Step-by-Step Career Guides

Explore step-by-step career guides that outline education requirements, training options, certifications, and clear action steps for starting careers across many fields.

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Career guides help you explore different professions by breaking down the steps needed to enter each field. These resources offer a straightforward way to compare career paths, understand required education, and learn what early roles typically involve so you can choose a direction that fits your goals.

Whether you’re preparing for your first job or planning a career change, these guides make it easier to see what each pathway requires. They provide practical details on training, job duties, and advancement so you can move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Find in Career Guides

Most career pathways begin with some form of education or training, and these guides help you understand what each field expects. Some jobs may require a short certificate, while others involve earning an associate or bachelor’s degree before you can qualify for entry-level work.

You’ll also find information on recommended skills, industry certifications, and any licensing rules you may need to follow depending on your state and profession. This structure helps you understand not just how to start, but what to prepare for as you grow in your career.

Popular Career Areas Covered

Career guides span many industries, giving you access to clear, organized steps for starting a career in fields that interest you. You’ll find resources across areas such as healthcare, protective services, technology, education, business, skilled trades, and community service.
 

Common topics featured on this page include:

  • how to become a teacher

  • how to become a police officer

  • how to become a psychologist

  • how to become a nurse

  • how to become a project manager

  • how to become a social worker

  • how to become a software developer

  • how to become a medical assistant

Each guide breaks the process into manageable steps so you can better understand what your future career may look like.

Why These Guides Are Helpful

A well-organized career guide brings essential information together in one place, saving you time and helping you compare multiple career options more easily. Instead of searching across dozens of sources, you get a clear overview of requirements, job outlook, salary expectations, and advancement opportunities all in one resource.

These guides also help you move forward with greater confidence by explaining what to expect at each stage of a career path. With realistic timelines and actionable steps, you can prepare for education programs, certification exams, internships, or job applications with more clarity.

Explore Popular Careers

If you’re ready to start planning your next move, the articles below can help you understand the steps involved in today’s most popular careers. They offer reliable direction and practical advice for building the skills and qualifications you need to begin working toward your goals.

How to Become a Certified Midwife Without a Nursing Degree

Midwifery is a growing field with many advantages for women who want to plan their deliveries in the hospital or another setting. Learn about what the requirements are for this profession and if a nursing degree is necessary.

How to Become a Certified Nurse Technician: Education & Requirements

Learn what it takes to become a certified nursing technician. Find out the requirements that must be met and the education needed to start your career as a certified nursing technician by reading on.

How to Become a Chaplain: Training & Requirements

Before beginning ministry in settings like hospitals, prisons and military bases, aspiring chaplains complete chaplain training programs and chaplain certification programs after earning a graduate degree in divinity or theology. Keep reading to learn about the qualifications to be a chaplain and see if this career path speaks to you.

How to Become a Cosmetic Dermatologist: Schooling, Job Description & Salary

Explore the career requirements for a cosmetic dermatology role. Get the facts about job duties, education requirements, and median salary to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Demolition Expert

Explore the career requirements for demolition experts. Get the facts about education requirements, employment outlook, job duties, and average salary to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Fighter Pilot in the Air Force: Requirements & Pilot Training

Get all of the information you'll need to explore a career as a fighter pilot. You'll learn about the educational requirements, the requisite training, the key skills and the salary.

How to Become a Food Safety Inspector: Education, Qualifications & Requirements

Food safety inspectors help to ensure that the food you buy is not contaminated and is safe to eat. Read on to learn about the education requirements, required skills and salary and job outlook for food safety inspectors.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist in 5 Steps

Learn how to become a forensic scientist. Read about job duties, education requirements, job outlook, and salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a General Contractor in 5 Steps

Discover how to become a general contractor. Learn about salary, job outlook, contracting school, and how long it takes to become a contractor. Explore your options for general contractor certification and industry training.

How to Become a Hearing Aid Specialist: Training & Salary

A hearing aid specialist improves people's hearing and so can be a rewarding career. Learn about the training requirements and salary, to see if a career as a hearing aid specialist could be the perfect fit for you.

How to Become a MDS Nurse: Training & Certification

Find out how to become an MDS nurse. Read on to discover the training and certification required for this role, and see what you would be expected to do as an MDS nurse.

How to Become a Nail Technician in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for a nail technician. Get the facts on education, licensure, job growth, and salary to determine if this is the right field for you.

How to Become a Military Doctor: Rank, Salary & Benefits

Gain insight into the career of military medicine and the opportunities it presents. Find out the requirements, the education and training needed, how military doctors are paid, and more by continuing below.

How to Become a Nurse Esthetician: Training & Certification

Nurse estheticians use their clinical knowledge and ability to provide care to help patients improve their appearances. Learn about the training and certification requirements to see if this could be a career for you.

How to Become a Pediatric Radiologist in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a pediatric radiologist. Learn about education requirements, licensure and certification, job outlook and salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Postmaster: Salary and Career Facts

Learn about how to become a postmaster. Read about education requirements, job duties, postmaster salary, and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Polysomnographer in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for polysomnographers. Get the facts about duties, education requirements, professional licensure and the employment outlook to determine if this is the right field for you.

How to Become a Professional Pet Groomer in 5 Steps

Pet groomers provide cleaning and aesthetic services for pets, including dogs, cats and others. These services include trimming hair, bathing, styling, cleaning ears and clipping nails. Find out how to become a pet groomer in five steps.

How to Become a Professional Draftsman in 5 Steps

Drafters take the ideas of designers and translate them into reality by creating complex visual representations of designs. Most draftsmen work with computer-aided design (CAD) software, but some still sketch their designs. Being a drafter requires formal training, usually at a technical school or community college.

How to Become a Professional Tailor in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for professional tailors. Get the facts about education requirements, salary, job outlook and skills to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a SWAT Team Member: Training & Requirements

If you're interested in how to become a SWAT team member, you must meet specific SWAT requirements, including experience and specialized training. Learn more about these requirements and training.

How to Become a Radiology Technician in 3 Steps

Discover the three steps you need to take to become a radiology technician.

How to Become a Radiology Assistant in 5 Steps

Discover how to become a radiologist assistant. Learn about radiology assistant programs and certification requirements, along with job outlook and salary information, to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Safety Officer on Oil Rigs: Qualifications, Training & Salary

Safety officers on oil rigs are responsible for the health and safety of the staff who work on oil platforms. Research and learn about the requirements for becoming an oil rig safety officer to see if this career could be for you.

How to Become a Sheriff in 5 Steps

Discover the five steps to becoming a sheriff, from education to experience. Explore the rewarding path of law enforcement and serving your community.

How to Become a Theoretical Physicist: Job Description & Education Requirements

Get the facts about theoretical physicists. Research the median income and projected job growth, as well as the education requirements and the skills you'll need to pursue a career in this field.

How to Become a Title Closer in 2025 | 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a title closer. Learn about the job duties, education and certification requirements and salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Wildlife Photographer

Explore the steps to becoming a wildlife photographer. Look at the typical education, job duties, median wages and projected job growth to be fully informed.

How to Become an Anesthesia Assistant in 5 Steps

Anesthesia assistants help to ensure that patients undergoing surgery or other difficult procedures are adequately sedated for the duration. Find out how to become an anesthesiologist assistant, the education and training required, salary and career information, and more.

How to Become an Animal Physical Therapist: Education Requirements & Qualifications

This article will look at the education requirements and qualifications needed to become an animal physical therapist. Read on to learn more and determine whether this is the right career for you.

How to Become an Anesthesia Technician in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become an anesthesia technician. Learn about the educational requirements, certification, job outlook, and salary information to find out if this is the career for you.

How To Become a Teacher for Free Online: 5 Steps

Here are the steps you need to take to become a teacher for free online, with options ranging from state-offered grants to free online courses and resources.

How to Be an Ambulance Driver: Requirements & Training Program

Need to know what it takes to become an ambulance driver? Here you'll find the education requirements, job duties, average salary and job outlook for ambulance driving as a career.

How to Become a Behavior Interventionist: Training & Certification

If helping children who struggle with their behavior sounds like a rewarding career for you, consider a career path as a behavior interventionist. Learn about how to become one, the education requirements, training, the skills, and the certification for a career as behavior interventionist.

Steps to Becoming a Comic Book Artist: Career Path & Training

Discover the career path to becoming a comic book artist. Learn about the key skills, education and training you'll need as well as the salary you could make.

How Can I Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Explore the career requirements for orthopedic surgeons. Get the facts about job duties, education, licensure requirements and job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.

Behavioral Health Technician | How Do I Become One?

Learn about the route to becoming a behavioral health technician, mental health technician, or psychiatric technician here.

How Can I Become an Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician?

Research what it takes to become an orthotic and prosthetic technician. Learn about education requirements, job duties, training and certification options to find out if this is the career for you.

How Do I Become a Certified Administrative Assistant?

Discover the types of certification available for administrative assistants and how to qualify.

How Do I Become a Pediatric Surgeon?

Research what it takes to become a pediatric surgeon. Learn about education, training, licensure and certification requirements and salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How Do I Become a Pharmacy Sales Rep?

Discover how to get into pharmaceutical sales. Learn about education requirements, job duties, median salary and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How Do I Become a SWAT Officer? 7 Steps

Becoming a SWAT officer involves special training and skills. These law enforcement officers often have college degrees and several years of work experience.

How Do I Become an Armored Truck Driver?

Research what it takes to become an armored truck driver. Learn about the job responsibilities, licensure and certification requirements, along with salary information, to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Forensic Criminologist: Education Requirements & Salary

Forensic criminologists use their knowledge of crimes and the criminal justice system along with an interest in science to address legal and investigative problems. Learn about the education requirements and salary stats to see if this could be the ideal career for you.

How to Become a Teacher's Aide: Training & Requirements

Teacher's aides act as assistants in classrooms, helping teachers calm students, prepare for lessons, and keep the class orderly. Find out how to become a teacher's aide, including the education and training needed, by reading below.

How to Become a Welding Inspector in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a welding inspector. Learn about education requirements, job duties, salary and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Certified Medical Tech in 3 Steps

Learn what steps to take in order to become a certified medical tech.

How to Become a Certified Homeland Security Officer

Explore the steps, requirements, and options to become a certified homeland security officer. Read more to get the facts about pursuing certification to work in this field.

How to Become a Certified Lab Technician in 4 Steps

Learn what a certified lab technician does and the four steps it takes to become one.

How to Become a Casino Manager in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a casino manager. Learn about education requirements, job duties, median wages and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Explore the steps on how to become a certified alcohol and drug counselor, from education to licensure, in this detailed guide. Read now for help on starting your career.

How to Become a Certified Emergency Manager

Read for an overview on the options to become a certified emergency manager. Get the facts on available designations, training and degree requirements.

How to Become a Certified Property Manager

Read for an overview on the steps required to become a certified property manager. Learn about the certification requirements and salary expectations for this field.

How to Become a Certified Personal Assistant: Training & Job Description

Explore how to begin a career as a certified personal assistant. Find out current information on educational and training requirements, along with the potential for job growth.

How to Become a Certified Spanish Teacher in Arizona

Arizona has over a million Spanish speakers living in the state, making Spanish teachers a necessity for student success both within and beyond the classroom. Find out how you can get certified as a Spanish teacher in Arizona!

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide

Certified medication aides (CMAs) are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) with medication training. Learn what a CMA does and the steps to take to become a CMA.

How to Become a Child Welfare Social Worker in 2025

Explore the steps on how to become a child welfare social worker. Read about education requirements, and necessary licensing to start a career in child advocacy.

How to Become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Discover how to become a chief financial officer. Learn about job duties, education requirements, salary, and job outlook to see if this career is suitable for you.

How to Become a Chemist in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for chemists. Get the facts about education, salary and potential job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Chartered Accountant: Qualifications, Requirements & Certification

Take a look at what it takes to become a chartered accountant. Read on to find out details about the qualifications, requirements and certification required to enter this career.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for civil engineers. Get the facts about education and licensure requirements, salary, and potential job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Chief Operating Officer (COO): Education & Skills

Discover how to become a chief operating officer. Learn about the schooling, experience, typical industries, and the professionals you might work with inside of various organizations, to see if this career is suitable for you.

How to Become a Child Psychologist in 5 Steps

Learn about what it means to be a child psychologist and discover the five steps required to become a child psychologist.

How to Become a Computer Forensic Analyst

Learn about the duties of computer forensic analysts, the education and certification requirements you need to meet, and the salary and job growth you can expect in this field.

How to Become a Coroner: Training & Requirements

Explore the journey of how to become a coroner with this thorough guide, outlining the necessary steps and education, offering career insights to get started.

How to Become a Computer Repair Tech in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a computer repair technician. Learn about education requirements, job duties, median wages, and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Clinical Molecular Geneticist: Degree & Education Requirements

Clinical molecular geneticists help to diagnose and treat genetic abnormalities that contribute to diseases. Read on to learn about the educational requirements to see if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Cosmetology Instructor in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a cosmetology instructor. Learn about job duties, training requirements, licensure and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Computer Programmer in 5 Steps

Discover how to become a computer programmer. Learn about their job requirements and responsibilities, as well as how long it takes to become a computer programmer in this informative article

How to Become a Community College Teacher

Explore the requirements to become a community college teacher. Learn about entry requirements, salary and career progression to determine whether this is the right profession for you.

How to Become a Copier Technician in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for copier technicians. Get the facts about salary, training requirements and career outlook to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Clinical Lab Scientist in 5 Steps

Discover what it takes to become a clinical lab scientist and get a 5-step guide to becoming one. Learn about medical laboratory scientist education, how to obtain a cls license, cls certification options, and what a clinical lab scientist job is like.

How to Become a College Professor: 5 Steps

Learn how to become a college professor in five steps, including the educational, experiential, and certification requirements you'll need to meet on your journey.

How to Become a Data Analyst in 5 Steps

A data analyst collects and analyzes data in order to communicate information on a specific subject. Read on to learn more about how to become a database analyst, including education and certification requirements and recommendations.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist in 2025

As the internet becomes more integrated in people's lives, cybersecurity becomes all the more important. Learn how to break into this hot career.

How to Become a Criminal Investigator: Requirements & Training

Explore the career requirements for criminal investigators. Read on to learn about the basic entry requirements, along with salary and job outlook information, to determine if this is a suitable career for you.

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for dental laboratory technicians. Get the facts about education and certification options, potential job growth and duties to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Court Transcriptionist in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a court transcriptionist. Learn about job duties, education and certification requirements to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Cytotechnologist in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for cytotechnologists. Read the facts about job duties, education requirements, licensing and employment outlook to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Court Interpreter in 5 Steps

Becoming a court interpreter is an exciting job with a lot of variety. To learn how to prepare for this career, read this article that outlines the steps to take to become a court reporter.

How to Become a Driving Instructor in 5 Steps

Driving instructors train people to safely operate motor vehicles. Discover the prerequisites and education and licensure requirements for driving instructors.

How to Become a Dental Technician in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a dental technician. Learn about job duties, education requirements, and training to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a fish and game warden. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average salary and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Film Director in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a film director. Learn about the education requirements, job outlook and salary information to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a First Responder in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for first responders. Get the facts about education and licensure requirements, salary, and potential job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Federal Magistrate Judge

Find out what federal magistrate judges do and how you could become one. Learn about the education needed, the training required, the selection process, and more.

How to Become a Dessert and Pastry Chef in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a dessert and pastry chef. Learn about education and training options, job duties, certification and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Firefighter EMT: Training & Requirements

Find out about firefighter EMTs and if you have what it takes to become one. See what training is required, the kind of education needed, how they are paid, and more.

How to Become a Farm Manager in 5 Steps

Research what to takes to become a farm manager. Learn about job duties, education and experience requirements, certification and salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Flight Attendant in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for flight attendants. Get the facts about training and certification requirements, job duties and salary to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Forensic Pathologist Assistant: Education Requirements & Programs

Forensic pathology assistants help forensic pathologists determine a person's cause of death. Find out more about the education requirements and job description to see if this career is right for you.

How to Become a Ford Mechanic in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a Ford mechanic. Learn about education requirements, key responsibilities, job outlook and average salary to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Framing Carpenter in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a framing carpenter. Learn about the education, training and work experience you'll need, along with job outlook and salary information, to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Food Scientist in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a food scientist. Learn about job duties, degree requirements, salary and employment outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Forensic Investigator: Degree & Requirements

Learn more about the career of a forensic investigator, the educational requirements and how you can get a foot in the door to help law enforcement officials solve crimes.

How to Become a Forensic Pathologist: Degree & Education

Find out about the educational and certification requirements to become a forensics pathologist, as well as how to gain work experience and the salary and job outlook you can expect.

How to Become a Fitness Instructor in 5 Steps

Explore the career requirements for fitness instructors. Get the facts about education and certification requirements, salary, and potential job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Forensic Morgue Technician: Education & Responsibilities

Explore the educational requirements, duties and responsibilities of forensic morgue technicians to determine if this is a good career choice for you.

How to Become a Geriatric Nursing Assistant in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a geriatric nursing assistant. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

How to Become a Health Education Specialist in 5 Steps

Get the step-by-step process to becoming a health education specialist, including education and certification requirements.

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High School Science Teacher Qualifications in Texas

High school sciences classes in Texas can cover a variety of topics, from physics to chemistry to astronomy. Keep reading the article below to find out what qualifications you need to teach these classes in the state.

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Becoming a Teacher in Your 50s: Is it Too Late?

Many people ask themselves 'Is 50 too late to become a teacher?' Explore the possibilities of becoming a teacher in your 50s and discover if it's too late.

Becoming an Engineer at 30: Ultimate Road Map for a Career Change

Discover the complete step by step process to become an engineer at 30, offering an in depth guide to change careers and thrive in the engineering world.

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How Many Years of College Does it Take to Become a Lawyer?

How long does it take to become a lawyer? Before entering this profession, students must complete undergraduate and graduate programs and pass the bar exam. Read on for specifics on how to become a lawyer.

How To Work in Logistics Without a Degree

With certifications, internships, and opportunities to gain experience, you can work in the logistics industry without needing to earn a college degree.

7 Ways To Teach Elementary School Without an Education Degree

You don't need an education degree to teach in elementary schools. Alternative certification programs and teaching experiences can help start your career.

How To Get Into Cybersecurity With a Business Degree

You can enjoy a successful cybersecurity career with a business degree. Great jobs are available in cybersecurity consulting and risk and GRC analysis.

How To Get Into Cybersecurity With a Finance Degree

While switching from a career in finance to a career in cybersecurity isn't easy, it's certainly possible. This career change usually requires completing another degree program.

How To Get Into Computer Science Without a Degree

You don't need a degree to enter the computer science field. Taking advantage of online resources, bootcamps, and freelance work can give you a great start.

How To Get Into Cybersecurity With an IT Degree

With an IT degree, you can pivot to the cybersecurity field due to the overlapping job opportunities. There are many ways to get into cybersecurity with an IT degree.

How To Get Into Psychology Without a Degree

There are many ways to enter the field of psychology without a degree. Pursuing psychology certifications and gaining relevant experience are a few to consider.

How To Get Into Healthcare Without a Degree

Working in healthcare without a degree is possible. Medical assistants, phlebotomists, and licensed practical nurses have non-degree educational requirements.

How To Get Into IT Without a Degree

You can get a job in IT without a degree. Consider pursuing entry-level tech jobs, internships, and certifications to build your skills and grow your resume.

How To Get Into Cybersecurity With a Teaching Degree

Getting into cybersecurity with a teaching degree is possible by using teaching skills and achieving a cybersecurity degree, earning cybersecurity certificates, or completing a bootcamp.

How To Get Into Sports Management Without a Degree

You can work in sports management even if you don't have a degree. Consider pursuing certifications and gaining experience to improve your hireability.

How To Get Into Supply Chain Management Without a Degree

You don't need a degree to become a supply chain manager if you have experience in the field working supply chain jobs and have obtained certification.

How You Can Become a Teacher Without a Degree in Education

From taking advantage of a private school's independence to attending teacher certification programs, here's how to become a teacher without a teaching degree today.

How to Work in AI Without a Degree

You can work in AI without a degree. Learning programming languages, taking online courses, and earning certifications are all great ways to start your career.

How To Work in the Government Without a Degree

While it can be harder to get a government job if you don't have a degree, there are several government jobs that don't require you to have a college degree.

How To Work in Mental Health Without a Degree

It's possible to work in mental health without a degree. You can do this by gaining relevant experience and pursuing professional mental health certifications.

What Can You Do With a Business Degree? Jobs & Salaries

Explore 15 in-demand business degree jobs with salary data, job outlook, and career tips. Learn how a business degree can open doors across industries.

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