America's Fastest Growing Careers

A recent study conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted the careers that are expected to grow the fastest over the next few years. The Bureau's data indicate that jobs in technology and healthcare should surge in quantity and desirability through 2014. It also predicts that higher education will be more important than ever for the attainment of a profitable career.

Technology and Healthcare Expected to Dominate the Not-So-Distant Future

Due to demographic changes in our country's population, such as the aging of the baby boomers, healthcare is predicted to be the most widely expanding field. The technology sector also is expected to undergo rapid growth. Here is the BLS list of top careers through 2014:

1. Home Health Aides

Elderly and disabled persons who want to stay in their homes often require the assistance of in-home healthcare providers. This job requires basic medical training, including experience with some medical equipment.

• Expected Growth in the Field: 56%
• Educational Requirements: Typically, training is on-the-job and provided by the employer
• Career Opportunities: One option for home health aides is to gain certification through an accredited program. This can expand employment options and serve as a stepping-stone to a nursing degree.

2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

The construction and maintenance of computer networks is integral to the management of data communications systems. These networks operate on a variety of scales, from small business to international corporations.

• Expected Growth in the Field: 55%
• Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field
• Career Opportunities: Two of the most important assets in the technology field are experience and job performance. However, network analysts can achieve several levels of certification to help them advance their careers.

3. Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are the engines that keep doctors' offices running. They perform administrative and basic clinical tasks, and are usually graduates of career-oriented medical assisting programs.

• Expected Growth in the Field: 52%
• Educational Requirements: Formal or on-the-job training
• Career Opportunities: Many medical assistants go on to manage doctors' offices or move up within the healthcare field, usually in nursing or in medical technology. Advanced degrees in healthcare or management can aid this process.

4. Physician Assistants

Physician assistants are licensed to practice basic medicine under doctors or surgeons. This job requires an extensive educational program, with graduates undergoing a formal licensing process that includes a national exam.

• Expected Growth in the Field: 50%
• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree and licensing
• Career Opportunities: Physician assistants also can choose to specialize in specific aspects of diagnosis and treatment, such as surgery, trauma, or pediatrics.

5. Computer Applications Software Engineers

Software engineers are trained in computer programming languages such as Java, C++, and COBOL to create the software and programs that we all know and use.

• Expected Growth in the Field: 48%
• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree
• Career Opportunities: Computer software engineers are required to stay up-to-date with advances in technology, and can pursue higher education to specialize in fields such as systems management.

In addition to these top five careers, physical therapist assistants, database administrators, and dental hygienists also made the BLS's list of top jobs. Although no single degree can guarantee one of these occupations, and some of these jobs do not require extensive training, a solid educational background is an excellent way to break into one of these hot careers.

Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics--Computer Software Engineers
Bureau of Labor Statistics--Home Health Aides
Bureau of Labor Statistics--Medical Assistants
Bureau of Labor Statistics--Physician Assistants
Bureau of Labor Statistics--Top Jobs