HEALTH


Physician Assistant--$69,250

Physician assistants perform many of the same functions as a doctor: They examine patients, diagnose illness, and even prescribe medication. Although doctors must supervise treatment, physician assistants enjoy a good deal of autonomy and more face time with patients.

Your career as a physician assistant begins with a bachelor's degree and a 2-year physician assistant training program.

• Ranks fourth in the Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 49.6% job growth expected through 2014.

Physical Therapist--$61,560

Physical therapists guide patients on the road to recovery from illness or injury. They have a profound effect on the people they work with, helping them improve mobility, relieve pain, and even overcome disabilities.

• Helps injured and ill patients improve their independence and quality of life.

• An active and interactive job.

Physical therapists must complete a master's-level Physical Therapy program and pass a licensure exam.


Registered Nurse--$63,170

The shortage of registered nurses means unprecedented opportunities and rising salaries. Registered nurses are on the frontlines of medical care, examining and treating patients.

Prospective nurses have several options: a two-year associate's degree, a three-year applied nursing diploma, or the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All culminate in a national licensing exam.

• People skills and compassion are crucial for this rewarding career.

• This job ranks second for projected job growth through 2014.


TECHNOLOGY

Computer Software Engineer--$76,310

Computer software engineers design and test applications software and operating systems for computers. They write programs using coding languages such as C++ and Java.
 
You can become a computer software engineer with a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science.

• Ranks fifth in the Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 48% job growth expected through 2014.
• An exciting, fast-paced industry that rewards innovation and creativity.

Network Systems Analyst--$61,250

Network Systems Analysts are responsible for keeping a company's network--its file-sharing, voicemail, and email systems--in optimum condition. They evaluate new technology, implement changes to the system, and maintain the company's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WLAN), and intranet.

You can become a network systems analyst in as little as two years: the minimum requirement is an associate's degree. Some positions may require a bachelor's in computer science. Liberal arts degree holders also perform well in this position, because systems analysis relies on out-of-the-box thinking.

• Systems analysts rank second in the Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 54.6% job growth expected through 2014.
• A technical career for creative types.

Database Administrator--$61,950

Database administrators perform a crucial function in the information age--they set up computer databases and ensure efficient and reliable access to data. They maintain and upgrade a company's computer systems, identifying user requirements and adding new users.

Educational requirements vary, but most entry-level jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field.

• Database Administration jobs are expected to increase 40% through 2014.
• A rewarding career for detail-oriented and computer savvy people.