Get your degree and enter a fast-growing career field
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a great job and know that you could keep it as long as you wanted to? Finding a career that offers job security is really just simple economics: supply and demand. You need to pick a job that is in high demand and that not everybody can do.
Let’s take a look at four of the fastest-growing jobs of the decade – and the education you’ll need to get started.
- Nursing: The demand for nurses shows no sign of slowing. The two most common types of nurses are registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN). What’s the difference between an RN and an LPN? LPNs typically train for a shorter amount of time, from 9-month certificate programs to 3-year degrees for certain specialties (pediatrics, surgery/anesthesia). LPNs make about $40,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Becoming an RN requires a two-year associate’s degree or a Bachelor of Science in nursing, but the pay is higher (around $62,000 per year). Want more good news? Many colleges offer an online LPN to RN degree program. So if you want to get your feet wet as an LPN and then decide you want a career upgrade, you won’t lose any time!
- Accounting: Accountants are always in demand. If you’ve got a knack for numbers, why not put it to good use? To be a certified public accountant (CPA) you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. You’ll also have to pass an ethics course and the uniform CPA exam. Most accounting majors get job offers before they finish their third year of college, and they’re almost guaranteed to make $50,000 or more. If you aren’t sure if accounting is for you, a business degree will expose you to the exciting world of revenues and expenses. As an added bonus, many schools offering business degrees will even allow you to earn your degree while you work.
- Teaching: Who wouldn’t be excited to have every summer off? No degree would be possible without teachers, making education a great choice for job security. Requirements vary widely by state, but at a minimum you’ll need a bachelor’s degree (in education or the field in which you want to teach) with additional state-approved certification and training. Perks of this job? Making a difference in the lives of your students and an average salary around $55,000 per year.
- Healthcare support: Positions like home health aides, certified nursing assistants (CNA), and a variety of different technicians require you to be able to pass a certification exam, but not all require a college degree. Typically HHAs are trained by RNs or LPNs and go through a certification like one offered by the National Association for Home Care once training is complete. Being a medical technician, though, does require additional education (either online or campus). Typically you’ll need an associate’s degree with a focus on your intended career path. The jobs for people with these healthcare certifications are plentiful and will grow exponentially over the next twenty years.
Regardless of what career you choose, having a degree makes your job much more secure. So, really, what are you waiting for? Find a degree that is the perfect fit for you.
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