Earning an  

Advanced Degree

  is hard work, but you can make that degree work hard for you. As a matter of fact, an advanced degree is required for entry into some of the occupations projected to have the fastest growth through 2014, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Check out this overview of three of the hottest occupations you can enter with an advanced degree, and let your advanced degree start working for you.

Occupational therapy > $54,660 salary
Job description: Occupational therapists help people achieve independence in every area of their life. These rehabilitative services are geared toward those suffering with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.
Advanced degree required: Starting in 2007, a master's degree or higher is the minimum education level required to become an occupational therapist. In fact, bachelor's degree programs in occupational therapy are no longer offered, nor are post-baccalaureate certificate programs for those with a degree other than occupational therapy. In 2005, 189 occupational therapy programs were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

Physical therapy > $60,180 salary
Job description: Physical therapists help people by improving their mobility, relieving pain, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities. These objectives can be met by exercising for mobility, strength, and coordination; training for walking with crutches, canes, or walkers; massage; paraffin baths; ultrasound and electrical stimulation; and more.
Advanced degree required: All accredited physical therapy programs are required to offer master's degrees or higher. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapy programs in the U.S. in January 2007. Of these, 43 offered master's degrees, and 166 offered doctoral degrees.

Pharmacy > $84,900 salary
Job description: Pharmacists distribute drugs prescribed by health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. Therefore, pharmacists must be knowledgeable about the composition, use, and clinical effects of these drugs. Most pharmacists work in a community setting or in a health care facility.
Advanced degree required: Pharmacy programs grant the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.), which requires at least six years of higher education. The Pharm.D. replaced the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (B.Pharm.), which is no longer being awarded. In 2004, 89 colleges of pharmacy were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to confer degrees.

Isn't it time you let your advanced degree work for you?

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About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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