Top 5 (G)

The Path To A Career That Pays

Job #1 - Medical Assistant
If you're looking for an in-demand job, look into medical assisting. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it's one of the fastest growing occupations.
Step 1: Get EducatedComplete a one-year certificate program or two-year associate's degree in medical assisting. Both paths can get you into the workforce quickly.
Step 2: Get CertifiedTake the American Association of Medical Assistants exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant. Certification isn't always required, but it will qualify you for more positions.
Step 3: Get PaidThe top ten percent of medical assistants earn an average of $39,570 per year.
Search for Medical Assisting training programs near you.
Job #2 - Accountant
Accounting is another field with growth and great pay. According to the Department of Labor, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Step 1: Get EducatedYou'll need at least an associate's degree in accounting to get into this field. (A bachelor's degree will open up more opportunities.) The good thing is that accounting is a diverse field: You can catch white-collar criminals as a special agent with the FBI, help people get a handle on their personal finances, or audit major corporations.
Step 2: Get CertifiedPassing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam shows you have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to qualify for more advanced positions and bigger clients, most of whom require this credential.
Step 3: Get PaidAccountants and auditors earn an average of $59,430 per year.
Search for Accounting degree programs now.
Job #3 - Registered Nurse
Nursing is a versatile, in-demand career that pays well. In fact, the top 10 percent of nurses earn more than $92,240 per year. So how can you start working and gaining experience quickly without sacrificing your shot at the best jobs?
Step 1: Get EducatedGet the classroom and clinical experience needed to prepare for a registered nurse (RN) job with a nursing diploma or two-year associate's degree in nursing program.
Step 2: Get LicensedEach state requires RNs to pass a licensing exam. Once you're licensed, you'll be able to work in a hospital, medical office, or anywhere else health services are provided.
Step 3: Get Paid (and build your career)Now that you're on the job, you can use the education and experience you already have to earn an online bachelor's degree in an RN-to-BSN program, which could help you qualify for more positions.
Search for Nursing programs near you now.
Job #4 - Paralegal
Paralegals perform work that is challenging, varied, and lucrative. According to the Department of Labor, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 28 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Step 1: Get EducatedTrain to start your paralegal career quickly with a paralegal certificate, which can sometimes be completed in a few months. Another route is an associate's degree in paralegal studies.
Step 2: Get CertifiedSeveral national organizations offer certification after passing a test. Although not all jobs require certification, and you can start working without it, certification will make you a more attractive job candidate and put you on a faster career track.
Step 3: Get PaidParalegals who work for the executive branch of the federal government earn an average of $58,540 per year.
Find Paralegal programs near you.
Job #5 - Computer Programmer
Computers are a huge part of our daily lives, so it makes sense that the demand for people to write the programs that run on our laptops and cell phones is growing.
Step 1: Get EducatedEarn a bachelor's degree in computer science. This degree is the starting point for most programmers. Once you've been on the job for a while, you might consider a master's degree as well.
Step 2: Get Certified (in a programming language) Depending on what kind of programming you do, you'll need expertise in a programming language like C++ or HTML. Receiving certification through a school-based program will show that you really know your stuff. If you're already on the job, check with your employer…they may even cover the cost!
Step 3: Get PaidComputer programmers who work for software publishers had an annual average salary of $81,780 in 2008.
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