Employment

Monday, August 2, 2010

Surprising Career Paths to Fortune and Fulfillment

by Jessica Hanley, FindtheRightSchool.com


Have you ever wondered if it's possible to find a job that's both lucrative and rewarding? Many people assume they must choose between money and fulfillment, but today's industries offer countless opportunities to find satisfying work that pays the bills.

The following four careers offer both financial stability and a sense of fulfillment, and they're all expected to grow faster than average through 2018. Even if you lack the required career training or education, online degree programs can help you earn a degree without giving up your current job.

1. Elementary School Teacher

Fulfillment Factor: Elementary school teachers teach multiple subjects to students in first through fifth grade, emphasizing values like responsibility, compassion, and honesty. Teachers have the chance to make a difference in students' lives by sparking curiosity and showing children the value of learning.

Fortune Factor: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), elementary school teachers in 2008 earned an average salary of $49,330, and their employment is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018. Teachers can increase their earnings through experience and continued education.

Career Training: Earning a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited teacher training program is the most traditional route to becoming an elementary school teacher, but many schools offer supplemental teacher training for candidates with a bachelor's degree in another subject. If you're interested in becoming a teacher but can't attend school full-time, consider earning a bachelor's in education through an online degree program.

2. Physical Therapist Assistant

Fulfillment Factor: Physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to rehabilitate patients suffering from injuries or debilitating diseases. Patients depend on physical therapist assistants to help them perform exercises, chart progress, and recover their former strength.

Fortune Factor: The BLS reports that physical therapist assistants earned an average of $46,140 in 2008, and employment is expected to increase 33 percent thru 2018.

Career Training: Physical therapist assistants must earn an associate's degree in physical therapy from a physical therapy training program, and most states require assistants to be licensed. Physical therapy associate's degrees generally take two years to complete and include a combination of coursework and clinical experience.

3. Graphic Designer

Fulfillment Factor: Graphic designers use their creativity and artistic talent on a daily basis designing advertisements, logos, websites, and other visual materials clients request. They become experts at computer design programs and must stay abreast of new technology and trends.

Fortune Factor: In 2008, graphic designers earned an average of $42,400, according to the BLS. Computer systems designers earned the most, averaging close to $48,000, while designers involved in printing and publishing earned the least. The BLS expects employment of graphic designers to increase by 13 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Career Training: Most graphic design positions require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, though some technical and assistant positions will accept an associate's degree in graphic design. These degree programs take four and two years, respectively, and include courses in studio art, website design, and computerized design. Online bachelor's degree and associate's degree programs in graphic design offer the required training through flexible classes that work around your busy schedule.

4. Registered Nurse

Fulfillment Factor: Nurses work hard to improve the lives of patients by providing treatment, running tests, and offering day-to-day care in hospitals, doctors' offices, and care facilities. Through patient recovery, nurses can experience the positive effects of their work.

Fortune Factor: Nursing is an established profession that continues to grow and pay well. According to the BLS, registered nurses earned an average of $62,450 in 2008, and employment is expected to grow by 22 percent thru 2018.

Career Training: Most nurses earn either an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) before being licensed by the state. ADN programs take approximately two to three years to complete, while BSN programs take approximately four years and offer students more clinical experience and in-depth coursework. Online degree programs in nursing allow working adults to gain the education necessary to transition into a rewarding nursing career.

Building a Fulfilling Career

From health care to graphic design, today's in-demand industries allow you to turn your interests into the fulfilling, lucrative career you deserve. Regardless of your current job, on-campus and online education programs can give you the training you need to make the transition.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

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