NSU Horizons Winter 2008 - 2009

27 horizons T he academic programs offered at Nova Southeastern University prepare students for an unlimited variety of career opportunities. But, knowing what are considered “hot jobs” based on the current market is invaluable for today’s job seekers. The 10 hot jobs identified here meet the criteria mentioned above—and, best of all, NSU can prepare you for every one. Occupational Therapist Occupational therapists (OTs) help people live as fully and independently as possible. OTs teach and train patients with disabilities to enable them to maximize their life skills and abilities. The majority work in hospitals or visit patients at home. Nearly one-third work in schools, where they might help autistic children. This career choice made U.S. News & World Report ’s 2008 list of the “31 Best Careers.” “Our graduates rarely have difficulty finding desired positions, and some employers offer signing or tuition reim- bursement bonuses,” said David Pallister, J.D., OTR/L, interim chair of NSU’s Occupational Therapy Department. An aging population and demands by third-party payers to see functional rehabilitation improvement are driving growth in this field, Pallister said. Average salaries in the Miami area are reported to be around $64,200. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the mean wage of $43.15 an hour in the Naples-Marco Island area translates into a desirable $89,750 annual salary there. U.S. News describes occupational therapy as a “challenging career field that’s best for creative, practical people who find sat- isfaction in small successes.” Pharmacist Florida will require an infusion of 780 new pharmacists an- nually through the year 2016. The proliferation of pharmacies in retail locations, such as Wal-Mart and Publix, is just one reason for this. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, the phar- maceutical industry, academia, and even prisons also increase the state’s need for pharmacists. NSU has graduated 2,400 of them during the past two decades. The role of pharmacists is dynamic and evolving. In addi- tion to dispensing pills, “today’s pharmacists are frequently in- volved in medication therapy management, patient consulta- tion, and the administration of immunizations as an integral part of the health care team,” according to Goar Alvarez, Pharm.D., NSU director of pharmacy operations. U.S. News &World Report also included pharmacists on its list of “31 Best Jobs” in 2008. Today, newly credentialed pharmacists “have more choices than ever,” said Alvarez. School Psychologist School psychologists work within the educational system to help students resolve emotional, social, and academic problems. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that school psy- chologists will be among the five fastest-growing doctoral-level occupations through 2012,” according to Gene Cash, Ph.D., NCSP, associate professor and president of the National Asso- ciation of School Psychologists. “It is a growing field because many who entered the field after a landmark federal handicapped education law was enacted in 1975 are retiring in the next five years,” Cash added. NSU operates the largest school psychology degree pro- gram in Florida. With national certification, an NSU graduate Even in today’s sour economy and competitive job market, demand continues to outweigh supply for certain positions. If you are a college student preparing for your first “real” job, or a more established professional considering a career change, the goal is to find a field and position that can provide personal satisfaction, adequate compensation, and job security. by bob ross