Hot Jobs for 2011: Bachelor's Degree Not Required

Not everyone has the time, money, or energy to spend in a four-year degree program. If that's true for you, we've got good news: Earning an associate degree can get you into one of the fastest-growing careers this year and beyond. Check out the hottest jobs in 2011 -- bachelor's degree not required.

Hot Job: Dental Hygienist
Say ahhh... and get patients to open up to you in this hot career. You'll play an important role in their oral care, helping prevent and limit the extent of cavities and periodontal disease. You can even enjoy the flexibility of part-time work and flit from one dental office to another. Make a good impression in this job, and 9 out of 10 dentists will definitely recommend your services.  

How to get it: Choose one of more than 300 entry-level programs that are accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, then sit for your state licensing exams to become a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Number of jobs in 2008: 174,100
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 237,000
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 36 percent
2009 salary range: $44,900 - $92,860
2009 average salary: $67,340

Hot Job: Registered Nurse
If you're at all interested in health care, and you'd like to get into a career with a solid future, go for nursing - the largest health care occupation and the number one occupation for job growth in America. It's a win-win occupation, and the salary isn't too shabby, either. Besides, patients need good nurses, if only to save them from preoccupied doctors!

How to get it: Complete an approved nursing program and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to get your state nursing license.

Number of jobs in 2008: 2.6 million
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 3.2 million
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 22 percent
2009 salary range: $43,970 - $93,700
2009 average salary: $63,750

Hot Job: Veterinary Technician
Vet techs are to veterinarians like nurses are to MDs... basically, techs are indispensable and often the preferred choice when it comes to patient communication and care. And family members only want the best when it comes to diagnosing and treating Fido, Nemo, and Despereaux. If you're on the night shift, pet owners will love and need you even more.

How to get it: Finish an associate degree from one of more than 150 community college programs that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and then take exams to become registered, licensed, or certified for practice in your state.

Number of jobs in 2008: 79,600
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 108,100
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 36 percent
2009 salary range: $20,180 - $43,080
2009 average salary: $29,280

Hot Job: Environmental Engineering Technician
Doing this job is like celebrating Earth Day all year round. Not only do these granola techs get to control and correct existing hazards, they can also get creative in finding ways to prevent the hazards from happening in the first place. Somebody's got to clean up our land - whether we find that truth convenient or not.

How to get it: Enroll in an engineering technology associate degree program that's accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Number of jobs in 2008: 21,200
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 27,500
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 30 percent
2009 salary range: $27,160 - $70,840
2009 average salary: $42,350

Hot Job: Physical Therapist Assistant
If you like to move it, move it, get going on this up-and-coming career. Kids might learn how to walk, talk, and eat all by themselves, but, just like learning a language, it's a lot harder to do once you're older. And that's what you're there for - to motivate your patients and teach them how to move and shake all over again!

How to get it: Get moving in one of more than 200 physical therapist assistant programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, then take exams to get licensed, registered, or certified in your state.

Number of jobs in 2008: 63,800
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 85,000
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 33 percent
2009 salary range: $30,400 - $66,460
2009 average salary: $48,290

Hot Job: Occupational Therapist Assistant
Rehab isn't just for broken arms and legs - mental, emotional, and developmental impairments can get a clean bill of health from OT, too. And who couldn't stand to improve their life skills? As an OT assistant, you get to help patients declare their independence in all facets of life (liberty and the pursuit of happiness included).

How to get it: Get started in one of more than 130 programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and then sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and get licensed in your state.

Number of jobs in 2008: 26,600
Projected number of jobs by 2018: 34,600
Projected employment growth rate, 2008-18: 30 percent
2009 salary range: $33,350 - $68,450
2009 average salary: $50,250

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition

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