NON-LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CAREERS
In certain fields licensing is valuable, but not always necessary to find relevant work. It is important to understand that there may be opportunities to practice your profession on a more
limited basis – or to find alternate careers – which do not require licensure or certification. Alternate careers are good options for those who do not plan to re-license or for
those who might need financial resources while they are working towards licensure. Here are some simple examples of ways in which you can work in your field without a license.
Accountants without a CPA license can work privately analyzing budgets and costs. Likewise unlicensed engineers or architects can work in technical, advisory and management positions
that can have an important impact on engineering projects. However, the overall project must be under the direct and responsible control of a legally licensed engineer or architect.
Healthcare professionals might consider non-regulated occupations such as medical interpretation or positions in administration, research or community health where their knowledge and expertise can be utilized.
Those with training in health care fields that have difficult or time-consuming licensing requirements may decide to re-train for careers with more limited licensing or certification requirements such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), clinical lab technologist, phlebotomist, dental hygienist, etc.
Lawyers can work as paralegals assisting lawyers in research and the preparation of documents. It may also be possible to practice immigration law if you work for an organization that is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and receive full or partial accreditation. Social workers and psychologists have the opportunity to work as community workers and non-clinical counselors in schools and community organizations.
Full-time teachers in public (government) schools must be licensed, but substitute teachers can often work with limited credentials. In addition private and charter schools are permitted to hire teachers who are not licensed by the state. In most states, teachers are offered fast track “alternate routes” to certification or licensure.
In these “alternate routes”, it is often possible to concurrently pursue licensure while working as a full–time teacher. It is also important to note that a degree in education is usually not a requirement in pursuing this option. Professionals from outside fields are encouraged to apply, particularly candidates with strengths in math, sciences, or experience in Bilingual/ESL education.
If you are interested in the option of pursuing alternative career paths in your field, contact a relevant professional association to find out what careers may be open to you based on your education and experience. Working in your field will serve as valuable experience that will be important if you decide to eventually apply for licensing.
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