Lila Daniels, FindtheRightSchool.com, Yahoo! HotJobs
In the midst of the current economic malaise, there is one industry that's managed
to stay in good shape. In health care, salaries have stayed stable, hiring is strong,
and the prognosis for future growth is promising.
Still, you may think a
career in health care is beyond your reach. Wrong. Here are nine ways you
can get your career off life-support in two years or less.
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Lab techs are like medical detectives -- looking at samples of blood or tissue for
evidence of disease and illness. Computer skills are a must as labs become more
automated. Crack problem-solving skills and a sharp analytical mind are also called
for. Most lab techs work in hospitals, though some work in independent laboratories
or doctors' offices.
Degree: Associate's degree or certificate in medical technology
2008 Median Salary: $35,380
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Growth Forecast: 15 percent
Dental Hygienist
With training from an accredited dental hygiene program, your future is wide open.
Hygienists help people to improve the health of their teeth and gums. In addition
to the sizable salary that comes with this job, flexible scheduling gives you a
reason to smile. Over half of all hygienists work part time, making this a family-friendly
career.
Degree: Associate's degree in dental hygiene -- bachelor's degree
available
2008 Median Salary: $66,570
BLS Growth Forecast: 30 percent
Dental Laboratory Technician
Here's a career that will certainly make an impression. Dental techs work with materials
like ceramics to create the bridges, braces, and false teeth that are prescribed
by a doctor. While it may take four years to achieve professional certification,
a two-year degree is enough to land a gig where you'll get the on-the-job training
you'll need to become fully qualified.
Degree: Associate's degree in dental technology
2008 Median Salary: $34,170
BLS Growth Forecast: 4 percent
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Want to be there when a pregnant mother sees her baby for the first time? Sonographers
use ultrasound technology to help diagnose illness or, in the case of obstetric
sonographers, track the progress and health of a pregnancy. A two-year degree is
widely accepted and you can increase your chances of getting hired through registration
with an independent agency.
Degree: Associate's degree in ultrasound technology
2008 Median Salary: $61,980
BLS Growth Forecast: 19 percent
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Here's a two-year program that will get you, and your patients, back to work. Occupational
therapy assistants help people who've been injured or ill regain the skills they
need to succeed in daily life. It's a great job if you love working with people
and like getting a little exercise on the job.
Degree: Associate's degree in occupational therapy
2008 Median Salary: $48,320
BLS Growth Forecast: 25 percent
Medical Record Technician
Keeping accurate and complete records is a critical link in providing competent
care. Proper records can also help to hold down the burgeoning cost of care, so
recent legislation requires all records to be digitized. Combined with an increased
demand for coding by insurance companies, and you've got a prescription for big-time
growth in the industry. Most medical record technicians hold an associate's degree
and computer skills are vital.
Degree: Associate's degree in health informatics and registered
health information technician certification
2008 Median Salary: $30,610
BLS Growth Forecast: 18 percent
Radiologic Technologist
If you've ever broken a bone, you've likely seen a radiographer in action. X-rays
and CT scans help to diagnose and treat problems from broken toes to breast cancer.
While training options range from one to four years, the two-year associate's degree
is the most common.
Degree: Associate's degree in radiography
2008 Median Salary:
$52,210
BLS Growth Forecast: 15 percent
Surgical Technologist
In as little as nine months, you could become an integral part of a surgical team.
You'll work alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists and be involved in
every step of a procedure -- from prep to recovery. Employers are looking to hire
techs with certification, which can be obtained through an accredited associate's
degree program.
Degree: Associate's degree or certificate in surgical technology
2008 Median Salary: $38,740
BLS Growth Forecast: 24 percent
Veterinary Technician
The health care hiring boon extends to those who care for our four-legged friends.
Vet techs are in high demand -- there currently aren't enough grads to meet hiring
needs. The trend shows no signs of slowing down. Though there is a clinical component
to the training, many programs offer distance-learning opportunities as well.
Degree: Associate's degree in veterinary technology
2008 Median Salary: $28,900
BLS Growth Forecast: 41 percent
Finding a Cure
If you're worried about the health of your industry or you're just plain sick of
your job, there is hope. An associate's degree in a health care field is a sure-fire
cure for the common career.
Lila Daniels is a freelance writer living in Vermont. She previously worked in higher
education publishing and as a high school art teacher.