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North Texans are currently revisiting the meaning of the term "dog days of summer," with the unemployment situation adding another dimension altogether. A June 11 student survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers revealed that "less than 20 percent of 2009 grads who have applied for a job actually have one in hand." Additionally, widespread employment reductions have released thousands more job seekers, many in mid-career, into the candidate pools.
You might feel the urge to travel to the Great White North to escape the Texas heat, but you don’t need to move to Canada or Alaska to find work. While taking heart in the fact that the weather will be cooling down in another month or so, think about adding a bit more education to your resume. Certificate programs, completion programs, and associate degrees can take your career — and your confidence — to the next level. To help you get started, we sought the advice of some top colleges and universities in the area to compile a Top 5 List of in-demand jobs, with median annual income levels for the Fort Worth/Dallas area from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1. Medical Assistant or Dental Assistant Median annualincome: $25,000-31,000It’s no secret that the healthcare field is booming, and you can earn a certificate in medical or dental assisting in less than a year. Concorde Career Institute in Arlington offers eight-month programs, and Weatherford College has similar programs that take a few more months to complete. While the beginning salary is low, medical and dental assisting provide a quick ticket into the healthcare field, where job security is high and career development is promising.2. Medical Laboratory Technologist Median annual income: $49,000Shorter medical programs of study at community colleges — two years or less — are also available for the technically inclined, but if you already have an AAS degree and would like to become more competitive, consider the bachelor of applied sciences program in health studies at Texas Woman’s University, available 100 percent online. "The advantage of the bachelor’s of applied science (BAS) degree is that many healthcare settings are now requiring a bachelor’s degree," said Dr. Gay James, professor and chair of the TWU Department of Health Studies. "Individuals can advance in their current careers or eventually apply for master’s programs in their respective fields."3. Mathematics or Science TeacherMedian annual income: $48,000Career redirection often leads people into teaching, with many graduates returning to school to obtain a teaching certificate. If you are fortunate enough to have a degree in math or science, the lines are open with no waiting. Dr. Pam Williford, dean of the Irvin School of Education at Hardin-Simmons University, said, "Some districts will even hire people with a degree on a temporary basis until they can get the teaching certificate to continue teaching."
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