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7. Theater and performing arts makeup artist. Projected Growth: 39.8% Love theater and the performing arts? Love make-up? Then a job as a makeup artist for a theatre group or another entertainment troupe may be a perfect fit. Make-up artists apply make-up to actors for television, movies, and performing arts shows. A postsecondary vocational qualification, often in cosmetology, can improve chances for employment. A degree in theater arts could help as well.
8. Medical assistant. Projected Growth: 35.4% Medical assistants ensure that an office runs smoothly, allowing doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to focus on their patients. Medical assistants administer insurance paperwork, take phone calls, schedule appointments, greet patients, and more. Medical assistants can also perform preliminary tests and prep work for minor procedures. Moderate-term on-the-job training and/or a one or two year degree are generally required. Additional education or certification may be necessary for specialized fields, such as podiatry or ophthalmology.
9. Veterinarians. Projected Growth: 35% Over 70 million households in the U.S. have a pet, which requires an increasing number of skilled workers to take care of all the Fidos and Fluffies. Veterinarians diagnose a variety of animal illnesses, vaccinate against diseases, and perform routine medical checkups. Some veterinarians focus on research in animal and medical science. A college education is a must in this profession, and generally culminates with the completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Most veterinarians need to be licensed within the state of their practice, which usually involves passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam.
10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors. Projected Growth: 34.3% Across the country, people struggle with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and a number of other illegal substances. Substance abuse counselors work with these individuals to help them develop strategies for coping with their dependencies. Care and compassion for people are important personality traits to have in this profession, as is the patience to work with clients through their most difficult times. A bachelor's degree is generally needed to begin a career, although a master's degree can enhance job prospects. Many counselors also need to meet licensing requirements set by their state of residence.
Other Things to Consider These fast growing jobs should give you an idea of the education programs that best fit your career aspirations. Of course, you should consider a few things besides opportunity when choosing a career. For example, are you passionate about this topic? Computer networking can be a great career, but if working with hardware and software programs isn't your cup of tea, you could be in for forty hours of Monday through Friday misery.
Spend time thinking about this decision. Talk to friends or contacts in these fields, and discuss education programs with a school advisor. Once you've made your decision, find the right training to take advantage of one of these blossoming careers."
