Fastest-growing careers are in healthcare

While the economic downturn has hit many job sectors hard, the healthcare industry is steady. Better than steady, it's thriving.

The Labor Department predicts nearly two million openings from 2008 to 2018 for nurses, orderlies and medical assistants alone. The increasing longevity of the U.S. population is behind the more than 50% increase in projected health-care positions.

Strong opportunities for employment can be an enticement, but shouldn't be the only reason behind a career decision. In "100 Fastest-Growing Careers," author Michael Farr identifies occupations with the highest projected growth through 2018 and offers realistic descriptions of the work.

Here are some fast-growing fields outside of healthcare:

• Teachers (32% growth);
• Computer network, systems, and database administrators (30% growth);
• Market and survey researchers (28% growth);
• Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (28% growth);
• Accountants and auditors (22% growth);
• Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists (22% growth); and
• Computer software engineers and computer programmers (21% growth).