A noticeable pattern has developed in the health care industry... Workers keep getting hired.

Health care providers added 24,000 new jobs in October 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, while averaging an increase of 20,000 jobs per month over the past year. Health care's hot track record for hiring isn't a recent occurrence. It's actually part of a much more long-term trend, says John Canally, an economist and investment strategist at Boston-based LPL Financial.

"Health care added 700,000 jobs from December 2007, when the recession started, to October 2010," says Canally. "No other job sector did that."

Looking for a stable career with a variety of training options? Here are some to consider: 

Medical Assistant
Medical assistants with administrative expertise help keep doctor's offices and clinics running smoothly. Those with clinical backgrounds do everything from taking vital signs to sterilizing medical instruments.

Why it's hot: Americans are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. That means more patients and more job opportunities for medical assistants. In fact, the profession is projected to add nearly 164,000 medical assisting jobs between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS.

What it pays: Medical assistants have an average salary of $29,450.*

Medical Records Technician
Technicians in the health care field assemble patient records, medical histories, and test results for service providers.

Why it's hot: As our population continues to expand, more medical technicians are needed to handle an ever-increasing amount of tests, treatments, and medical procedures. Medical records technician job opportunities are expected to grow by more than 35,000 during the 10-year period ending in 2018. 

What it pays: Medical records technicians have an average yearly salary of $33,880.

Registered Nurse (RN)
Even in a massive industry like health care, the impact that the nursing profession has on the job market is substantial. RNs held some 2.6 million jobs in 2008 - mostly in hospitals - and the opportunities for work continue to rise.

Why it's hot: Technological advancements in patient care and a growing interest in preventative health measures are accelerating the need for new nurses. Nearly 600,000 new nursing jobs are expected to open between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

What it pays: RNs have an average annual salary of $66,530.

*Average annual salaries as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009.

Article By: Tony Moton, www.yahoo.com

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