Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for database performance and security, using SQL to manage permissions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure data is backed up and recoverable.
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that provides over 200 products and services and operates through a global network of data centers. Organizations use Azure to replace or supplement physical hardware, serving as a kind of utility where users pay for the resources they consume using digital versions of physical computers. A single server can run multiple virtual machines simultaneously. MS Azure also uses software-defined networking to build private networks in the cloud, supporting operating systems including Windows and Linux. There are many job opportunities for Azure professionals. They include but are not limited to:
Medical billing and coding jobs are ideal options for military spouses looking for portable careers, and this occupational specialty is also a good one to consider for those transitioning out of the military and back into civilian life. A certification in medical billing and coding can lead to a career in what the University of Illinois Springfield calls a "high-demand occupation." Training for billing and coding certifications includes learning to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and other medical billing and coding software. Upon course completion, depending on the school, you may be required to take a certification exam. According to the University of Illinois, "Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data, including medical records and related insurance." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers earn approximately $50k per year (as of 2024) and approximately $25 per hour. As you might have guessed, medical coding is the process of translating healthcare documentation, such as physician notes and laboratory results, into standardized alphanumeric codes. Billing and Coding professionals use systems such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) to describe diagnoses and procedures. Medical billing follows the coding process, using the codes mentioned above to generate insurance claims and patient invoices. Billers act as a liaison between the medical office, the insurance company, and the patient to manage the reimbursement cycle for medical care.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform that provides on-demand computing power, database storage, content delivery, and other services. AWS is a kind of "foundational plumbing" for the digital economy, moving beyond simple website hosting to become a primary factory for building and hosting advanced AI agents. The AWS certification path is designed to take a learner from basic concepts to deep specialization. For veterans, starting with an entry-level AWS credential helps build a broad understanding of cloud economics and security. From there, most technical professionals move toward an associate-level certification as an architect or developer, which validates the ability to build and maintain secure systems. Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in big business, and credentials in AI and machine learning have become important parts of tech workers' resumes. For veterans who already hold security clearances, earning a security specialty certification is a smart career move. Defense contractors and government agencies consistently seek cleared professionals with expertise in protecting cloud environments.
Python is a programming language known for its readability and versatility. Created and released in 1991, it is one of the most popular languages globally, allowing developers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than languages such as C++ or Java. The language's core characteristics make it effective for rapid development and troubleshooting. As a high-level language, it is said to "abstract" complex computer operations like memory management, allowing the user to focus on logic rather than hardware. Python features a collection of pre-written code so developers do not have to build every function from scratch. Python is also multi-paradigm, supporting different programming styles. They include procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming.
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t limited to computer science majors anymore. Universities are starting to develop comprehensive programs centered on AI, and a few have taken it a step further by integrating them directly with specific industries. They apply core AI skills, such as machine learning, data modeling, robotics, and natural language processing, in specific settings.
An Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) degree provides students with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to solve real-world engineering problems by applying scientific and engineering principles in a hands-on, practical environment. Coursework may include circuit analysis, digital logic, computer science, software development, and communications. While both EET and electrical engineering seem similar, EET Degree holders concentrate on the practical application and implementation of systems, while electrical engineers focus more on theory, conceptual design, and the underlying principles of electrical systems.
Current service members and veterans looking to transition their skills into the civilian workforce should consider an Environmental Control Technologies Degree. "Environmental Control Technology" and "HVAC" (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) degrees both focus on managing temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings through HVAC systems. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, Environmental Control Technology focuses on environmental factors beyond comfort, such as air filtration and pressure control in specialized environments like cleanrooms.
Chiropractic physicians, commonly known as chiropractors, have medical careers specializing in spinal health. According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, “Doctors of chiropractic provide vital, life-changing care to over 35 million American adults annually.” They concentrate on diagnosing, preventing, and treating spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors must train from an accredited doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree program and pass state licensure board examinations to offer care. Careers in chiropractic care include offering a variety of care, including evaluating spinal alignment, posture review, and interpreting X-rays and MRIs. The journey toward a career in chiropractic care is demanding, requiring both dedication and a financial investment. For veterans, the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program can make this option more affordable.
According to Colgate.com, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degrees "are the acronyms of the degrees dentists earn after finishing dental school. DDS means Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD can mean either Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine." According to the American Dental Association, these degrees "represent the same education. Some universities may grant dental graduates with a DDS, and others grant a DMD, but both degrees have the same requirements." According to the ADA, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery established the first Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees in 1840. When Harvard University started its dental school in 1867, their degrees were called Dentariae Medicinae Doctorate (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) because Harvard uses Latin names for their degrees. A Dentistry Degree is known as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and is a graduate degree for preparing students to become licensed dentists. A DDS or DMD spans four years and focuses on oral health, dental anatomy, dental diseases diagnosis and treatment, patient care, and procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions. After a Dentistry Degree, further training is required for specific modalities, such as Pediatric Dentistry. Students can also get degrees in Dental Clinical Sciences, Dental Public Health and Education and Dental Assisting, among others. Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees are also available for dental hygienists, lab techs and assistants.
NurseJournal.org says a variety of healthcare degrees or certificates "lead to fulfilling careers helping patients and colleagues, managing, teaching, and more." Not all healthcare certifications involve clinical work, "Students passionate about healthcare can enter the field without clinical components focused on direct patient care." If needles make you nervous and broken bones make you balk, then a career in the patient care field may seem out of reach. However, there are a surprising number of non-medical patient care careers to choose from where you can work directly with patients and have a positive impact on their health. If you enjoy helping people live a healthy life but are not interested in the traditional medical fields of patient care such as nursing and radiology, there are many non-medical patient care careers to explore, including:
According to Dickinson College, an American Studies degree offers "a broad understanding of the American history" with coursework focused on helping students "think analytically and systematically about American structures and institutions, and the representation of various cultural groups in art, literature, and popular culture." This degree is also concerned with "drawing together different strands of the American experience, American Studies majors have pursued careers in public service, politics, law, education, business, and media and journalism." American Studies is a degree for students interested in all aspects of American culture, including politics, history, economics, media, film, and other aspects that weave together to form the fabric of American society. A degree in American Studies is interdisciplinary, examining the American identity from many perspectives.
The College of DuPage describes working in radiation therapy as a highly skilled career that requires knowledge of "physics, radiation safety, patient anatomy and patient care. Radiation Therapists administer targeted doses of radiation to the patients body to treat cancer and other diseases."
Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescription medication. Pharmacy Technicians (also known as Pharmacy Techs or PTs) may work directly with customers, patients, or healthcare professionals to dispense medications. Pharmacy technicians may work in retail pharmacies, including those located in drugstores and hospitals. Pharmacy technicians also work in various settings, including grocery stores, acute care facilities, nursing homes, and managed care clinics. While two-thirds of pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, they also work in facilities where they become an integral part of the healthcare team, working directly with nurses, doctors, and fellow technicians. Pharmacy techs work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and assist in all aspects of preparing prescription medications.
If you are a veteran or military dependent planning to attend college in the Sunshine State, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a powerful tool. But not all want to attend a public college. Some may choose a private university in Florida where the GI Bill may not cover the full cost of school. That is where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes in. The VA Yellow Ribbon program is an agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and participating institutions to address the tuition gap that standard GI Bill benefits cover at private schools. In Florida, this partnership can mean the difference between taking on student loans and earning a degree without large amounts of debt.
Georgetown University describes conflict resolution degrees as preparation "to resolve conflict in a turbulent world" and to learn "the theory and practice of understanding conflict and peace." Are such degrees in demand? They are, according to GU, which notes that graduates with conflict resolution degrees "are sought after by government, academic, private sector and international organizations. Focusing on humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and international development, they excel in program management, research, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, mediation, and facilitation." Opportunities include careers in education, government, and community-based organizations. Focusing on problem-solving skills that result in positive and flexible resolutions, courses will instruct learners on how to navigate the waters from family conflicts to international diplomacy with skills they can even apply outside the workforce to better their own lives and those of their families.
Earning a degree in Arabic studies can lead to a rewarding career. An Arabic studies degree can be helpful if you are interested in language, politics, history, or world events. Arabic studies is interdisciplinary and examines the Middle East from many angles and perspectives. Similarly named degrees may include Middle Eastern or Islamic Studies.
Radiation therapy involves using various kinds of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. X-rays, gamma rays, electrons, and protons can all be used to help treat a variety of conditions and improve patients' health and well-being. According to the University of Iowa, "Radiation sciences professionals work with a team of health professionals to gather accurate patient information for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury." RT Technologists operate X-ray equipment, perform CTs and MRIs, and perform many other hospital procedures.
Find GI Bill®-approved schools in Pennsylvania offering massage therapy programs.
According to Southern New Hampshire University, a degree in data analytics is preparation for careers that involve the collection and study of data "using software, surveys and other data collection tools," as well as performing "statistic analyses on data" to interpret the information gathered "to inform critical business decisions." Data analysts are in demand across a number of career fields including e-commerce, research, the tech sector, ad even military intelligence. A Degree in Data Analytics prepares students for careers in an increasingly data-driven world. This interdisciplinary degree prepares students for jobs in a variety of dynamic fields that require the application of interdisciplinary, scientific, and statistical knowledge.
The University of Arizona describes the field of study of aerospace engeineering as an opportunity to learn how to "design and maintain spacecraft, commercial aircraft, fighter jets, missiles, rockets and satellites. They graduate with working knowledge of aerodynamics, control system design, gas dynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics." Graduates of these programs have prepared to enter career fields that require knowledge of "control system design, gas dynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics." According to the U of A, this degree option has plenty of opportunities, with undergraduates working on "industry-sponsored capstone projects, some of which become commercial products."
The official site of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SUIE) says a supply chain management degree helps students develop "business fundamentals and develop proficiency in supply chain operations, inventory management and logistics." Some colleges offer a degree in Business Administration with a Specialization in Supply Chain Management while others may have different structures for their programs. No matter what options are offered, this academic pathway teaches students about "monitoring, controlling and improving processes and understanding the importance of effective communication, strategic alliances and networks, and basic international issues in supply chain management" according to SIUE. A Degree in Supply Chain Management oversees all the processes that work together to move a product, from creation to customer. Supply Chain Management encompasses all the factors along the way including raw materials, production, packaging, shipping, warehousing, delivery, and selling.
According to Eastern Washington University, a degree in Military Science is intended as a prelude to military service. "The Bachelor of Arts degree in Military Science will help prepare you for a military career. In the program, you'll study communication, social science research, political science, the history of war and society, and a variety of military skills and tactics." Some may pursue this degree as part of an ROTC program. A look at the University of Scranton's military science program includes this description: "In addition to classroom instruction all students enrolled in Military Science 401/402 will participate in Army Physical Training four days a week, Military Leadership Labs once a week, and a Battalion Level Field Training Exercise each semester. Additionally, all MS 401 Cadets will take part in a Military Staff Ride as part of the course and their professional development."
