By Valerie S. Johnson
The Department of Labor provided its estimate of the 20 fastest growing jobs for the period 2004-2014. More than half of these jobs are in the healthcare industry. This is no surprise; the Baby Boomer population is getting older and living longer, resulting in a greater need for medical services. Computer-related occupations also have a high growth rate due to the increasing digitization of our lives.
Here is the list, starting with the occupations with greatest projected growth rates over the decade:
1. Home health aides
2. Network systems and data communications analysts
3. Medical assistants
4. Physician assistants
5. Computer software engineers, applications
6. Physical therapist assistants
7. Dental hygienists
8. Computer software engineers, systems software
9. Dental assistants
10. Personal and home care aides
11. Network and computer systems administrators
12. Database administrators
13. Physical therapists
14. Forensic science technicians
15. Veterinary technologists and technicians
16. Diagnostic medical sonographers
17. Physical therapist aides
18. Occupational therapist assistants
19. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
20. Occupational therapists
Many of these healthcare positions are for assistants and aides. So if you want to make a career change, you don’t have to go to medical school. Instead of the watching the doctors on “Grey’s Anatomy” or “House,” pay closer attention to the other healthcare employees – they have the jobs that are in high demand.
From the
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Tomorrow’s Jobs," Chart 7, Percent change in employment in occupations projected to grow fastest, 2004-2014.