Fastest Growing Occupations 2012
Like the previous years, the fastest growing careers of 2012 are dominated by the healthcare field. However, certain careers in finance, technology, and marketing are quickly growing too. This list is just a few of the dozens of careers that are expected to grow in 2012.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses take care of patients, asses the overall health of the patient, administrate medications and give patients and families emotional support. To become a registered nurse, a person must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing. He or she must have a license which is given after he or she passes a licensing examination. The median pay for a registered nurse ranges from $60,000 to $67,000 depending on the environment, location, experience, and education. Registered nurses mainly work in physician’s offices, hospitals, home health, and elderly care facilities. Schools, correctional facilities, and military bases also employ registered nurses.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants record medical information on patients, schedule appointments and measure vital signs of patients. A person must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent to become a medical assistant because of on-the-job training. However, certain places require a person to have an associate’s degree in medical assistance or office administration with a medical option. Many medical assistants work in physician’s offices and hospitals.
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical therapy assistants help patients who are recovering from injuries and surgeries. They also assist patients with pain management, set up medical equipment, observe patients, record patient’s progress and administer different forms of therapy. Physical therapy assistant are required to have an associate’s degree. They generally work in hospitals, physical therapist’s offices, and elderly care facilities. The average salary for physical therapy assistant ranges between $30,000 to 50,000 annually.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists examine patients’ gums and teeth, clean teeth, sterilize equipment and give information on oral hygiene. A person has to obtain at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and must be licensed by the state. Dental hygienists are typically paid $68,000 per year.
Home Health Aides
Home health aides take care of people, who are suffering from disability and chronic illnesses. They check vitals, record the patient’s condition and progress, ensure patients take medication correctly, and assist with bathing and dressing patients. Home health Aides do not have to have any educational experience and make $21,000 yearly.
Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselors and therapists attempt to help clients with emotional disorders and problems. They evaluate clients’ mental condition, listen to their clients, ask their clients questions, show techniques to deal with problems and attempt to improve clients’ life and mental health. A mental health counselor should have a masters’ degree in psychology, sociology, or behavioral science and must retain a license to practice. They usually make $39,000 annually. Mental health counselors work in mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, and hospital. They can also have a private practice.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers use their knowledge of biology to analyze biological and health systems, conduct research with other scientists, develop applications for sources of energy, and evaluate the outcome of new medical procedures. Educational requirements for biomedical engineers include a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $84,000 and up.
Software Engineers or Developers
Software engineers or developers create programs and applications for computers. They also correct errors in existing software, analyze information, store and retrieve data and much more. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is the requirement for a person to start a career as a software engineer or developer. The annual salary for software engineers or developers is around $90,000 or more.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts examine the potential sales of products and/or services in local, regional, and national areas and create marketing campaigns. This career is versatile because market research specialists work in almost every industry and talk to the public to find out information. Many people in this field get a bachelor’s degree and have an annual salary of $60,000.
Financial Examiners
Financial examiners enforce compliance with laws governing financial institutions, look over balance sheets and loans and assess management of banks. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and typically make $75,000 per year.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate aspects of a professional meeting or event. They monitor events or meetings, pick the location, arrange transportation and equipment, consult with clients on objectives, and work with the staff to ensure the best services. Planners usually are required to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in hospitality management. The salary for a planner is $45,000.
