The job market finally seems to be on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, that road still looks long and rocky in many sectors. But there are professions that have job openings today and excellent prospects for the coming decade, based on Department of Labor projections.
A career transition need not take long. There are jobs with good prospects that require two years or less of specialized training. Among 2011’s hottest low-barrier-to-entry professions…*
HEALTH-CARE CAREERS
Most health-care careers require many years of training, but not all…
Radiologic technologists help doctors perform diagnostic exams, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. They work in hospitals, clinics and physicians’ offices.
- Median wage: $53,000.
- Job requirements: State licensing rules vary, but most radiologic technologists have just a two-year associate degree from a community college or technical college or have graduated from a 21- to 24-month certificate program.
- To learn more: Visit the Web site of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org) or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (www.asrt.org).
Physical therapist assistants help patients implement therapy programs developed for the patients by physical therapists. Job growth in this field should be very strong because America’s aging population is likely to require additional physical therapy in the years ahead.
- Median wage: $48,000.
- Job requirements: In most states, a two-year associate degree from an accredited program is required and a licensing exam must be passed. A reasonable amount of strength and physical fitness is needed as well.
- To learn more: Visit the Web site of the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org). The site of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (www.CapteOnline.org) can point you to accredited programs in your area.
- Note: Physical therapist assistants are different from physical therapist aides, who are unlicensed and whose job prospects and earnings potential are not considered as strong.
Medical assistants provide office support and clinical assistance for medical practices. This might include updating patients’ medical records, filing insurance forms and preparing patients for exams. Salaries are not great, but the field does offer strong job prospects and good health insurance benefits.
- Median wage: $29,000.
- Job requirements: Clerical and people skills are essential. One- and two-year programs in medical assisting are offered by many vocational schools, community colleges and junior colleges. These are not always required but will make it easier to land a job.
- To learn more: Visit the Web site of the American Association of Medical Assistants (www.aama-ntl.org).
Dental hygienists provide dental cleanings and exams in dentist’s offices. The career offers excellent wages relative to the amount of education required, great job prospects and flexibility — many dental hygienists work part-time.
- Median wage: $67,000.
- Job requirements: A two-year associate degree in dental hygiene usually is required, and a written licensing exam must be passed. Manual dexterity and strong people skills are necessary, too.
- To learn more: Visit the Web site of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (www.adha.org). The American Dental Association’s Web site features links to accredited programs (www.ada.org/267.aspx, then click “Search Dental Assisting, Hygiene and Lab Technology Programs”).
Veterinary technicians operate the advanced diagnostic equipment that is increasingly found in veterinary offices and provide other assistance to vets. Demand for veterinary technicians is growing rapidly as pet owners spend more money on their pets’ health.
- Median wage: $29,000.
- Job requirements: You’ll need a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology and will have to pass a state licensing exam.
- To learn more: Click the “Veterinary Technicians” link under the “Careers” heading on the Web site of the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org).
