By Moe Bedard
For those of us hit hard by the economy the bureau of labor statistics is an excellent resource for planning employment or career changes. The bureau regularly publishes a manual for labor trends that can help people decide what to do with career choices. Understanding the direction and nature of job growth is tremendous help for people looking for work. The best part of the bureau’s results is that many of the jobs do not require advanced degrees. Some areas of expanding employment only require on the job training. According to the present 2008-2009 manual the top areas of expanding employment growth are:
Network systems and data communications analysts
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Personal and home care aides
Education Required: Short-term on-the-job training
Home health aides
Education Required: Short-term on-the-job training
Computer software engineers, applications
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Education Required: Associate degree
Personal financial advisors
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
Education Required: Postsecondary vocational award
Medical assistants
Education Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Veterinarians
Education Required: First professional degree
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Skin care specialists
Education Required: Postsecondary vocational award
Financial analysts
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Social and human service assistants
Education Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
Education Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Physical therapist assistants
Education Required: Associate degree
Pharmacy technicians
Education Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Forensic science technicians
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Dental hygienists
Education Required: Associate degree
Mental health counselors
Education Required: Master’s degree
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
Education Required: Master’s degree
Marriage and family therapists
Education Required: Master’s degree
Dental assistants
Education Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Computer systems analysts
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Database administrators
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Computer software engineers, systems software
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Gaming and sports book writers and runners
Education Required: Short-term on-the-job training
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
Education Required: Associate degree
Manicurists and pedicurists
Education Required: Postsecondary vocational award
Physical therapists
Education Required: Master’s degree
Physician assistants
Education Required: Master’s degree
