Growing Jobs That Need College Grads

Earning the right bachelor's degree could be the key to qualifying for high-quality positions that need to be filled.

By Tony Moton

Are you a goal-oriented person? Do you have a need to achieve?
If you're a high achiever, now could be the right time to consider earning a college degree. In a 2012 report titled "A Stronger Nation Through Higher Education," the Lumina Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to helping improve the country's level of education attainment, states that the United States is lacking enough qualified workers to fill growing numbers of high-quality job openings.
Kathleen J. Cook, a general undergraduate academic advisor at Eastern Washington University, sees a bachelor's degree as the first step toward getting noticed by employers who are hiring for high-quality positions.
"Without a bachelor's degree in this world today, it's going to be hard to get an advanced job," Cook says. "It's getting to where you might not be able to work anywhere other than menial-type jobs without one."
Want to get noticed in the career world? Keep reading to learn about five growing occupations in need of educated professionals - and how you can prepare to pursue them.

Career #1 - Accountant

Do you take responsibility for balancing the family budget? Do you watch your spending down to the penny? If so, your interests might be right in line with the career responsibilities of an accountant.
Accountants help ensure the accuracy of financial records, compute and file taxes, and suggest ways for businesses to improve profits, the U.S. Department of Labor reports.
Why They're Needed: The Department of Labor projects the field of accounting and auditing will grow by 16 percent between 2010 and 2020, an increase of 190,700 new positions.
This demand is happening for a number of reasons, the Department reports. Due to numerous corporate scandals and the recent financial crises, accountants are needed to help deal with stricter laws - especially in the financial sector.
Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Fill the Need: According to the Department, most accountant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
And here's why: "The accountant does all the hard work," Cook says. "Without the degree, you won't be allowed to do the kind of work they do. You might be able to do all the busy work as a junior accountant or clerk, but you're not going to do the actual work of an accountant."

Career #2 - Human Resources Specialist

Are you a people person looking for a professional career? Well, one career that puts you in constant contact with people in a business setting is human resources specialist.
The U.S. Department of Labor says these specialists generally are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and training new employees. They also might be heavily involved in other areas, such as employee relations and payroll.
Why They're Needed: According to the Department of Labor, human resources specialists could experience a 21 percent growth in employment from 2010 to 2020. The growth accounts for a total of 90,700 new hires.
Not only that, but the employment services industry will see an increase of 55 percent between 2010 and 2020 because companies are outsourcing more of their human resources work to other firms, notes the Department. About 17 percent of human resources specialists work for employment firms, thus creating a need for workers with their skills.
Click to Find the Right Human Resources Program.
How to Fill the Need: Most positions for a human resources specialist require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree, says the Department. It also says that employers prefer candidates who studied human resources, business, or a related field.
And the need for degree holders is high, says Cook. "Every major company, and most small companies, has an HR department," she says, "but without a degree, you won't be able to work in that area. They have to be on top of laws, like sick leave and retirement, so an HR person has to be knowledgeable about everything pertaining to their employer and employees."

Career #3 - K-12 Teacher

Are you looking for a place to share knowledge with others? If so, you could lead young people of all ages along the path of education by pursuing a career as a teacher.
K-12 educators are responsible for planning lessons, evaluating students' learning capabilities, and making sure parents are informed about their child's progress, the U.S. Department of Labor reports.
Why They're Needed: According to the Department of Labor, between 2010 and 2020 careers in kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teaching are projected to grow by 17 percent, while high school teachers could see 7 percent growth in the field. The Department projects that this growth could result in 461,700 new teaching jobs in K-12.
Cook adds that the need for teachers is also growing, in part, because "a lot of baby boomers out there are reaching retirement age, and the more they retire in droves, the more positions there are for others."
Click to Find the Right K-12 Education Program.
How to Fill the Need: To work as a K-12 teacher in public schools, a bachelor's degree in education is required, as well as a state-issued certification or license, according to the Department.
"Plain and simple, without the bachelor's degree, you are not teaching," Cook says. "You can be a teaching assistant, but without the degree, you're not a teacher."

Career #4 - Software Developer

Do you have a keen interest in computers and want to know what makes them tick? Do you have an idea for a gaming application that could appeal to millions? If so, maybe there's a chance you could find a professional outlet as a software developer.
Software developers are responsible for creating computer programs and applications found in mobile devices such as tablets and phones, the U.S. Department of Labor says. Others might develop the operating systems that run these devices.
Why They're Needed: The Department of Labor projects a tremendous increase in new software developer jobs between 2010 and 2020, causing a 30 percent jump in overall growth. That's a total of 270,900 jobs added.
Talk about overnight sensations. The Department says the rapid increase in need for software applications is creating a serious demand for developers who can brainstorm new products in the area of mobile technology. The need for more cyber security products is also contributing to a boom in this profession.
Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Fill the Need: So how do you get a shot at this fast-expanding career? The Department reports that software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. The Department also reports that it helps if software developers have strong computer-programming and teamwork skills.
"[I]t takes five people to make one game," Cook says, referring to the number of developers it might require to put together a video game. "They need people who are up-to-date with programs, and because changes in the industry are happening overnight, you are not going to get these kinds of jobs without a degree."

Career #5 - Medical and Health Services Manager

Does a management-level position in the health care field appeal to you? Working as a medical and health services manager might fulfill your aspirations quite well.
When it comes to delivering health care services, administrators in this position might manage the finances of a facility or department, stay informed on laws governing health services, and supervise assistant administrators, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why They're Needed: Careers in medical and health services management, according to the Department of Labor, are expected to increase by 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, which could account for 68,000 new jobs over the ten-year period.
Part of this need is associated with the aging U.S. population, the Department reports. With more people in the baby-boom demographic requiring medical care, the health care industry as a whole will require more professionals to meet the demands of patient services.
Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
How to Fill the Need: If you're interested in pursuing this career, the Department says a bachelor's degree in health administration is the typical level of education for medical and health services managers, although a master's in public health, business administration, and health services is also common.
Cook believes a bachelor's degree in this field is imperative for workers who want to lead others. "Health care administrators are the ones who run the office," Cook says. "They make decisions for the office and they're the boss. These are the people that doctors hire to handle all the daily functions of the office. Years ago, doctors were more involved with administration, but not as much anymore."

High-Growth, High-Pay Jobs In The Health Field

Source: Yahoo

Want to prep for an in-demand career that will return your investment? Consider these booming health care careers.

By Terence Loose

Are you thinking of going back to school to work toward a new career, but don't know exactly which careers will pay you back in the long run? Choose the wrong career, and you may have a hard time earning sufficient returns on the money and time you invested in a degree. But how do you find a career that will give you the best shot at making the most of your educational investment?
Well, a good place to start might be the health care industry. Why? Because according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the health care and social assistance industry is going to be the greatest driver of jobs in the near future - by far. Specifically, the Department of Labor says these fields are expected to grow by 33 percent, or 5.7 million new jobs from 2010 to 2020, providing millions more jobs than any other industry.
Of course, there's still the matter of which health care career to pursue. So we did a little digging and came up with six health care careers that offer pay above the national median (which, by the way, is $45,790, according to the Department's figures for 2012) and above average growth expectations (the average is 14 percent).
So read on for six health careers that could be worth investing in.

Payback Career #1: Registered Nurse

The U.S. Department of Labor publishes a chart titled "Occupations with the Largest Growth," and guess which job tops the list? Registered nurse - with more than 700,000 jobs expected to be added in the field from 2010 to 2020. That's a lot of jobs.
Why It Has a Future: A few things are leading to the increased demand for nurses, says Susan Heathfield, a management consultant and writer of About.com's Guide to Human Resources. "First, the baby boomer generation is living longer and is more focused on health. Second, nursing is a bedside health care occupation, and something that can't be done over the phone or via computer, so the jobs will stay here," she says. Information from the Department of Labor seems to back-up Heathfield's assessment. Because of technological advances in health care, increased emphasis on preventive care, and an active baby boomer generation, the Department expects a 26 percent growth rate in this occupation from 2010 to 2020.
Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
ROI Potential*: So just what do nurses make? According to the Department, the median annual income is $65,470, with the lowest paid 10 percent making $45,040, and the highest paid 10 percent pulling in $94,720. Not a bad ROI for helping people stay healthy.
Education Needed: The Department says there are three ways to pursue a career as a registered nurse: Earn an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. You will also need to be licensed.

Payback Career #2: Dental Hygienist

If you've ever thought that dentistry might be a good fit for your career ambitions, but aren't sure you want to spend the time - and money - to pursue the leading role of dentist, you might be interested in a supporting role in the same industry. Dental hygienists keep your smile bright and disease-free. And the job itself has a bright future.
Why It Has a Future: Heathfield says that dentists are relying on dental hygienists more and more because dentists are becoming busier thanks to that baby boomer generation. And as a result, "Because dentists are using them for more and more tasks, I see dental hygienist as a huge growth field," she says.
And again, the U.S. Department of Labor agrees. As research continues to find links between oral and general health, the demand for preventative dental services will increase. And the Department of Labor's projections for job growth? For dental hygienists, a whopping 38 percent growth is expected from 2010 to 2020. Translation: 68,500 jobs.
Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
ROI Potential*: Keeping people smiling pays a median annual income of $70,210, with the lowest 10 percent of dental hygienists earning $46,540 and the highest 10 percent averaging at $96,280.
Education Needed: A minimum of an associate's degree or certificate in dental hygiene is usually required by most private dentists' offices, according to the Department of Labor. All states also require hygienists to have a license.

Payback Career #3: Dietitian

Do you read every label and count every calorie? Perhaps you enjoy sharing your health knowledge with friends and family? Well, in addition to paying you back with a svelte physique and high energy level, pursuing a career as a dietitian could also return that educational investment sooner than later.
Why It Has a Future: "I think most people put much more of an emphasis on diet as part of their health care than ever before," says Heathfield. She adds that doctors and hospitals also now respect diet more as part of a patient's overall recovery and preventative health care. "So I see this profession as being more in demand in the future," she says.
The U.S. Department of Labor says that there indeed has been an increased emphasis on the role of food in promoting health and wellness. For that reason, they see a very healthy 20 percent increase - or 12,700 new dietitian job opportunities, between 2010 and 2020. That's not bad considering there were only 64,000 dietitians in 2010.
Click to Find the Right Dietitian Program.
ROI Potential*: What's that saying about healthy, wealthy, and wise? According to the Department of Labor, dietitians earn an annual median salary of $55,240, with the lowest 10 percent earning $34,500, and the top 10 percent making $77,590.
Education Needed: The Department says that most dietitians have earned a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food service systems management, foods and nutrition, or a related field. They also usually go through many hours of supervised training and most states require dietitians to be licensed.

Payback Career #4: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Two reasons this career is a decent bet for the future: technology and health care. Yep, this occupation marries them both: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, diagnostic medical sonographers use sophisticated imaging equipment that sends sound waves into a patient's body. Then they read the echoes to assess and diagnose medical conditions - or to tell if it's a boy or a girl! Sound like the future calling?
Why It Has a Future: "Technology and equipment in hospitals is becoming so advanced and prevalent, so the people who can operate them are going to be more and more in demand," says Heathfield. She adds that preventative care is becoming more prevalent and seen as cost-saving to managed care, and so tests such as those performed by diagnostic medical sonographers are becoming more valued.
The Department of Labor makes the point that the use of sonography (commonly known as sonograms, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms) will become more desirable to patients than invasive techniques and ones that result in radiation. For this and other reasons, the Department sees the profession of diagnostic medical sonographer growing by 44 percent from 2010 to 2020 - or 23,400 new jobs. That's the kind of growth we like.
Click to Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
ROI Potential*: Apparently, firing sound waves into people pays. Specifically, the Department says diagnostic medical sonographers make an annual median salary of $65,860, with the lowest paid 10 percent making $44,990 and the highest 10 percent making $91,070.
Education Needed: Formal education, such as a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree, is needed for diagnostic medical sonographer positions. According to the Department, a lot of employers require certification and prefer that diagnostic medical sonographers have a certificate or degree from an accredited hospital program or institute.

Payback Career #5: Physical Therapy Assistant

Imagine the satisfaction you'd get from helping an accident victim walk again, or even just relieving a patient's pain through massage. If that sounds good, there's also good news for future physical therapy assistants: the occupation is expected to be in high demand and the pay isn't bad either.
Why It Has a Future: "I think this is an occupation that's going to be very big in the next decade or so thanks to our aging population needing more health care and, again, because it's a job that's impossible to outsource," says Heathfield. "The baby boomers are also leading more active lives and not only sustain injuries, but want to continue to be active, so they'll need physical therapy and other rehabilitation in the future."
If Heathfield sounds high on this occupation, try reading what the U.S. Department of Labor has to say: it projects a whopping 46 percent increase in physical therapy assistant opportunities between 2010 and 2020. In other words, 51,100 new jobs.
Click to Find the Right Physical Therapy Program.
ROI Potential*: It's nice to see important work get rewarded. According to the Department of Labor, the median annual wage for physical therapist assistants is $52,160. The lowest 10 percent make a respectable $32,420 and the top 10 percent make $72,720.
Education Needed: In most states, an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapy program is required, says the Department. Most states also require physical therapy assistants to be licensed, it adds.

Payback Career #6: Medical and Health Services Manager

There's a reason they call it "managed health care." Yes, the medical field is about curing and preventing illness, but anyone who's visited a doctor's office or filled out a hospital admittance form knows that treating illness takes a healthy amount of management. Hence, medical and health services managers might do everything from run doctors' practices to manage whole departments in health care facilities, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Has a Future: "Whatever you think of Obamacare, there's one thing for certain: More and more dollars are going into health care in the future. And that means administrative [management] jobs will be on the increase and probably pay pretty well," says Heathfield.
That certainly coincides with the Department of Labor's take on this profession. They project that the job opportunities for medical and health care services managers will increase by 22 percent from 2010 to 2020. That's about 68,000 new jobs being added.
Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
ROI Potential*: You'll probably be pleased with the ROI here too. The Department says that the median annual pay for medical and health services managers is $88,580. The bottom 10 percent make $53,940 and the top 10 percent earn $150,560.
Education Needed: The Department says that hopeful medical and health services managers typically have a bachelor's degree in health administration. Also common, it adds, are master's degrees in health services, public administration, long-term care administration, public health, or business administration.

Seven Careers With Good Pay, Little School

Source: Yahoo

No bachelor's degree? No problem. Here are seven careers that still pay and require little school.

By Andrea Duchon

Maybe life edged in or you realized along the way that you aren't cut out for higher education. But that's no reason to take a dead-end job or accept a career that doesn't pay a good wage.
Despite what you may have heard, it's just not true that earning a bachelor's degree is the only path to a great career that pays well. You might be able to qualify for some promising careers with only an associate's degree or the right certificate.
Interested in learning how to get yourself into a career that utilizes your strongest skills, pads your bank account, and doesn't require years of schooling? Keep reading to learn about seven careers that pay a respectable median salary - all without a bachelor's degree.

Career #1: Paralegal

Median Annual Salary*: $46,990
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $75,410
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $29,420

Paralegals could be called the lawyer's right-hand man (or woman) because they're working to keep things in check all day, every day. But because they don't have to go to law school to make it into the office, they can start earning a great paycheck without spending years hitting the books.
What They Do: The U.S. Department of Labor says that paralegals do various tasks to support lawyers and help them prepare for trials, like conducting research, maintaining files, and writing reports.
Why It Pays: Because you'll often be doing the grunt work that makes a lawyer's work possible, lawyers are quick to pay you well as a paralegal, says Nicole Williams, a career expert for the professional networking site LinkedIn. Another way to think of it is in terms of the phrase "time is money." The work you do as a paralegal frees up a lawyer's time to do other things - something they'll always find invaluable, says Williams.
Due to their integral role in law offices, paralegals need to be intelligent, have the ability to fill in the blanks and solve puzzles, be highly organized, and know how to prioritize, says Williams.
Click to Find the Right Paralegal Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: "Most paralegals and legal assistants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies," says the Department of Labor. There is another route, however: Those who have a bachelor's degree in another field could pursue a certificate in paralegal studies.

Career #2: Physical Therapist Assistant

Median Annual Salary*: $52,160
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $72,720
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $32,420

If you're looking for a hands-on career that makes a real difference in the lives of others, physical therapist assistant could be right up your alley. And unlike licensed physical therapists, who need to spend years in school, physical therapist assistants don't need a bachelor's degree to pull in a solid paycheck.
What They Do: PT assistants are responsible for helping patients recovering from illnesses regain movement, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They might help patients do exercises, treat them using techniques like stretching and massage, and educate them about what to do after treatment.
Why It Pays: "The duties of a physical therapist assistant may not seem mentally challenging, but in fact, they are," says Williams. "Dealing with patients in different states of recovery is taxing and draining, which is one major reason that the job pays so well."
Click to Find the Right Patient Care and Therapy Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: The pay sounds even better when you consider the schooling required to get there. The Department of Labor says, "Most states require physical therapist assistants have an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist program." Physical therapist assistants must also obtain a license, typically by graduating from an accredited program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam.

Career #3: Police Officer

Median Annual Salary*: $55,270
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $89,310
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $32,350

Are you courageous? Do you have a high level of integrity and self-restraint? If so, Williams says you could be cut out for a path as a police officer.
What They Do: Along with the qualities listed above, Williams lists empathy, the ability to preempt emergency, and a keen eye for preventing crime as some strengths of a good police officer. Police officers generally patrol the streets, enforce laws, respond to calls, and arrest suspects, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: Police officers work long hours, often on nights and weekends, Williams adds. Because they constantly need to be prepared, work in dangerous situations, and perform in any type of weather, they are usually paid well, she says.
Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: The Department of Labor says police officers must usually have at least a high school diploma or GED, and graduate from an agency training academy. However, they also say that many agencies require candidates to have a college degree or some college coursework. You'll also need to be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, and meet "rigorous physical and personal qualifications," says the Department.

Career #4: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Median Annual Salary*: $65,860
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $91,070
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $44,990

Williams says you'll need to exhibit tact, understanding, composure, and patience if you wish to pursue a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
What They Do: Sonographers use imaging equipment to assess and diagnose medical issues in patients, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They're responsible for preparing the patients and machines for procedures, operating the equipment, and analyzing the images to provide preliminary findings for the physician.
Why It Pays: A major reason why it pays so well is because people in this position need to have excellent bedside manner. You'll have to assist patients - and keep them calm - when delivering negative news about their health, says Williams.
"When most people hear of sonography, they think of seeing a baby for the first time," she explains. "However, sonographers need to deal with cysts, tumors, and growths as well. And part of the job involves being on your feet 80 percent of the day, which can be tiring and contributes to why this career pays well."
Click to Find the Right Medical Sonography Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: While you don't need a bachelor's degree, the Department of Labor says education in the form of an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate is necessary. "Many employers also require professional certification," adds the Department.

Career #5: Dental Hygienist

Median Annual Salary*: $70,210
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $96,280
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $46,540

While it's true that you'd need to hit the books big time in medical school to get into a career as a dentist, the good news is you can still join the office ranks as a dental hygienist - without a bachelor's degree.
What They Do: Dental hygienists might spend their days cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and applying fluoride to protect patients' teeth, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: "Dental hygienists tend to do a lot of the leg work at the office," says Williams. "The routine can get tedious, and let's not forget that they need to deal with bad breath the majority of the day."
No one enjoys getting their teeth cleaned and the hygienist knows it, Williams continues. But because they perform a job that people need but don't necessarily want, they're often paid well.
Click to Find the Right Dental Hygienist Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, though exact requirements may vary, according to the Department of Labor. Additionally, you'll typically need an associate's degree in dental hygiene to pursue entry-level positions.

Career #6: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Median Annual Salary*: $53,240
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $73,120
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $32,970

Are you patient and compassionate? You'll need to be if you want to consider being an assistant to an occupational therapist. What you won't need, however, is a bachelor's degree to get yourself into this career.
What They Do: "Occupational therapy assistants help people tackle daily activities they can no longer do due to loss of limbs, a debilitating disease like multiple sclerosis, or developmental disabilities," says Williams.
Why It Pays: One reason occupational therapist assistants earn a decent salary is that the career can be strenuous and requires a great deal of determination, as many aspects of the job are repetitive teaching exercises, says Williams.
What's more, occupational therapy helps people regain the ability to take care of common tasks. "These activities are often things that are essential to functioning in society, which also makes this career essential and contributes to why it pays so well," she adds.
Click to Find the Right Patient Care and Therapy Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: You'll need to be licensed in most states if you want to pursue a job as an occupational therapy assistant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. An associate's degree is also required.

Career #7: Civil Engineering Technician

Median Annual Salary*: $47,560
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $71,800
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $30,430

Do you peg yourself as a tinkerer who's fascinated with the manmade world? Civil engineer techs get to flex their "always-on" brains and pair them with a well-paid career path, minus the bachelor's degree.
What They Do: Williams says that "these are people that help to plan and design roads, bridges, and tunnels. They determine the materials that are needed for a project and estimate the amount of money needed for its completion."
You'll need to have a solid set of analytical skills as well as amazing communication skills, she adds.
Why It Pays: Civil engineer assistants are often working on contracts worth millions of dollars, and their employers are often investing in them to move the project along, Williams says.
Along with those set of skills mentioned above, civil engineer techs are also paid well to be quick thinkers and excellent problem solvers, says Williams. She provides this illustrative example: "Let's say a water main breaks or a sewer leaks. The technician and his team need to have the answer as to why - and they need to have it fast."
Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Bachelor's-Free Path: An associate's degree in civil engineering technology is preferred for this career path, though the U.S. Department of Labor says that it's not always required. Prospective candidates should seek out programs that are certified by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).