Five Good Careers that Require Just a Two-Year Degree

Dental Hygienists

• What they do: Remove deposits from patients' teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, examine patients' teeth and gums, and record the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They usually work in dental offices and clinics.

• Projected employment increase through 2018: 36%

• Important qualities to possess: Manual dexterity and an ability to work well with other professionals and patients.

• Average Salary: $68,260

Radiology Technicians

• What they do: Perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and mammograms in hospitals, imaging centers and other institutions.

• Projected employment increase through 2018: 17%. Those knowledgeable about more than one imaging procedure have the best opportunities.

• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina and careful attention to detail.

• Average Salary: $54,340

Funeral Director

• What they do: Also called morticians and undertakers, they arrange the details and handle the arrangements for funerals. Together with the family, they establish the location, dates and times of wakes, memorial services and burials.

• Projected employment increase through 2018: 12%

• Important qualities to possess: Organizational ability, composure, tact, good verbal skills and compassion.

• Average Salary: $54,330

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

• What they do: They often travel to factories or other locations to repair equipment, usually in assigned areas where they perform preventive maintenance. When equipment breaks down, they go to a customer's site to repair it.

• Projected employment increase through 2018: 5%

• Important qualities to possess: Good eyesight and color perception to work with intricate components, excellent mechanical skills and good communication skills.

• Average Salary: $65,230

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

• What they do: Administer radio-pharmaceuticals in hospitals to patients and monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs targeted by drugs.

• Projected employment increase through 2018: 16%

• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina, ability to operate complicated mechanical equipment that requires manual dexterity; compassion for patients.

• Average Salary: $68,560

Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 2011