising, publishing, or design firms creating artwork to illustrate or promote products, services, and ideas. 2 years $23,220-$29,360
Journalism Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment or advancement in newspaper/magazine/newsletter publishing, writing, or business. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in publishing, journalism, writing, business or education. Transfer  
Liberal Arts Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Exposure to a broad range of subjects is provided. One might expect entry-level employment in a field where such knowledge is valued, like education, business, government, and journalism. Or, transfer to a university to continue studies in the program of your choice. 2 years  
Music Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in recreation centers, clubs/restaurants, choral groups, musical theatres, nursing homes, daycares, and retail. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in education, musical performance, musical arrangement/composing, conducting, music therapy, communications, or business. Transfer  
Theatre Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in theatrical productions, amusement/theme parks, stage management, and set/costume/lighting operation. Transfer to a university to continue studies in performing, directing, technical management, writing, business, or education. Transfer  
Business Management and Administration
Office Administration Certificate Career as an Office Administration Assistant composing routine correspondence, scheduling appointments, reading and routing incoming mail, filing correspondence, and using word processing. 1.5 years $22,770-$28,950
Advertising, Business Administration, Marketing Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in advertising, sales, purchasing, public relations, design, art, direct marketing, management, finance, sales, human resources, banking, customer service, and retail. Transfer to university to continue studies in business, art, communications, marketing, statistics, finance, communications, retail, or media. Transfer  
Business Administration** Bachelor of Science Degree with Ferris State University at SMC A career in commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, insurance, investment banking, money management, real estate, advertising, public relations, retailing, and product management. 4 years  
Organizational Management** Bachelor of Science Degree with Bethel College at SMC A career in management with a focus on communication, group behavior, decisionmaking, human resource management, and ethics. 4 years  
Education and Training
Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Entry-level employment or advancement in schools, preschools, daycares, community centers, summer camps, social service agencies, and youth service agencies. Or transfer to a university to study early childhood education, family studies, elementary education, or psychology. 2 years  
  Bachelor of Science Degree with Ferris State University at SMC** Employment as an early childhood educator in schools, preschools, daycares, community centers, social service agencies, and youth service agencies. 4 years  
Education Paraprofessional Associate in Applied Science Degree Entry-level employment or advancement in preschools and daycare centers, elementary centers, junior and senior high schools, vocational education centers, and adult education programs as an Educational Paraprofessional. 2 years $15,410-$24,320
Elementary Education Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in elementary education. Transfer  
English Proficiency Specialty Certificate Designed for English as a second language students who want to gain a greater awareness of their abilities before deciding on a specific program of study. 1 year  
History Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in libraries, law firms, government agencies, museums, journalism, state/national parks, and business. Transfer to a university to continue studies in government, political science, law, public administration, journalism, education, or business. Transfer  
Secondary Education Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in English, history, foreign language, mathematics, biology, environmental studies, political science, business, theater, art, music, or information systems. A bachelor’s degree in one of these areas and teacher certification will qualify you to teach at the secondary level. Transfer  
Physical Education Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in health clubs, fitness centers, long term care facilities, summer camps, and youth organizations. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in athletic training, community health, health education training, exercise science, physical education or recreation. Transfer  
Special Education Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in special education. Transfer  
Finance
Accounting Associate in Applied Science Degree Entry-level employment in bookkeeping and accounting careers; launching a career in private, public and government accounting. Transfer to a university to continue studies in other areas of business. 2 years $18,580-$28,570
  Bachelor of Science Degree with Ferris State University at SMC** A career as a professional Accountant in business or government, or in business fields such as management consulting, and financial management. 4 years $32,320-$50,770
Government and Public Administration
Political Science Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in local government, nonprofit organizations, journalism, public relations, and political parties. Transfer to a university to continue studies in government, law, political science, business, journalism, broadcasting, or education. Transfer  
Health Sciences
Chiropractic Medicine (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-chiropractic medicine. Transfer  
Dentistry (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-dentistry. Transfer  
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician Specialty Certificate Improving options for employment as an Electrocardiogram Technician in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. 1 semester $25,118-$27,958
Emergency Medical Technician Specialty Certificate (Basic & Specialist offered) Employment as an Emergency Medical Technician in hospital emergency rooms or emergency ambulance services. Employment opportunities are increased when you earn the EMT-Specialist ranking. 1 year $21,938-$24,928
Health Records Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Health Records Technologist, working in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Maintain and safeguard the information contained in the health record. 2 years $28,491-$31,773
Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Medical Assistant performing routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly. Typical office duties include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, handling insurance/billing, bookkeeping, as well as clinical duties such as taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for treatments, performing basic lab tests, and administering medications. 2 years $25,000-$31,577
Medical Assisting - Clinical Certificate Career as a clinical Medical Assistant performing duties such as taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for treatments, collecting/preparing laboratory specimens, and performing basic lab tests, and administering medications. 1 year $20,650-$24,610
Medical Assisting - Office Certificate Career as a Medical Assistant working in the office/administrative side of a medical office or clinic, performing routine tasks such as answering telephones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling insurance/billing, performing basic bookkeeping, handling correspondence, and arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services. 1 year $20,650-$24,610
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Specialty Certificate Career in medical billing and coding according to federal and state guidelines in hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and health maintenance organizations. 1 year $22,380-$32,990
Medical First Responder Specialty Certificate Licensure by Michigan Department of Public Health as Medical First Responder. Provides students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide care prior to the arrival of the ambulance. 1 semester $21,938-$24,928
Medical Technology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in laboratories, clinics, research facilities, or hospitals. Transfer to a university to continue studies in medical technology, bacteriology, chemistry, premedicine, histology, microbiology, public health, or other health-related fields. Transfer  
Medical Transcription Certificate Career as a Medical Transcriptionist in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and transcription services; transcribing what the physician has dictated regarding a patient’s status and creating a written document using word processing. 1.5 years $23,920-$33,945
Medicine (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level in laboratories, clinics, research facilities, or hospitals. Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-medicine, biomedical sciences, medical technology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, biology, public health, or psychology. Transfer  
Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, physician’s offices, home health agencies, mental health agencies, schools, industrial sites, or educational institutions.; 2.5 years $43,370-$52,330
Nursing (LPN to RN) Associate in Applied Science Degree For Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become Registered Nurses. Prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse providing total patient care under the jurisdiction of a physician or dentist in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physician’s offices, and home health care. 2.5 years $43,370-$52,330
Nursing Assistant (CENA) Specialty Certificate Career as a Competency Evaluated Nurse Assistant (CENA) providing basic health care to long-term care patients under the direction of a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse. 1 semester $17,867-$20,987
Paramedic Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Licensed Paramedic in private ambulance services or fire and police departments; caring for and transporting sick and injured patients to medical facilities. 3 years $29,451-$32,876
Paramedic to RN Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Registered Nurse in physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, schools, industrial settings, home health agencies, mobile intensive care units, and traveling nurse programs. 2 years $43,370-$52,330
Pharmacy (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-pharmacy. Transfer  
Phlebotomy Specialty Certificate Career as a Phlebotomist in clinics, physician’s offices and hospitals, drawing blood samples from patients so laboratory work can be performed to aid the physician with treatment. 1 semester $24,502-$26,423
Physical Therapy Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in physical therapy. Transfer  
Veterinary Medicine (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-veterinary medicine. Transfer  
Human Services
Psychology Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in mental health services, nonprofit organizations, senior citizens’ centers and health care organizations. Transfer to a university to continue studies in psychology, education, retail/merchandising, advertising, communications or pre-medicine. Transfer  
Social Work Associate in Applied Science Entry-level employment in social services agencies administering financial, emergency housing, utility assistance, and other needs-based programs to clients. 2 years $27,840-$45,140
  Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in social services agencies, victim assistance programs, prisons, courts, daycares, early intervention programs, adoption and foster care agencies, hospitals, and senior centers. Transfer to a university to continue studies in social work, psychology, criminal justice, family studies, or education. Transfer  
Information Technology
Information Systems Certificate Entry-level employment in programming, systems development, business applications, and project management. Transfer to a university to continue studies in computer programming, systems development, network technology, internet, consulting, education, or support. Transfer  
Information Systems Associate in Applied Science Degree Entry-level employment in programming, systems development, business applications, and project management. Transfer to a university to continue studies in computer programming, systems development, network technology, internet, consulting, education, or support. 2 years $36,260-$81,002
  Bachelor of Science with Ferris State University at SMC** Career in computer programming, project management, systems development, network administration, software design, systems analysis, hardware production, web page design, computer training, instructional technology, customer/product support, and sales and marketing. 4 years $71,650-$118,330
Law, Public Safety and Security
Criminal Justice Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in corrections, juvenile justice, probations/parole, legal research, security, and loss and prevention. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in criminal justice, social services, pre-law, law enforcement, business, and education. Transfer  
Fire Science Certificate Jump-start for certified Firefighters - designed to recognize the technical certifications and general education requirements of today’s firefighters. 1.5 years $28,392-$50,211
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Advancement in or career in Firefighting. 2 years $50,211-$60,756
Law (Pre) Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in a law firm, legal aid service, nonprofit organization, court, or city and county law office. Transfer to a university to continue studies in law, politics, education, government, finance, journalism, or library science. Transfer  
Manufacturing
Automotive Technology Certificate Entry-level employment as an Automotive Service Technician in various settings such as automobile dealerships, independent service facilities, franchised repair facilities and specialty shops. Continuation into the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology. 1 year $18,096-$23,524
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Employment or advancement as an Automotive Service Technician. 2 years $32,448-$43,160
Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology Certificate Employment in entry-level CAD positions. 1 year $34,171-$39,154
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Employment or advancement in entry-level CAD positions in manufacturing, mechanical design, medical research, architecture, and product design. 2 years $39,154-$45,245
Die Casting Technology Certificate Entry-level employment or advancement in the die casting industry; completion of this certificate prepares you for the second year of either the Die Casting Technology AAS degree or the Manufacturing Systems AAS degree. 1 year $28,225-$34,736
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Employment as a Maintenance Technician, Die Casting Machine Operator, Machine Set-up Technician, Trim Press Operator, Quality Technician, Process Engineer, or Automation Technician. 2 years $34,736-$53,934
Electrical Systems Technology Certificate Entry-level employment as an Electrical Technician in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and retail. 1 year $23,019-$28,623
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Career in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic equipment. 2 years $32,159-$45,340
Manufacturing Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Manufacturing Systems Technician with the ability to set up and operate conventional tool machines, and program, test, troubleshoot, and repair electromechanical components within an automated manufacturing system. 2 years $24,076-$31,171
Precision Production Technology Certificate Entry-level employment as a Production Machinist in the manufacturing industry using CNC machines to cut and shape precision products 1 year $30,717-$34,462
  Associate in Applied Science Degree Career as a Machinist or CNC Programmer in the manufacturing industry using machines such as mills and lathes to produce precision metal parts for a wide variety of services including aircraft, auto, and medical. 2 years $37,324-$42,113
Welding Technology Certificate Career in welding inspection, production/maintenance welding, or welding machine setting and set-up operating. 1 year $25,686-$34,883
Marketing, Sales and Services
Advertising, Business Administration, Marketing Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in advertising, sales, purchasing, public relations, design, art, direct marketing, management, finance, sales, human resources, banking, customer service, and retail. Transfer to university to continue studies in business, art, communications, marketing, statistics, finance, communications, retail, or media. Transfer  
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Biology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment or advancement in positions within laboratories, conservation, wildlife management, zoos, and medical groups. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in biology, microbiology, genetics, botany, marine biology, education, medical illustration or pre-medicine. Transfer  
Chemistry Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in laboratories, environmental protection/management organizations, inspection agencies, industrial quality control, water processing plants, natural resources organizations, and research and development. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in chemistry, engineering, education, technical writing or business. Transfer  
Dentistry (Pre) Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in pre-dentistry. Transfer  
Engineering Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Transfer to a university to continue studies in aerospace, biosystems, biomedical, chemical, civil engineering, electrical/computer engineering, industrial, materials science, mechanical, or nuclear engineering. Transfer  
Mathematics Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in data collection and processing, information analysis, banking, education or research. Or transfer to a university to continue studies in mathematics, industry, market research, banking or education. Transfer  
Physics Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Entry-level employment in laboratories, research centers, quality control, and research and development. Transfer to a university to continue studies in astronomy, acoustical physics, astrophysics, biophysics, fluid/plasma physics, geophysics, health/medical physics, nuclear physics, optical physics, or education. Transfer  
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