The only jobs that are easy to get in this economy are the nepotistic ones, and even those are harder to justify amid furloughs and layoffs and hiring freezes. Some jobs, especailly in the healthcare field, may be easier to get--they have a higher volume of openings compared with other occupations, and there's a strong likelihood of continued growth in openings over the next decade or so.
The following healthcare jobs represent options with higher availability in recent months--thanks, in part, to data on postings by job title measured by job sites LinkUp, Indeed, and Simply Hired--as well as easier training requirements and less turnover than others. For a longer-term outlook, we also considered the Labor Department's list of jobs with the most openings projected through 2016.
Physical therapist/physical therapy assistant:
Just as the baby boom generation is aging, the need for physical therapy is growing. Physical therapists boast an unemployment rate far below the national average, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, and openings for physical therapists were among the most available at job search sites in recent months. But the job requires an advanced degree.
Second best is the job of physical therapy assistant. Physical therapy assistants work under the oversight of a physical therapist. While they don't have the advantage of being able to open their own practices, they do have fewer education requirements. Assistants generally complete two-year associate's degrees. The median income is $42,000, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Indeed.com, which culls job listings from other websites, including job boards and newspapers, found that the occupation of physical therapy assistant saw one of the largest increases in openings in the first quarter over the previous quarter.
Registered nurse:
While the once seemingly recessionproof healthcare industry has witnessed a hiring slowdown in the first quarter this year, nursing is still one of the most promising occupations for employment. There were nearly 2.5 million nurses employed in 2007 and the Labor Department ranks nursing among the top five occupations with the most openings projected through 2016. It's also the top job opening on LinkUp. Not only are many nurses reaching retirement age, the aging of the baby boom generation promises to beef up business for the nation's healthcare providers. An associate's degree is sufficient for many nursing positions, although a bachelor's of nursing or master's in nursing will provide greater opportunity.
(c) 2009 U.S. News & World Report
