Despite the difficulties of finding employment in certain industries during these tough economic times, there is hope. Some areas of work, such as the health field, offer very promising job potential without the rigorous and lengthy training requires to become a doctor or nurse. Medical careers are predicted to be in growth mode, and you may want to explore a new career in it. You may become a lifesaver.

Two careers which are expected to experience greater than average job growth for the next few years are EMT and paramedics. Both of these jobs require good communication skills and an ability to make fast decisions which can save lives. They provide lifesaving patient support as the first on scene of an accident or health emergency.

These jobs are not for everyone, even with a good work ethic. One must be able to withstand the considerable physical demands of these positions. Of course, the sight of blood must not cause you to faint. One must be able to handle harsh weather conditions, and the real drama of life and death situations.

Emergency Medical Technician is the full title of the EMT. One must seek out a course at a local college, and should plan on at least three months of study to reach the first of several skill levels. There is then a certification test which must be passed in order to begin work with a hospital, fire station or private ambulance service.

Once you are an EMT, becoming a firefighter may become a goal. In this case, it is advisable to begin the more extensive training required to reach paramedic status. This may involve a year or so of work. The class time and in-the-field experience may vary from place to place, but can take over one thousand hours of study and hard work. The result of all the effort will be that you can personally and dramatically act on people who need emergency medical treatment. You might deliver a baby, save a drowning victim, or perform any number of procedures while the patient is in transit.

If the examples above are too demanding for your potential medical career, you may consider many other offshoots within health care. Training may be required, but you could soon find employment as a dietitian, an imaging technician, or another of the many in-demand jobs that are hiring today.

Chris Tompkins has been a medical writer for twenty years including covering the refurbished medical equipment market and careers in the medical industry.