Careers Still in Demand despite the Struggling Economy

While many companies and businesses are closing or laying off employees there are still many fields where there is a growing demand for people to fill specific jobs. Some of these positions take several years of training while others take only a few short months. If you are a high school student deciding on a career path or someone who has recently lost their job and looking for a new career, here are some fields you may want to look into.
Medical Jobs Are Hot
With an aging population there is a continuing need for people in the medical field. Surprisingly, not all jobs require several years of training in medical school. Along with the need for doctors comes a continued need for people who can organize medical offices, do insurance paperwork, and many other tasks. Below are just a few of the medical careers that are expecting huge job growth over the next decade.
Medical Assistants – The need for medical assistants is expected to grow by up to 52% over the next ten years. Medical assistants work at both administrative and clinical duties to assist physicians and other health practitioners in keeping their office running smoothly. Training is required and can be done at many vocational-technical colleges or junior colleges. Salary ranges from $22,000 to $30,000 a year. Search Online Medical Assistant Programs, or Find Medical Assistant Schools Near You.
Physical Therapist Assistant – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for physical therapist assistants will grow by 44% between now and 2014. Physical therapist assistants work with patients under the supervision of physical therapists on such therapies as exercise, electrical stimulation and massage. Assistants also keep records of the patient’s response to therapy for the physical therapist. Generally, physical therapist assistants require an associate degree from an accredited program. The average salary ranges between $31,000 and $44,000 a year. Search Online Physical Therapy Assisting Programs, or Find Local Schools Offering Physical Therapy Assistant Programs
Dental Assistants – Dental assistants work alongside dentists preparing equipment for procedures, handing instruments to dentists during procedures and also caring for equipment and sterilizing it. They also perform a variety of office, laboratory and patient care duties. It is estimated that job growth for dental assistants will be 42% over the next 10 years. Training to be a dental assistant can take one to two years in a vocational technical college or community college and the average salary is between $25,000 and $33,000 a year. Search Online Dental Assisting Programs, or Find Dental Assistant Programs Near You
Respiratory Therapists – Substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population between now and 2020 will lead to increased incidences of cardiopulmonary diseases. People who need assistance to breathe rely on the knowledge and skill of Respiratory Therapy professionals to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and management of their respiratory problems. An entry level Respiratory Therapist career requires an associate`s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program. Search Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs, or Find Schools Offering Respiratory Therapy Programs Near You
Growing Opportunities In Computer Technology Career Fields
Computer related career opportunities continue to grow despite the economic downturn. The constant need for new programs, more reliable security systems, and demand for transferring medical records from paper form into computerized form continues to grow. While any type of computer technology degree will help you find a job, these are some of the positions that are growing the fastest.
Computer Application Software Engineers – This field of computer technology is estimated to grow by 48% in the next decade. Computer applications software engineers review a customer’s needs then designs, build and maintain their specialized software or utility programs. Software engineers are more concerned with developing, analyzing and solving programming problems than with writing code. Most computer application software engineers have a degree in either software engineering or computer science and should have experience with many different computer technologies and systems. Search Online Computer Software Engineering Degree Programs
Health Information Technology - The demand for workers who understand health care, information systems, and technology is growing rapidly especially with the new administration`s push to move to electronic medical records. The US Department of Labor estimates a 49% growth in the demand for trained individuals prepared to be administrators, specialists, consultants, educators, and researchers. Medical Informatics is a great fit for people seeking a stimulating career in a highly employable field that combines expertise in healthcare, IT, and business. Search Online Health Information Technology Degree Programs
Computer Systems Software Engineers - Systems software engineers work with a company to examine the different needs within different departments and design and install complete computer systems specialized for their individual needs. They also continue to work with the company to update systems as it is necessary. This field is expected to grow by 43% in the next 10 years. Generally a Bachelors degree in computer science or computer information systems is required. Search Online Computer Science Degree Programs
Network and Computer Systems Administrators – The demand for this field is expected to see an increase of 38% in the next decade. Network and computer systems administrators are in charge of the design, installation and support of a businesses’ internet and intranet systems, wide area networks (WANs) and local area networks (LANs). While employers generally hire people with a Bachelor’s degree it does not necessarily have to be a degree in the computer technology field. A strong knowledge in computers and networking is much more important. Search Online Computer Network Administration Degree Programs
Graphic Designer – A degree in graphic design is one of the most versatile in the media field. A graphic designer can work for either print media or web media, and in many cases does both. Although the days of the in-house graphic designer are slowly closing, a person with experience in graphic design can freelance with many companies and expand on their income. A two or four year degree in graphic design is what most employers look for as well as some experience so they can see your work and abilities. Find Online Graphics & Multimedia Degree Programs
In any recession there are some jobs that continue to grow in need of qualified workers. By researching what jobs are in demand you may be able to find a good job by expanding on your education or even finding a way to use the skills you already have to land a new job and a new career.
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The College Network
Online
Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.
Programs:- LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- Paramedic to RN
Kaplan University
Campus
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs:- MS in Nursing
- RN to MS in Nursing
- RN to BS in Nursing
- Fort Lauderdale
University of Phoenix
Campus
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs:- M.S. in Nursing
- MS in Nursing (RN Required)
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- Livermore
- Salida
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- Diamond Bar
- Bakersfield
- Ontario
- Woodland Hills
- Elk Grove
- Lathrop
- Murrieta
- Online
- Oakland
- Sacramento
- Gardena
- Palm Desert
Walden University
Online
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Programs:- B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
- Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
University of St. Mary
Online
Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus
Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Programs:- Diploma: Vocational Nursing
- Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
- San Diego
- Vista
- Bakersfield
- Chula Vista
- Stockton
- Riverside
American Career College
Campus
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Ontario
- Anaheim
- Los Angeles
California College San Diego
Campus
California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
- Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- National City
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Campus
Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.
Programs:- Master of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Addison
West Coast University
Campus
Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- LVN to BSN
- RN to BSN
- Ontario
- Anaheim
Independence University
Campus
You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.
Programs:- BS - Nursing
- MS - Nursing Administration
- AS - Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
- Salt Lake City
Carrington College California
Campus
Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.
Programs:- AS in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing
- AS in Registered Nursing
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- San Leandro
- Antioch
- Pleasant Hill
- Stockton
- Citrus Heights
- Emeryville
- Pomona
Santa Barbara Business College
Campus
California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.
SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assisting Diploma
- Medical Assisting Associate
- Rancho Mirage
- Santa Maria
- Santa Barbara
- Ventura
Career Colleges of America
Campus
Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.
Programs:- Vocational Nurse
- Nurse Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- San Bernardino
- Los Angeles
- Gardena
- South Gate
Concorde
Campus
We believe hands-on experience is the best way to learn. And at Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.
Programs:- Vocational Nursing
- Vocational Nurse
- Medical Assistant
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- Garden Grove
- North Hollywood
Intercoast Colleges
Campus
Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.
Programs:- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Fairfield
- Orange
- Elk Grove
- West Covina
- Carson
Institute of Technology
Campus
You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure
- Vocational Nursing-Diploma
- Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
- Professional Medical Assistant
- Redding
- Modesto
- Citrus Heights
- Clovis
- Stockton
Grand Canyon University
Campus
Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!
Programs:- M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
- M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
- M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)
- Phoenix
Summit College
Campus
Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.
Programs:- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical
- Anaheim
- Colton
Keiser University Graduate School
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Nursing, MS (Online)
- Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate
- Fort Lauderdale
Roseman University
Online
The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.
Programs:- Accelerated BSN
Bellevue University
Campus
Bellevue University makes it possible for motivated adult learners to earn a high-quality college degree.
Programs:- BS in Nursing
- BA in Health Science
- MHA Healthcare Administration
- Bellevue
Western Governors University
Campus
At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.
Programs:- B.S. in Nursing
- M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
- M.S. in Nursing - Education (RN to MSN Option)
- San Francisco
Keiser University
Campus
Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.
Programs:- Nursing, MS
- Medical Assisting, AS
- Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
- Fort Lauderdale
Stratford Career Institute
Online
Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.
Programs:- Health Care Aide
- Medical Office Assistant
Saint Xavier University
Campus
“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.
Programs:- MSN in Clinical Leadership
- MSN in Executive Leadership
- Nurse Educator Certificate
- Chicago
Allied Health Institute
Online
Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.
Programs:- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
Saint Peter's College
Online
Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.
Programs:- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Everest College
Campus
Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.
Programs:- Diploma - Medical Assistant
- Medical General
- Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
- San Francisco
- Ontario
- Los Angeles
- Gardena
- Hayward
- Santa Ana
- LA Puente
- Alhambra
- San Bernardino
- Anaheim
- Reseda
- San Jose
- Torrance
Platt College
Campus
Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.
Programs:- Medical Assisting
- Medical Administrative Specialist
- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
- Alhambra
- Riverside
- Ontario
Heald College
Campus
Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.
Programs:- Medical Assisting
- Medical Office Administration
- Concord
- San Francisco
- Rancho Cordova
- Roseville
- Hayward
- Fresno
- Stockton
- Salida
- Salinas
- Milpitas
UEI College
Campus
UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.
Programs:- Medical Assistant
- Fresno
- Stockton
- Riverside
- Bakersfield
- Gardena
Milan Institute
Campus
Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.
Programs:- Medical Assisting
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Clovis
- Visalia
- Bakersfield
- Indio
Empire College
Campus
Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.
Programs:- Medical Assisting
- Santa Rosa
Pinnacle Career Institute
Online
Help get your career started with an education from Pinnacle Career Institute. We offer certificate and associate degree programs for careers in the fields of business, alternative energy, health care, fitness, technology, HVAC, and electronics.
Programs:- Medical Assistant - Online
Newbridge College
Campus
Start your career with an education from Newbridge College. We provide high-quality, career-specific training in the health care field with an emphasis on the practical skills required by today's employers.
Programs:- Medical Assistant
- Long Beach
WyoTech
Campus
The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.
Programs:- Medical Assistant
- Medical General
- Long Beach
CBD College
Campus
Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.
Programs:- Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
- Vocational Nursing
- Los Angeles
Mayfield College
Campus
Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.
Programs:- Medical Assistant
- Cathedral City
South University Online
Campus
Designed with the needs of working adult students in mind, South University, Online Programs is built on the same curriculum offered at South University's campus locations. As a student at South University, Online Programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at the campus locations.
Programs:- Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics (RN-MSN)
- Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics (MSN)
- Nursing (BSN)
- Savannah
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