1. Personal Chef – Lots of families are on the go nowadays and nutrition is compromised. Personal chefs see to it families are fed well-balanced, properly-portioned meals. Requires 18 months or more of culinary training.

2. Nutritionist/Dietician – Like the personal chef, a nutritionist will help see that individuals and families are eating properly. Schools, hospitals, spas, rehabilitation facilities and others have nutritionists on staff. Must have a college degree with required health, math, communication and science courses completed. Will also have to have a license or other certification. Check the guidelines for your state.

3. Personal Trainer – Personal trainers help people get into shape or stay in shape by tailoring exercises regimes to each participant’s lifestyle. A personal trainer can work out of a health club or spa or pay home visits. Check your state for the requirements necessary for a license or certification.

4. Massage Therapist – Everyone loves a massage! Massage therapists can work in their own private practice or under the employ of wellness centers, spas, cruise ships, athletic organizations and more. Requires a license and/or certification.

5. Patient Educator – There are people whose jobs it is to educate patients about their options, rights, payment and health care information and more. Patient educators have degrees in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology and more. Check for local requirements.

6. Reflexologist – Reflexologists work at spas, wellness centers and private practice. Must complete a reflexology course and receive certifications.

7. Pharmacist – Pharmacists are in demand! In fact, many “fresh out of college” pharmacists earn an average of $90,000 annually for their first gig! A six year degree is required.

8. Athletic Trainer – Professional sports organizations, high schools, colleges, universities, health clubs, country clubs, spas and more employ athletic trainers. Trainers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education and other health and fitness related studies, and must receive certification.

9. Physical Therapist – Physical therapists are employed by health care centers, hospitals, wellness centers, schools and more. Physical therapists must complete an accredited program.

10. Medical Scientists – Medical Scientists research diseases and ailments to help find cures. They’re employed by private laboratories, health care agencies, pharmaceutical companies and more. Four to eight years of college is required, depending on the specialty.

11. Wellness Coach – Wellness coaches are generally in private practice. Their jobs are to coach businesses or individuals on leading a healthier, happier lifestyle. Degrees in nutrition, psychology and more are helpful.

12. Wellness Director – Like the Wellness Coach, it’s the Wellness Director’s job to see that people maintain a positive lifestyle. Wellness directors are employed by rehabilitation centers, hospitals, senior citizen facilities and more.

13. Fitness Director – Schools, spas, cruise ships, athletic centers and more use fitness directors to oversee programs. A degree in physical fitness or physical therapy is beneficial.

14. Anesthesiologist – Employed by private surgeons, hospitals, clinics and more, an anesthesiologist requires 4 years of college and 4 years in med school.

15. Disability Health Advocates – The disabled often need people to look out for their best interests. Degrees depend on the specialty but it doesn’t hurt to have a health or psychology degree or a background in social work.

16. Health Inspector – Public health inspectors monitor health safety situations in restaurants, stores, schools and more. Check your state guidelines for requirements.

17. Midwife/Doulah – For those who prefer to give birth at home, or in a hospital without a traditional doctor, a midwife or doulah is who they call. To become a midwife or doulah you will have to complete your state’s requirements and receive a license or certification.

18. Substance Abuse Counselor – A substance abuse person must be compassionate and non-judgmental. A substance abuse counselor must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and two years experience as a counselor.

19. Medical Biller – Some medical billers work from home, others work at a health care agency or medical facility. It helps to have a degree in accounting.

20. Dental Assistant – Dental assistants are in demand! To become a dental assistant one must complete an accredited course.

Financial influences in your decision should include housing costs, utility bills, urban versus rural living, and whether you want to ski or play golf. Of course you could do both in a place like New Mexico for most of the year; but the cost will be a lower wage: but living expenses will be lower.  If you live in New York City, you may only be able to afford a one-room walk-up.The training required for those choosing cardiovascular, is two to four years. Technicians and Technologist take similar courses in the first year, then go on to specialized areas. Technologists can qualify to take the national certification exam and generally earn a bachelor’s degree.That being said, it’s time to discuss the breadth of occupations within the healthcare industry.

We can start with the cardiovascular technician. These professionals are often involved with performing electro cardiograms, assist at catheterizations, manage lung capacity tests, pulmonary functions, and other tasks. Nationwide there is expected to be a 33% increase in need for trained technicians over the next 10 years.

Audiologists are employed in a variety of settings: schools, hospitals, private practice. They diagnose, prevent and treat auditory ailments of all ages: infants through geriatrics. This is not only for hearing deficits, but also balance impairments, industrial programs, rehabilitation and research. The mean salary is $57,100. Know exactly what goes on in the profession by visiting the American Academy of Audiologists website .

Dental Hygienists clean and examine teeth, educate on oral health care, make impressions from casts, charts findings, use technology, x-rays, and computers. Education is specialized and requires a four year degree. Salaries are in the area of $62,800. To learn more about the profession see the site of the American Dental Hygienist Association

Medical Sonographers receive a mean national wage of $57,200. They have diverse opportunities to specialize, and are currently in great demand. The technicians utilize sonography to visualize organs, generally eliminating the need for exploratory surgery, in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Sonographers are usually part of the larger radiology department and are seen as playing a vital role in patient diagnosis. Training is two years in length with schools sometimes located within or associated with hospitals. For information see the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Emergency Medical Technicians have come a long way from the days when training consisted of having a first aid card and driver’s license. The mean salary of $27,100 does not include the advanced training of paramedics. EMT is required to advance to paramedic. Also of interest is the growth expected in the occupation. The mean rate is 27%; meaning there are areas of significantly higher expectations. EMTs are first responders to illness and accidents, trained to provide assistance at critical times. The job is highly stressful but great for adrenalin rushes. A downside of the job can be burn-out, depending on the town or city where located. Training takes less than one year. To learn more about educational and training opportunities, go to the NAEMT site