Military Spouse Education: Career Opportunities and Certifications
As military spouses, we often face changes in our lives that require us to adapt quickly. From moving to new places due to deployments, adjusting to new regulations on base, or dealing with the challenges of military life, there is always something new to manage. Personally, I’ve seen many military spouses, like myself, look for flexible jobs that allow them to manage both their careers and their family’s needs. In fact, some of the most common careers for military spouses include nurses, teachers, and dental hygienists. These jobs are often great because they can be found in many locations, which makes it easier to continue working while moving around frequently.
When your spouse get orders to move, it’s important to think about what kind of jobs you can do at your new location. One great resource for military spouses is the MYCAA (My Career Advancement Account) program. This program provides funding for education and certification, making it easier for spouses to build their careers, even if they are constantly relocating.
Certifications for Military Spouses
1. Healthcare Certifications:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNA is a great certification for military spouses. With this certification, you can work at base hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $30,000–$35,000
Average Hourly Rate: $15–$18 - Phlebotomy Technician
This certification allows you to work in phlebotomy, taking blood samples for tests. It’s a quick certification to earn, and it’s a very useful skill that can be applied in base hospitals.
Duration: 3–6 months
Average Salary: $32,000–$38,000
Average Hourly Rate: $15–$20 - Medical Billing and Coding
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a job that you can do remotely. As a military spouse, this gives you the flexibility to work from home while still helping with medical billing or insurance at a base.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $40,000–$50,000
Average Hourly Rate: $18–$25 - EKG Technician Certification
If you’re interested in working with heart health, this certification allows you to perform EKG tests at base hospitals. It’s a fast and useful certification to have.
Duration: 3–6 months
Average Salary: $35,000–$45,000
Average Hourly Rate: $17–$22
2. Administrative and Office Management Certifications:
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
If you like administrative work, the CAP certification might be a good fit for you. Many military spouses work in administrative roles at military bases, helping with office tasks and support.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $40,000–$50,000
Average Hourly Rate: $18–$24 - Project Management Professional (PMP)
This certification helps you manage projects, and many military spouses find work in this field, both on base and in civilian jobs. It’s a high-paying career that can offer long-term growth.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000
Average Hourly Rate: $40–$60 - Human Resources Certification (HR)
This certification helps with jobs in HR, managing people and teams. You can use this certification to work at military bases or in civilian jobs.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $50,000–$70,000
Average Hourly Rate: $24–$34
3. Education and Training Certifications:
- TESOL/TEFL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
If you like teaching, especially English, this certification is useful. It’s great for teaching English to military families and others who need language support.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $40,000–$60,000
Average Hourly Rate: $20–$30 - Child Development Associate (CDA)
This certification is perfect if you want to work with children, especially military kids. Many military families look for daycare and child care providers.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Average Salary: $25,000–$35,000
Average Hourly Rate: $12–$18 - Personal Trainer Certification
If you’re passionate about fitness, becoming a personal trainer could be a great career. Military bases often have gyms, and you can work there helping soldiers and their families stay fit.
Duration: 3–6 months
Average Salary: $40,000–$60,000
Average Hourly Rate: $20–$30
Things to Consider When Choosing a Certification
- Work Environment: Think about what kind of work you enjoy, whether it’s healthcare, administration, or education.
- Portability: Certifications like Medical Billing and Coding or PMP(Project management Professional) that allow you to work remotely are especially helpful for military spouses who move frequently.
- Career Growth: Choose certifications that will help you grow your career in the long term. CNA and PMP, for example, offer great opportunities for advancement.
Conclusion
For military spouses, finding the right career is all about flexibility. Certifications like Medical Billing and Coding, PMP(Project Management Professional), TESOL, and EKG Technician are great options because they offer opportunities both on base and outside, with the flexibility to work remotely or in many locations. I encourage you to choose a certification that fits your interests and goals, and remember that these certifications can help you build a sustainable career no matter where military life takes you.
Recommended Books for Military Spouses
If you’re looking to build a successful career while navigating military life, here are a few books that can provide valuable advice and insight:
1.[Modern Military Spouse: The Ultimate Military Life Guide for New Spouses and Significant Others]
This book is an excellent resource for anyone navigating military life. It provides practical tips and advice for military spouses, making it easier to adjust to the unique challenges that come with this lifestyle. Whether you’re newly married to a service member or have been in the military community for a while, this book offers valuable insights.
2. [Life Hacks for Military Spouses: Advice, Wit, and Humor from Those Who Served Behind the Scenes]
Packed with humor and helpful tips, this book is perfect for military spouses looking for a lighthearted approach to navigating military life.
3. [You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse]
“If the military wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued you one.” -Uncle Sam
When you marry a military member, your life is suddenly no longer your own. You not only marry the one you love, but also a whole new way of life—one filled with separations, moves, deployments, and other challenges.
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I hope this information helps those of you looking to take on new challenges as military spouses. I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts—please share in the comments below!
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