Looking at the present scenario, one cannot deny the fact that nursing is one of the largest fields of healthcare industry in that offer ample job opportunities. In fact, the career opportunities in nursing are greater and more varied than ever before. The health care field has become more complex and specialized. However, with the increase in this complexity, these days more and more nurses are finding more rewarding careers apart from the traditional hospital setting.  So if you are one of those who have a desire to help others or feel a great satisfaction in helping other people who always need your assistance, check out some of the popular careers in nursing that you can enjoy once you complete your nursing degree -

Surgical Nurse- It is one of the few professions in nursing sector that is high in demand.  Working as a surgical nurse your work responsibility may revolve around preparing patients before surgery and helping the surgeon in the operating room.  Adding to this, you may also be responsible for ensuring that the operating rooms are ready, and well equipped with the essential medical equipments and tools.  It terms of job outlook, it is one of the few careers that may enjoy the largest projected rate of growth in comparison to any other occupation.

Forensic Nurse- Over the last few years, the progress in the growing field of forensic science has created a new and wide platform for forensic nursing.  It is yet another emerging career in the field of nursing.  It can be the ideal option for you if you are looking forward to getting bigger beyond your core nursing abilities and turn out to be experts in clinical diagnosis.  In terms of job responsibilities, you may require to work with law enforcement officials and aid in the inquiry of crimes like accidental death, assault or abuse.  Apart from this, at times you may also require to treat the sufferers of these crimes.

Clinical Nurse Specialist- This is another specialized nursing field and one of the most advanced careers in the field of nursing.  The key feature that makes this profession different from others is that the role of the clinical nurse specialist is not limited to patient care.  As a clinical nurse specialist, you may even require to discuss with or educate your respective staff for quality improvement and decrease medical errors.

Legal Nurse Consultant- If you are planning to be a nurse, but have an inclination towards working in courtrooms and emergency rooms then this career can be the best option.  With specialized training and your RN license, you can make your career as a legal nurse consultant.  This is one of the few professions in nursing where you as a nurse consultant serve as a connection between health care and legal settings.  Working as a legal nurse consultant, you may require reviewing the medical accounts for attorneys and help them decide whether any sort of medical malpractice has occurred in a particular case or not.

Emergency Department/Trauma Center Nurse- With some specialized training and your RN license, you can also make and enjoy your career as a trauma center nurse.  Working as a trauma center nurse, in most of the occasions you could be the foremost individual to witness a seriously injured patient and so your key responsibility may include the triaging the patient and further evaluating the degree of his or her injuries.  Apart from all this, you may even require performing different medical measures like observing, controlling medications, drawing blood and placing nasogastric tubes.

Gerontologist- This is yet another and one of the most emerging careers in the field of nursing.  This career provides ample scope for you interact with and provide assistance to older adults.  It is one of the few professions that offer ample opportunities to work in various settings like government agencies, retirement communities, nursing homes and even long-term institutional care.  Today if we look at the job prospects in this profession, it is better than other professions and in the next few years even expected to increase further.

Today no doubt, nursing is a career where rewards are great and in long-term career race you may experience deep contentment in assisting those who always needed your help.  Doctors generally prescribe medicines, but it is nurse who actually performs and guides the patient to medicines.

Learn more about getting your nursing degree.

Money isn’t everything in a career, but for many people, it’s the driving force behind their decision to stay in a current job, search for a new one, or accept or decline a job offer.  Looking for a job with an adequate salary is difficult.  It depends on the current job market — which today is not great — where you live, your skill set, your experience level and, perhaps most importantly, your job duties.

Here are 20 jobs projected to have high salary growth this year.  The percentage listed for each occupation is the amount the salary increased compared to last year’s salary.  The list is based on an analysis of data from the Occupational Employment Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Oral pathologists study the nature, cause and development of diseases associated with mouth.
Current salary: $188,577
Last year: $159,759
Percent increase: 6.83

2. Social medical researchers conduct research for use in understanding social problems and for planning and carrying out social welfare programs.
Current salary: $80,151
Last year: $68,480
Increase: 6.65

3. Pharmacologists conduct experiments to determine how drugs and other substances affect organ and tissues.
Current salary: $99,370
Last year: $90,012 
Percent increase: 5.35

4. Toxicologists research the toxic effects products and ingredients have on living organisms.
Current salary: $70,273
Last year: $63,655
Percent increase: 5.35

5. Vocational training teachers teach personal, social and professional skills that meet the needs, interest and abilities of disabled students.
Current salary: $57,401
Last year: $52,982
Percent increase: 4.93

6. Academic deans develop academic policies and programs for college or universities, as well as scheduling courses and making course recommendations for students.
Current salary: $100,771
Last year: $93,126    
Percent increase: 4.9

7. Social psychologists diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral and emotional problems using different types of therapies.   
Current salary: $85, 766
Last year: $79,272
Percent increase: 4.9

8. Early childhood development teachers use activities to promote social, physical and intellectual growth for children in child development facilities.
Current salary: $37,072
Last year: $34,418    
Percent increase: 4.8

9. Insurance sales agents sell insurance of all kinds to new, prospective and current clients.      
Current salary: $52,743
Last year: $49,121
Percent increase: 4.73

10. Credit representatives investigate customer complaints about service, billing or credit rating. They determine the accuracy of customer complaints and the company’s responsibility for errors.
Current salary: $45,875
Last year: $43,092
Percent increase: 4.53

11. Facilities managers oversee all things concerned with the operation, repair, maintenance and construction of facilities, equipment, buildings and grounds.
Current salary: $94,491
Last year: $89,262
Percent increase: 4.38

12. Software quality assurance testers develop and maintain quality assurance testing methods and systems to make sure computer software applications work correctly.
Current salary: $75,129
Last year: $71,481
Percent increase: 4.23

13. Financial securities clerks perform duties involving computing and recording data on security transactions.        
Current salary: $41,464
Last year: $39,459
Percent increase: 4.2

14. Food and beverage order clerks receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads or services, as well as informing customers of payment information and preparing contracts.  
Current salary: $29,607
Last year: $28,213
Percent increase: 4.18

15. Computer network analysts investigate and control the technical architecture of local area networks and wide area networks, in addition to recommending telecommunications and data network systems.
Current salary: $86,402
Last year: $82,809
Percent increase: 4.05

16. Purchasing directors plan and direct the purchase of goods and services, and oversee employees who buy and grade merchandise or services offered for sale. They also develop and implement purchasing policies, procedures and guidelines.
Current salary: $126,021
Last year: $120,850
Percent increase: 4.03

17. Public accountants perform general accounting, auditing, tax and consulting activities for their clients, which vary from corporations or governments to nonprofit organizations or individuals.
Current salary: $72,607
Last year: $69,670
Percent increase: 4

18. Accounts receivable managers ensure an accurate accounts receivable system, tracing and reconciling errors, correcting billing records, processing final bills, collecting accounts due, adjusting customer claims and more.
Current salary: $78,966
Last year: $75,797
Percent increase: 4

19. Government fire marshals determine causes of fires and explosions, especially when arson or other criminal acts are suspected, and enforce fire laws.
Current salary: $60,775
Last year: $58,336
Percent increase: 4

20. Retail store managers supervise sales workers in a retail establishment or department, and may perform management duties like purchasing, budgeting and accounting.    
Current salary: $66,966
Last year: $64,998
Percent increase: 2.9

For job seekers without a four-year degree, breaking the $25-an-hour barrier can be a challenge.  But with more technical certification and associate’s degree programs than ever, many well-paying career options are accessible in a broad range of industries.

The following is a list of lucrative careers for those without a four-year degree, presented with median annual salary data.  That figure is then broken down to an hourly rate by dividing by 2080, the typical number of working hours in a year.

1. Sales director
“If you are interested in a career change, but do not want to commit to further education, consider a sales career.  Sales directors oversee sales staff to help meet objectives, plan and implement sales programs, and work to maintain budgets, among many other duties.  While formal training is not a requirement for this position, sales experience and an outgoing personality are vital, according to Abboud.  Successful sales persons can often have the opportunity to climb the career ladder to increasingly lucrative management positions.

Sales director: $91,900/ $44 per hour

2. Security administrators, computer network
“As technology increases its reach, cyber crime is becoming a major concern for companies, Security administrators work to prevent, troubleshoot, and repair security breaches while educating network users on cyber safety. Certification or relevant experience is essential to entry to this field, especially in absence of a four-year degree.

Security administrators, computer network: $72,000/ $35 per hour

3. Elevator installer/repairer
Elevator assembly, installation and maintenance are the main responsibilities of this position. Participating in an apprenticeship program coupled with paid on-the-job training is the standard, and workers must pass a licensing exam. Union membership is typically required by employers, and unions can help to ensure an excellent salary, benefits, and pension.

4. Real estate broker
Usually commission-based, real estate brokers’ salaries are sensitive to shifts in the economy.  Despite the current real estate market, many in the industry are predicting a resurgence in salary in 2010 with the extension of the housing tax credit.  Brokers are tasked with understanding real estate markets, performing transactions, and advising buyers on their financing options.  Additionally, real estate brokers must pass a written exam and maintain a license.

Real estate broker: $65,400/ $31 per hour

5. Nuclear medicine technologist
“Nuclear medicine technologists administer a type of drug called radiopharmaceuticals to patients and create diagnostic images that ultimately determine the presence of a disease.  With an increasingly large middle-aged and elderly population and advances in technology, job growth for nuclear medicine technologists is likely to remain steady.  A certificate or an associate’s degree is needed, and a license is a requirement for many employers and states.

Nuclear medicine technologist: $64,100/ $31 per hour

6. Radiation therapist
Administering radiation treatment to cancer patients is the main role of a radiation therapist.  As radiation therapists continue to be a critical part of the medical radiation oncology team, it will translate into an uptick of jobs . There is also room for personal advancement in this field, with opportunities that include teaching and research. Training through an associate’s degree or certification program is necessary, and a license is required in many states.

Radiation therapist: $63,500 / $31 per hour

7. Construction manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of structures, facilities, and systems, and are often on call around the clock.  On-the-job construction experience and/or completing a construction management certification program provide entry to this position.

Construction manager: $63,400/ $30 per hour

8. Air traffic controller
As an air traffic controller, your job will be dedicated to keeping the skies safe.  It is a very demanding and rewarding occupation.  Providing an essential role in aviation, air traffic controllers ensure that planes maintain a safe distance between each other and help to coordinate efficient scheduling.

With most positions employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers must complete a FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test.

Air traffic controller: $63,000/ $30 per hour

9. Video game designer
Video game designers create the storyline and structure of a video game and determine the rules of play.  They typically need to possess an understanding of software design and computer programming, and a degree or certification from a technical school can provide an advantage.  Although currently at a point of high popularity, video games tend to go through phases of increased and decreased popularity.

Video game designer: $62,300/ $30 per hour

10. MRI technologist
MRI technologists train in programs available through hospitals, colleges and universities to earn a certificate or associate’s degree.  With more doctors’ offices and clinics providing diagnostic services, demand is higher than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Health care will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry.”

MRI technologist: $61,000/ $29 per hour

As the economy continues to effect jobs and unemployment, there are still jobs that are growing and can earn you great salaries.  The average salaries of these Top 10 Jobs range from $29,000 annually to approximately $86,000 per year and six of them are in health care.

1. Nursing- The need for nurses is expected to grow considerably as our population continues to age. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and nursing homes will need nurses with a bachelor’s degree or an associates degree from an approved nursing program. There are 2.5 million nurses in the US and their average annual salary was over $62,000 in 2007.

2.   Physical Therapy Assistant- After a personal or work related injury or during a       long-term chronic condition of arthritis and other joint problems, people require the services of qualified Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. Physical Therapy Assistant has an average salary of over $44,000 according to the US Department of Labor.

3.    Dental Hygienist- Dental hygienists have begun to take on more of the dentist’s duties in the latter part of the 20thcentury.  This was a departure from the days in which a dentist did all the work himself/herself in a private practice. Qualified hygienists can perform dental cleanings, X-rays, and other treatment and prevention measures. A vocational school, community college, university, or online dental hygiene class allows professionals to enter a career set to grow over 30% in the next decade, as national populations increase in size. In 2007, hygienists earned an average of about $65,000 or more per year.

4.    Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are growing in major metropolitan areas that have an ongoing program of revitalization in the urban or downtown districts. Counselors are needed to help individuals and families to find living wage jobs and the support services they need in order to succeed in becoming – or staying – independent and contributing member citizens of their towns.
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Are you considering starting a degree or program at a college or university, but you are not sure where to start.  Follow these 10 tips to choosing the right college or university for you:

1. Investigate and request information from several online colleges
2. Don’t eliminate an online college or university just because you don’t recognize the name
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions-put together a list of questions before talking with admissions representatives.
4. Don’t rule out a college immediately because of cost. Financial aid, credit for life experience, scholarships, and tuition payment plans may make a college or university far more affordable and within your reach.
5. Don’t “blow off” or ignore any admissions representatives who may call you. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their online degree programs.
6. Take good notes when you read college brochures and speak with admissions representatives.
7. Do not be discouraged or intimidated by financial aid forms. Most online colleges have staff members who will be happy to help you.
8. Do not settle on the first seemingly appropriate online degree program you discover. For instance, a general business program might not serve you as well as a program with a focus in accounting, marketing, management, etc. Also, a more general, broadly based degree program in business may better meet your needs.
9. Don’t keep your interest in continuing your education a secret. Talk to friends, family members, and colleagues so they can share their experiences and offer you important encouragement and support.
10. Don’t be intimidated by returning to school. The fact is, if you are motivated, and if you have the support of your closest family members and friends, your chances of achieving your degree and career goals are very high.

Learn more about the educational programs available today.

1.  Clearly Define Why You Are Attending College

Many college students really don’t have a clear reason for being there other than the fact that they don’t know what else to do yet.  Many family have a college education as a goal for their children.  The question is–is  your goal?

2. Imagine your ideal college experience

Once you know why you’re going to college, imagine your ideal outcome.  Whether you’ve already started college or are ready to start college, take a few minutes to  write down the attributes of your ideal experience.  Describe it in as much detail as possible.

3. Take at least one extra class each semester

Students are taught that 12-15 semester units (3-5 classes) is a “full” schedule, but that’s actually a pretty light schedule.   A person with a full-time job will put in a good 40+ hours per week, and students enjoy every possible vacation day plus spring break, winter break, and summer vacation.  If you want to spend four or more years in college, add more degrees or get a job on the side.  Don’t feel you have to go at a snail’s pace just because everyone else does.

4. Set clear goals for each class

Decide what you want out of each specific class.  Is this a subject you’re eager to learn?  Do you want to target this teacher for a letter of recommendation?  Is this a required class you must take but which doesn’t otherwise interest you?

Your goals for each class should determined how often you show up, whether I’d sit in the front or the back, how actively I’d participate, and even the type of relationship  you  establish with the professor.

5. Manage you time according to your goals

Many students realize they don’t need to put the same amount of effort into every class.    You many put extra effort into a class if it’s important to you or it fulfills specific goals you have set for yourself.  Also many students realize that subjects and classes that are easier or come more easily to them as students, require less effort.  Feel free to evaluate and manage your time by a set of goals and standards.

6.Get an early start to each day

We’ve heard this all our lives–the early bird that gets the worm.  Many student find that setting an early morning routine gives them more time to accomplish their goals and sets the tone for their entire day.

7. Reclaim wasted time during your classes

Not every class is going to require your utmost concentration–some professors babble, discuss irrelevant material, or reiterate materials from previous classes.  Many students evaluate what percentage of class time requires their complete, focused attention?  For some classes it may be 90%…for others it’s 30%.   If you aren’t actively learning during class, you’re wasting time.  If a class is really challenging, sit in the front and soak up every word.

8. Learn material the very first time it’s presented

One of the biggest time wasters in school is having to relearn something you didn’t learn properly the first time.  When students say they’re studying, most of the time they’re making up for a previous failure to learn the material.  So, take the time to learn the material the first time–it’s a big time saver.

9.Master advanced memory techniques.

One of the keys to learning material the first time it’s taught is to train yourself in advanced memory techniques.   There are many classes that require pure memory.  Advance memory tools can be as simple as memorizing everything a professor writes on the blackboard or as advance as using memory techniques to “trick” your mind into remembering complex names, dates, etc.

10. Learn to have some serious fun

When you challenge yourself academically, don’t give yourself plenty of time for fun as well.  Don’t squander your leisure time hanging around doing nothing.  Go out and do something active that will blow off steam and increase your energy.

Learn more about the college and universities that fit your education goals.

While many new grads tend to look for jobs near their college or hometowns, scores of them are considering moving to cities they might not have when they entered school four or five years ago.

A new list of top cities for college graduates  is based on the ranking of the top U.S. cities with the highest concentration of young adults (age 20 - 24) from the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), inventory of jobs requiring less than one year of experience and the average cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment.

1. Indianapolis
Average rent:* $625

2. Philadelphia
Average rent: $1,034

3. Baltimore
Average rent: $1,130

4. Cincinnati
Average rent: $691

5. Cleveland
Average rent: $686

6. New York
Average rent: $1,548

7. Phoenix
Average rent: $747

8. Denver
Average rent: $877

9. Chicago
Average rent: $1,133

10.  San Antonio
Average rent: $696

For more information on education and education related information check out edulocate.com.

1. Investigate and request information from several online colleges
2. Don’t eliminate an online college or university just because you don’t recognize the name
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions-put together a list of questions before talking with admissions representatives.
4. Don’t rule out a college immediately because of cost. Financial aid, credit for life experience, scholarships, and tuition payment plans may make a college or university far more affordable and within your reach.
5. Don’t “blow off” or ignore any admissions representatives who may call you. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their online degree programs.
6. Take good notes when you read college brochures and speak with admissions representatives.
7. Do not be discouraged or intimidated by financial aid forms. Most online colleges have staff members who will be happy to help you.
8. Do not settle on the first seemingly appropriate online degree program you discover. For instance, a general business program might not serve you as well as a program with a focus in accounting, marketing, management, etc. Also, a more general, broadly based degree program in business may better meet your needs.
9. Don’t keep your interest in continuing your education a secret. Talk to friends, family members, and colleagues so they can share their experiences and offer you important encouragement and support.
10. Don’t be intimidated by returning to school. The fact is, if you are motivated, and if you have the support of your closest family members and friends, your chances of achieving your degree and career goals are very high.

As the economy tightens during the recession, there are still jobs that are growing and can earn you great salaries.  The average salaries of these Top 10 Jobs range from $29,000 annually to approximately $86,000 per year and six of them are in healthcare

1. Nursing- The need for nurses is expected to grow considerably as our population continues to age. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and nursing homes will need nurses with a bachelor’s degree or an associates degree from an approved nursing program. There are 2.5 million nurses in the US and their average annual salary was over $62,000 in 2007.

2.   Physical Therapy Assistant- After a personal or work related injury or during a       long-term chronic condition of arthritis and other joint problems, people require the services of qualified Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. Physical Therapy Assistant has an average salary of over $44,000 according to the US Department of Labor.

3.    Dental Hygienist- Dental hygienists have begun to take on more of the dentist’s duties in the latter part of the 20thcentury.  This was a departure from the days in which a dentist did all the work himself/herself in a private practice. Qualified hygienists can perform dental cleanings, X-rays, and other treatment and prevention measures. A vocational school, community college, university, or online dental hygiene class allows professionals to enter a career set to grow over 30% in the next decade, as national populations increase in size. In 2007, hygienists earned an average of about $65,000 or more per year.

4.    Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are growing in major metropolitan areas that have an ongoing program of revitalization in the urban or downtown districts. Counselors are needed to help individuals and families to find living wage jobs and the support services they need in order to succeed in becoming – or staying – independent and contributing member citizens of their towns.
Read the rest of this entry »

There is a major shortage in nurses in this country today.  Hospitals already have budget to hire nurses, however there are not enough people to fill all the available positions. Be one of those people that retrain themselves to get a better job with a higher salary a lead a more fulfilling life.  By going back to school and getting your nursing degree and associated credentials, these 10 positions are just a few examples of the nursing jobs that are available and waiting to be filled.

1) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $135,000 -A Nurse Anesthetist, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a licensed professional nurse who provides the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist (MD). After completing a nursing degree and associated credentials, CRNAs become nationally certified; they may then practice in all 50 states. Working closely with other health care professionals such as surgeons, dentists, podiatrists and anesthesiologists, a CRNA takes care of a patient’s anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery or the delivery of a baby by:

* Performing a physical assessment
* Participating in preoperative teaching
* Preparing for anesthetic management
* Administering anesthesia to keep the patient pain free
* Maintaining anesthesia intra-operatively
* Overseeing recovery from anesthesia
* Following the patient’s postoperative course from recovery room to patient care unit
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