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Job seekers come in all shapes and sizes; some have contracts coming to an end, some are victims of the recession, some want a career change and some are just entering the workforce. However, one trait they share is the belief that certain jobs, like teaching and nursing, require extensive qualifications.

A recent New York Times article disputes this fact, giving an example of a married couple from Virgina who embarked on a mid-life change of career. Within three weeks the couple had enrolled in the Career Switchers Program, which will grant applicants a one year, provisional teaching license if they pass an Educational Testing Service exam based on their chosen subject. The program costs around $3,150, and takes only 18 months to complete.

Under Virginia regulations the newly qualified teacher then spends a year working under monitored conditions before earning a five year state teaching license. The Times says: “Virginia certifies the program, which was started in 2004 to address the shortage of math, science, reading and English teachers.” Teaching has become such a popular option because it is a career that offers longevity, offers good benefits and is often in demand.

The article continues, stating that a report issued by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, claims that over 1 millions teachers could and may retire by next year. Programs like that of Career Switchers could provide the employees to fill these vacancies. In another report by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation found that among college-educated Americans 24 to 60 years old, the survey found, 42 percent would consider becoming a teacher.

However critics say that the programs should be more selective when choosing applicants. However, 47 states accept teachers from alternative programs. The Times says: “Over all, about 600 such programs contribute about 20 percent of the country’s new teachers each year, according to the Education Department.” One of the better known examples of an alternative teaching program is the New Teacher Project, which accepted over 40,000 this year alone for its program, which operates in 21 cities. Applications rose 44% compared to last year but acceptances dropped 5%.

Online programs are also joining in the alternative qualification trend. Online degrees are often a faster and cheaper way to achieving a qualification. The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence offers an online program that costs less than $1,000 and is accepted in 9 states.

While the New York Times admits that teaching cannot replicate the high wages found in corporate careers, the pay does average $50,000 and offers benefits. It is also a challenging and beneficial career option.