Which college degrees help you qualify for careers with the best employment outlook?
Registered Nurses
The number of registered nurses in the United States is expected to increase by more than half a million over the next decade, making it the fastest-growing occupation in the country. Responsibilities include performing routine tests, educating patients about their ailments and providing them with treatment and medication.
Post-secondary education is a necessity for a position as a registered nurse. Most nursing programs are either two or four years and lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, respectively, although some hospitals offer diploma programs that usually take three years to complete. Entrance into nursing specialty fields often requires a master’s degree.
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
Network analyst positions are expected to grow by 37% in the coming years, which is the largest percent increase among of all types of jobs studied. Network analysts design, implement and test communications equipment for computers, from small office networks to the internet.
The degree requirements vary with each specific network analyst position. Most employers are looking for those with a bachelor’s in computer science or a related field, while some positions require only an associate’s and some require an MBA.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Positions as veterinary technicians are expected to increase at a much faster than average rate as well. Veterinary technicians work alongside veterinarians, performing diagnostic tests and providing treatment to all types of animals.
Most veterinary technologists have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in the field, and both involve extensive laboratory training with live animals. The associate’s programs are nationally accredited and usually take two years to complete, while the bachelor’s programs are offered at only a handful of colleges.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics–Registered Nurses
Bureau of Labor Statistics–Computer Scientists
Bureau of Labor Statistics–Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Bureau of Labor Statistics–Charts from the ‘Tomorrow’s Jobs’ Section