Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) If you enjoy working closely with people, an LPN career could be a great option for you. LPNs are largely responsible for monitoring patient status and reporting as needed to physicians.
Growth: Employment for LPNs is expected to grow by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Follow the trend: To pursue this career, consider enrolling in an LPN program, which generally takes one year to complete, according to the Department of Labor.*
Average earning potential: $41,360** 

If you'd like to get started in a career that has enormous employment potential, consider medical assisting. Medical assistants could perform a variety of tasks from scheduling appointments to performing diagnostic tests.
Growth: The U.S. Department of Labor deems medical assisting one of the fastest-growing careers between 2008 and 2018, with growth projected to exceed 30 percent.
Follow the trend: By enrolling in a medical assisting associate's degree program, you could qualify to pursue opportunities in this field in approximately two years.*
Average earning potential: $29,760**