A Growing Need for Higher Education

Do you really need a college degree? More and more, the answer is yes. In today's competitive job market, employers put a higher value on candidates with college degrees. But it’s not just about getting a job. Your ultimate goal is a job in which you can advance over time—can gain promotion to higher positions, and increase your salary. And the numbers plainly tell us that college graduates have far more successful careers—and earn more money!—over the course of their working life than do non-graduates.

For many professions, a higher degree is required because it's a way for employers to ensure you have the right training and expertise. In the market of high-paying, in-demand jobs, most require at least a Bachelors degree. The cold truth is that, for many of the truly lucrative and satisfying careers out there, a college-level degree is necessary just to get in the door.

Set your goals. Every door opens to a different job, however, and it's up to you to discover which profession you want to pursue. No matter how much you know about your career goals, making a list is often a helpful way to see your options. Below is a list of the 20 fastest-growing jobs in the United States:

  • Home Health Aides
  • Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts
  • Medical Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Computer Software Engineers, Applications
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
  • Dental Assistants
  • Personal and Home Care Aides
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  • Database Administrators
  • Physical Therapists
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  • Physical Therapist Aides
  • Occupational Therapist Assistants
  • Medical Scientists
  • Occupational Therapists

Each of these professions is on the rise, and predicted by the U.S. Department of Labor to continue its growth in the coming years. But as you can see, every job on the list that doesn't require a higher degree has the word “Aid” or “Assistant” in it. These are all good jobs. However, if you’re to gain entrance into a career with true upward mobility—a career that will grow as you grow—a college degree is the way to go.

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