The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has identified the fastest-growing occupations and career groups that are predicted to enjoy the largest numerical increases in personnel through 2016, and has ranked them by the amount of education necessary to enter the profession. Health care, education, and technology employers should continue to offer the most promising projections in total numbers in hiring, especially since the key roles cannot be outsourced.
Health Care:
Registered Nurses: Associates or bachelors degree.
Personal and Home Health care Aids: Associates degree.
Dental Hygienists: Associates degree.
Physical Therapists: Masters degree. Aging population will drive job growth.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselors: Bachelors or masters degree. The BLS suggests some government and public agencies will hire counselors with bachelors degrees, however most employers will recruit graduates holding masters degrees.
Education:
Elementary school teachers: Bachelors degree, certification/credential. Openings for elementary school teachers will be best in states undergoing high enrollments (Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia) and in rural districts.
Post-secondary teachers: Masters degree or doctorate.
Technology:
Computer Support Specialists: Associates or bachelors degree. The BLS expects increases in hiring despite outsourcing. Graduates with career training in technical support, customer service, and certifications will move to the front of the hiring line.
Computer Software Engineers, Applications: Bachelors degree. The BLS is predicting a 38 percent increase in overall hiring through 2016, generating 324,000 new openings. Youll need a bachelors degree in computer science or programming to compete, and a post-graduate degree and additional certifications to rise in the field.
Computer and Information Scientists, Research: Doctorate. Jobs for computer scientists and database administrators are predicted to have continued growth. Many advanced IT managers and project leaders choose to escape private companies for the relative security of college and university research labs that offer tenure.
Additional:
Paralegal: Many employers are trying to cut costs by hiring paralegals to do some of the work normally performed by lawyers. While paralegals do not practice law, they do help prepare for trials, meetings, hearings, and other legal matters. Jobs for paralegals are expected to grow according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Veterinary Technician: You can help care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Web Master: Within the realm of network systems and data communications analysts, a field with high job growth. Web masters design and test Web sites, something you can learn to do without going to school for several years.
Biomedical Equipment Technician: Biomedical equipment technicians repair medical equipment, from beds and wheelchairs to defibrillators and x-ray machines.
Career groups to benefit from stimulus plan:
1: Construction
2: Engineering
3: Health Care
4: Education
5: Environmental engineers and conservation scientists
Please post regarding other jobs/career groups that you believe will have sustained growth.