Tip No. 206
Q. I have been looking for a job in my field of geology, but I am thinking about seeking training or further education for a job in a different career field with surer hiring opportunities. Which jobs and/or fields are among the fastest growing right now and how much can I expect to earn?
A. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently compiled a list of the 30 fastest-growing jobs in the United States, and of the top 15, 8 are in healthcare, and another 7 are computer related. That should come as no surprise when one considers how the American population is growing both older and more dependent on technology. The number of medical and computer related jobs are escalating rapidly to keep pace with demand, and flexible job seekers can capitalize on this trend. The following information covers some of those fastest-growing jobs and includes vital facts about each according to the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to help keep medical practitioners’ offices running smoothly. Most employers prefer graduates of a formal, one- to two-year medical assistant training program. A high school diploma is required, and some employers provide on-the-job training. Median annual pay was $23,940 in 2002. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts test and evaluate electronic communications systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets and other data communications systems. Some employers require just an associate’s degree, but other, more advanced jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Median annual pay was $58,420 in 2002. Environmental engineers conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems including pollution control, ozone depletion and wildlife protection. Usually at least a bachelor’s degree is required. Median annual pay was $64,410 in 2002. Physician Assistants provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under a doctor’s supervision. Graduation from a formal physician assistant education program is required. Median annual pay was $64,670 in 2002. Social and Human Service Assistants assess client’s needs and eligibility for services like food stamps, arrange for transportation and provide emotional support. They also monitor case records and report progress. Usually an associate’s degree or certificate, plus relevant work experience is required. Median annual pay was $23,370 in 2002. Home Health Aides help elderly; disabled and convalescent people live at home instead of in a hospital or nursing home by assisting with housekeeping, bathing and other tasks. Usually short-term, on-the-job training is required. Workers whose employers are covered by Medicare must complete 75 hours of training and pass a competency test. Median wages were $8.70 per hour in 2002. Postsecondary Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level to help them earn a degree or improve their knowledge or skills. Most of these teachers work on college and university faculties, but others work as postsecondary vocational education teachers and graduate teaching assistants. Depending on the employer and subject taught, a master’s or doctorate degree is standard. Median annual pay was $49,040, but varies widely depending on rank, subject taught and employer. Medical Records and Health Information Technicians assemble and assess patients’ medical charts, determine a facility’s Medicare and other insurance reimbursements, and use computer software to help improve patient care and cut costs. An associate's degree and a written examination are prerequisites. Median annual pay was $23,890 in 2002. Computer Software Engineers design, develop, test and evaluate the software and systems computers need to perform their applications. A bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience and strong computer skills are required. Median annual pay was about $70,900 in 2002. Fitness and aerobics instructors help their clients slim down and shape up by instructing them and physical and exercise activities like yoga, aerobics and weightlifting. There are no specific educational requirements, but most jobs require certification including CPR and first aid training. Median hourly earnings were $11.51 in 2002. Physical Therapist Assistants provide treatment including exercises and ultrasounds, record the patient’s responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist. Usually an associate’s degree and on-the-job training will be required, and some states require a license. Median annual pay was $36,080 in 2002. Good luck as you move forward in your career transition!
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