The current national unemployment rate stands at 4%. A study by the Department of Defense revealed that 21% of military spouses are without employment opportunities- a stark contrast, highlighting the unique challenges this community faces.
Frequent relocations — the leading disruptor of your career trajectory — are the hallmark of your life as a military spouse. One way to overcome job insecurity and financial instability is by pursuing portable careers in healthcare and IT through programs designed for military personnel.
One program that can assist with covering the expenses of training in these sought-after career fields is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account.
Step 1: Research Your MyCAA Eligibility
MyCAA is a program designed to support the career development of military spouses. It provides up to $4,000– up to $2,000 allowed per fiscal year– in funding for college education opportunities like certifications or associate degrees, in growing fields that can be easily transferred between locations or employers.
You qualify to receive the scholarship if you’re a spouse to an active duty service member in the following pay grades:
- E-1 o E-9
- O-1 to O-3
- W-1 to W-3
Spouses married to Reserve and National Guard members in the same pay grades are also eligible.
You can apply for financial assistance by first creating a free account on their official website. You’ll then need to develop a Career and Training Plan, after which you request funding within 30 days of the start of your program.
Step 2: Research In-demand, Portable Career Options
Once you’ve confirmed you qualify for the scholarship, you can pick a portable career that resonates with your lifestyle, personal interests and long-term goals. A portable profession allows you to pack up and take your expertise regardless of where you relocate.
With the right training for military spouses at an institution like MedCerts, you can perform these jobs remotely or transition seamlessly with your skills to the new workstation.
Some of these portable career options are in:
Healthcare
The World Health Organization predicts a significant shortfall of healthcare providers by 2030. This creates a high demand for portable medical careers that you can pursue with MedCerts. You can choose to be a:
- Medical assistant
- Pharmacy technician
- Medical billing and coding specialist
- Phlebotomy technician
- Allied healthcare professional
- Behavior technician
Information Technology
Computer science and IT are currently some of the most popular, high-paying careers, with numerous openings globally. This profession allows you to work remotely, minimizing disruptions when relocating. Some of the in-demand IT programs you can pursue include:
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Network administration
- PC technician
- Computer systems analyst
Step 3: Connect With MyCAA-Approved Schools
Healthcare and IT are ideal portable career paths you can pursue when you’re a military spouse. All you need now is a MyCAA-approved school like MedCerts, where you can enroll and start on your career path.
Our Education Consultants provide career counseling for military spouses if you are unsure which profession to pursue. We can also help you determine if you qualify for the MyCAA scholarship. Apply today to pursue a well-paying portable career that suits your military lifestyle.
