Let’s continue looking into alternative career pathways that could be right for you!

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Work Readiness
Published: Monday, 24 Jan 2022

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Information Security Analysts

Job details: Everything is online these days and that means cyber security is needed to protect all types of threats. Information security analysts are responsible for detecting these threats and helping prevent them at both technical (hardware and software) and human levels. With 17 NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence, Maryland has more nationally recognized colleges than any other state for Information Security Analysts!

Where to study: Montgomery College

Growth: According to bls.gov, “ Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.” This is because cyberattacks are on the rise and analysts are needed to come up with clever solutions to stop hackers in their tracks.

Major: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as Cybersecurity

Potential salary: The median annual salary in 2020 was $103,590

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Job details: Our vulnerable populations need the most support and these include the elderly and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Home health and personal care aides help these individuals live as normally as possible by helping them with their daily living activities and routines.

Where to study: Anne Arundel Community College

Growth: With our population growing and aging, the demand for home health and personal care aides is on the rise. According to bls.gov, “ About 599,800 openings for home health and personal care aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.” Did you know, there are over 12,000 home health care agencies in the US alone!

Major: Depending on the area where you work, you may need to pass a certified test. Generally, only a high school diploma or equivalent is needed.

Potential salary: The median annual wage for home health and personal care aides was $27,080 in May 2020.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Job details: If you enjoy leading others then this could potentially be a career pathway for you. Medical and health services managers are responsible for the planning and coordination of business activities of healthcare providers. This means leading teams in hospitals and nursing homes, and possibly medical practices. Fun fact: you don’t need a medical degree to work in this field. Strong leadership skills are more important!

Where to study: Towson University

Growth: According to bls.gov, “The employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

Major: Healthcare and related fields, such as Health Administration, Nursing or Public Policy.

Potential salary: $104,280 per year

Data Scientist

Job details: It’s a fact: technology is changing our lives. But what if we could make predictions or solve problems based on business trends and data? That’s what data science is all about. It’s a new type of career pathway but it combines computer science, business, and statistics studies, making it one of the most sought-after careers today. 33% of the data analyzed is images, 15% is video, and 11% is audio!

Where to study: Loyola University of Maryland

Growth: According to bls.gov, “ About 3,200 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade” — that’s higher than the national average for most careers.

Major: Data Science

Potential salary: $103,930 is the median salary as of today.

Physician Assistants

Job details: When it comes to medicine and helping people out, most people think of doctors and nurses. But did you know that physician assistants are just as qualified? Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their responsibilities, PAs can carry out physical examinations, treat illnesses, give advice on health care, assist in surgery, and in most states can even write prescriptions.

Where to study: The University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) and Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

Growth: Health care is poised to experience the greatest employment growth of any sector in the U.S. over the next few years. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics is predicting the field will experience 19% growth across the nation by 2024. Additionally, the demand for physician assistants is projected to grow 30% from 2014 to 2024. (Don’t get the name wrong! Physician assistants are not assistants to physicians!)

College major: Any bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally recognized institution is acceptable. All students must apply through The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for all PA programs.

Potential salary: Physician assistants made a median salary of $115,390 in 2020.