Three careers among those considered by the Department of Labor to be the “fasting growing” and “ most in high demand” that have the potential of providing high job satisfaction for individuals with a score of 45 or below include:

• Computer Software Engineers, applications
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Computer Software Engineers

Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 38 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Computer Software Engineers apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. They research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software.

Computer Software Engineers work in a broad range of industries including:

• Medical
• Military
• Communications
• Aerospace
• Scientific
• General Computing Applications.

Education and Training

Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelors degree.

*Source: Department of Labor

The usual college major for applications software engineers is computer science or software engineering.

Income

According to National Association of Colleges and Employers starting salaries for Computer Software Engineers averaged:

• $56,201  for graduates with a bachelors degree

• $53,396 fro graduates with a bachelors degree in computer science

*Source: Department of Labor, 2006.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

During economic recession employment is relatively stable for veterinary technologists and technicians. Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 36 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians conduct clinical work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They carry out many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician, including routine laboratory and clinical procedures.

Work setting for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians include:

• Private Clinics
• Animal Hospitals
• Research Facilities

Education and Training

Typically entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2-year associate degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited community college program in veterinary technology in which courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. A 4-year degree is generally needed to become a Veterinary Technologists.

While every state has their own regulations for veterinary technicians and technologists all states require a credentialing exam.

Individuals interested in careers as veterinary technologists and technicians should try to take as many high school science, biology, and math classes as possible.

*Source: Department of Labor

Income

During economic recession employment is relatively stable for veterinary technologists and technicians

The annual median hourly wage of veterinary technologists and technicians reported in 2008 was $28,900.

Percentile wage estimates

*Source: Department of Labor

States with the highest concentration of Veterinary Technologists and Technicians include: Vermont, Colorado, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Arizona.

States paying the highest wage to Veterinary Technologists and Technicians include: New York, Illinois, California, Connecticut, and District of Columbia.

Source: Department of Labor, 2008

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians manage patient record databases and perform quality assurance on their records. They make certain that all the necessary information is in the computer database, and verify that all recorded information  is correct and complete.

While technicians’ duties vary from facility to facility they must pay close attention to detail and accuracy is essential .

Roughly two out of five Medical Records and Health Information Technicians jobs are in hospitals.  Other employ opportunities include:

• Physician offices,
• Nursing care facilities,
• Outpatient care centers,
• Home health care services.
• Insurance firms
• Public health departments

Education and Training

Typically entry-level medical records and health information technicians have an associate degree from a community or junior college. Many employers give preference to technicians who have become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). Advancement in the field is generally achieved by specialization or promotion to a management position.

*Source: Department of Labor

Income

The increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) will continue to broaden

Median annual earnings for medical records and health information technicians is  $28,030. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,420 and $35,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,260.

*Source: Department of Labor, 2006