Ten Hottest Careers: 2011

The network systems and data communication analyst career field is projected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 - 2018. The rapid spread of computers and technology has demanded an increase in highly skilled workers to develop and maintain systems for new technologies. Systems analysts typically solve problems related to computer technology to meet organizational needs. Network systems and data communications analysts are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations from 2008 to 2018.

Demand for physician assistants is expected to grow by 39 percent by the year 2018. Physician assistants are formally trained to provide healthcare services (diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative) as delegated by a physician. Many physician assistants work in primary care specialties including: pediatrics, family medicine and general internal medicine. Due to anticipated expansion of the health services industry, the physician assistant career field is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations by 2018.

The medical assistant career field expects to see a 34 percent increase in growth by the year 2018. Medical assistants typically perform administrative and clinical tasks for physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health practitioners to help keep their offices running smoothly. Assistants who have specialized duities may include: casting of feet (podiatric) and testing eye muscle function (opthalmic). The medical assistant field is projected to be the fastest growing occupation from 2008 to 2018.

The medical records and health information technician career field is expected to grow by 20 percent through the year 2018. Organization and evaluation of healthcare records are typically the main responsibility of the medical records and health information technician. These records include information of a patient's symptoms and medical history, to results of examinations and tests, to diagnoses and treatments. Through rapid growth of medical tests and procedures, job prospects in the medical records and health information technician career field project to be of increasing demand.

The computer software engineer career field is projected to increase by 21 percent by the year 2018. Computer software engineers generally design and develop new computer software systems by incorporating new technologies in a growing range of applications. Professionals in this field analyze users' needs and design computer applications or specialized utility programs using multiple programming languages, depending on the program's purpose. With the rapid growth and continual change in the technology industry, computer software engineers are expected to be in high demand.

With the growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function, employment in the physical therapist aide career field is projected to increase by 35 percent. Physical therapist assistants and aides are responsible for providing services to help improve mobility, relieve pain or prevent permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. The demand for physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow faster than many other career fields through 2018.

The need for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors is projected to increase by 29 percent from 2008 to 2018. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors lead individuals and groups in various exercise activities. Helping clients assess their level of physical fitness and achieve fitness goals are the typical responsibility of a fitness trainer or aerobics instructor. As more people spend more time and money on fitness and activity, the employment of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors is expected to grow rapidly.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

Careers as database administrators are projected to increase by 30 percent by the year 2018. Database administrators typically work with database management systems software to effectively extract data and present that data in an understandable fashion. The database administrator is responsible for understanding every facet of the organization's database system including: performance, modification, security and the platform on which the system is running. Database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through the year 2018.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

The veterinary technologist and technician career field is expected to grow by 36 percent by the year 2018. State-of-the-art veterinary care is expected by many owners of pets and other animals. To provide this service, veterinary technologists and technicians typically perform medical tests, and treat and diagnose medical conditions in animals. Some veterinary technologists and technicians find opportunities in wildlife medicine, livestock management, pharmaceutical sales or biomedical research. Job openings for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through 2018.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

Opportunities in the dental hygienist career field are projected to increase by 36 percent by 2018. Dental hygienists help patients develop and maintain good oral health by examining patients' gums and teeth, remove deposits from teeth, take and develop dental x-rays, explain the relationship between diet and oral health, inform patients how to select appropriate toothbrushes and floss, and more. Dental hygienists are trained to use handheld, rotary instruments used to clean and polish teeth, as well as syringes with needles to administer local anesthetics. The demand for dental hygienists will continue to rise with greater emphasis on the importance of quality oral health and the retention of natural teeth.