Non-Traditional Students

Overview

Male Surgical Tech

A nontraditional student is one who is studying in a program which leads to an occupation in which women or men comprise 25% or less of total employment.

Why choose a nontraditional career?

  • Your job choice should be based on your abilities and interests, not on stereotypical expectations for your gender.
  • You will likely spend more than 30 years working, so you'll want to enjoy your job.
  • Your pay can be 20 percent –30 percent higher than in traditional occupations.
  • Your training and education will lay a solid foundation for your future, and you will learn new ways of thinking and dealing with people.

Some Facts About Non–traditional Careers for Women:

  • According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, in 2017 the median weekly earnings of women who worked full–time were only 82% of men's full–time weekly earnings (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "Highlights of Women's Earnings in 2017," BLS Reports)
  • Fewer women choose occupational groups such as construction trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
  • Many non–traditional occupations offer a woman higher entry–level wages and higher pay as she advances in her career.
  • Statistics show that women employed in these types of non–traditional jobs earn higher wages than women employed in traditionally female occupations.

Some Facts About Non–traditional Careers for Men:

  • Historically, women have dominated careers that require a significant amount of empathy (for example, nursing and teaching). However, men are also capable of enjoying and succeeding in these "care giving" fields. Non–traditional careers for men can come with a wide range of benefits, such as working in a more diverse workplace and finding satisfaction in a more people–centered career.
  • According to the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics, men currently make up 10% of Registered Nurses. The average median salary for a Registered Nurse is $70,000 a year, and the employment outlook for Nursing is outstanding. It is projected that there will be a 15% growth for Nurses between 2012–2026 (much faster than average).

Nontraditional Programs for Females

Associate in Science Degree Programs

  • Biomedical Equipment Technician
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Construction Management Technology
  • Criminal Justice Technology
  • Engineering Technology – Advanced Manufacturing
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • I.T. Security – includes specializing in Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Risk Management
  • Leadership for Industry
  • Networking Systems Technology – includes specializations in Network Server Admin/Network Infrastructure
  • Programming and Analysis
  • Zoo Animal Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree Programs

  • Automotive Service Management Technology

Certificate Programs

  • Allied Healthcare Specialist
  • Apprenticeship – Building Maintenance and Management
  • Apprenticeship – Carpentry
  • Apprenticeship – Electrical Construction
  • Apprenticeship – Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Apprenticeship – Plumbing
  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Building Maintenance and Management
  • Certified Production Technician
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Programming Specialist
  • Correctional Officer
  • Crossover From Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer
  • Crossover from Law Enforcement Officer to Correctional Officer
  • Diesel Systems Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology
  • Help Desk Support Technician
  • Information Technology Support Specialist
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Network Security
  • Network Server Administration
  • Welding Technology
  • Welding Technology Advanced

Nontraditional Programs for Males

Associate in Science Degree Programs

  • Accounting
  • Dental Hygiene – includes Dental Hygiene Bridge
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Health Information Technology
  • Nursing RN – includes Nursing Bridge LPN
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Surgical Services

Certificate Programs

  • Data Management Analytics Specialist
  • Dental Assisting
  • Medical Coding and Revenue Specialist
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Phlebotomy
  • Practical Nursing