Hot Careers for 2010

Being "in" isn't just for the fashion industry. Careers that are "in" meet factors such as being fast-growing occupations not just for 2010, but also over the next several years, according to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hint: If you're looking in the health or technology industries, you're on the right track professionally. Pursue these hot careers now, before these jobs are oh-so-five minutes ago.  

Network systems and data communications analysts
What you'll do: Design, evaluate, analyze, and test network systems. Recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 53%
Education/training: Bachelor's degree  

Home health aides
What you'll do: Work for a certified home health or hospice agencies to assist older adults, disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired individuals, and those in hospices and day programs. Duties include light housekeeping, tasks such as grocery shopping and preparing meals, and basic health services such as checking temperature and pulse rates.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 50%
Education/training: Short term on-the-job training  

Personal and home care aides
What you'll do: Work for public and private agencies to visit clients and offer services such as light housekeeping and similar tasks as home health aides.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 45%
Education/training: Short term on-the-job training  

Computer software engineers
What you'll do: Design and develop software. Create, test, and evaluate the computer software applications and systems.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 34%
Education/training: Bachelor's degree  

Medical assistants
What you'll do: Handle administrative and clinical duties in medical offices, reporting to office managers, physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other practitioners, depending on the size of the practice.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 33%
Education/training: Moderate term on-the-job training  

Management analysts
What you'll do: Analyze and recommend strategies for companies and organizations to improve their profits, efficiency, and structure to remain competitive.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 23%
Education/training: Bachelor's or higher degree, plus work experience  

Registered nurses
What you'll do: Educate patients and the community about medical conditions and teach patients to manage injuries and illnesses. Gather the symptoms and medical histories of patients, provide treatment and medications, and conduct tests and analyze results.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 22.20%
Education/training: Associate degree  

Physicians and surgeons
What you'll do: Examine patients dealing with illnesses and injuries, and prescribe and treat individuals. Provide preventive care for individuals related to diet, hygiene, and other health aspects.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 21.79%
Education/training: First professional degree  

Accountants and auditors
What you'll do: Work for governments, companies, and individuals by preparing and verifying financial documents and ensuring taxes are paid properly and on time. Analyze budgets, assist clients with financial and investment planning, and offer consulting related to information technology and other expenditures.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 21.65%
Education/training: Bachelor's degree  

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
What you'll do: Treat patients under the direction of physicians and registered nurses, with tasks ranging from bedside care to recording patients' vital signs and performing some laboratory tests to assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Projected percent increase by 2018: 20.65%
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award  

Source: Employment Projections Program, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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