Search 4 career colleges

Searching for jobs can be a whole lot easier when employers are already searching for you. Jobs in healthcare make up at least 5 of the fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics November 2007 Monthly Labor Review. That means that getting training in health care could take the ache out of your future job search. Check out the careers below that made the cut.

Dental assistants
What they do:
Dental assistants work closely with both dentists and patients. They perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties under the supervision of dentists. Assistants make patients comfortable and prepare them for treatment.

Getting the training you’ll need:
For the best opportunities, you can get training in dental assisting programs offered by community colleges, junior colleges, career colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Most dental assisting programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.

Dental hygienist
What they do:
Dental hygienists educate patients on good oral hygiene. On the job, they remove soft and hard deposits from teeth and provide preventive dental care. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, and record any diseases or abnormalities.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Most dental hygiene programs grant an associate degree, although some also offer a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is usually required for practice in a private dental office. Many career colleges offer dental hygienist programs.

Medical Assistants
What they do:
Medical assistants keep the offices of health practitioners running smoothly. They usually perform administrative and clinical tasks. However, the duties of medical assistants vary according to their place of employment.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, career colleges, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs lasting 1 year usually result in a certificate or diploma. Training in 2-year programs usually results in an associate degree.

Pharmacy technicians
What they do:
Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed Pharmacists to provide medication and other health care products to patients. The duties performed by pharmacy technicians working in retail or mail-order pharmacies vary according to state rules and regulations.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Although most pharmacy technicians continue to receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. Many career colleges and other postsecondary schools offer training programs leading to certification.

Physical therapist assistants
What they do:
Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and patients. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, they help provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients.

Getting the training you’ll need:
In many states, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. Career colleges, community colleges and other postsecondary vocational schools offer programs that include both academic and hands-on clinical experience.