This just in from the Occupational Information Network (O*Net) – a menu of job entries that most of us have never heard of before. Sound like a scam? Nope. These are ‘professional pathway’ careers that O*Net tracks once a critical mass of workers is established in these positions, and a clear career track emerges. And the good news is these jobs offer strong entry-level salaries with even stronger long-term earnings potential. So listen up!

1. Energy – The federal stimulus package just confirmed what job analysts have been predicting for several years – the future is green. In search for clean, efficient and economical sources of energy caused wind-farming industry to grow by 45 percent in one year. Civil engineers working in this field now have their very own job title: wind farm engineers and some technical colleges are offering degrees in this burgeoning field. Solar energy is gaining acceptance in residential and business use, which means the need for solar thermal technicians is on the rise. Colleges and technical schools offer programs in mechanical engineering or electronics, and there are some apprentice programs.

2. Health Care – A look through the ‘help wanted’ listings and chances are you’ll see ads for nurses. These ‘angels of mercy’ are in hot demand, and career options are continually evolving. One of the most recent is nursing informatics. This specialty integrates nursing, computer and information sciences into a whole new arena. “These jobs are growing because information technology is now becoming a major tool in health-care settings,” says Stacey Prince of the American Nurses Association. For an RN with a geek-streak, this is a well paying option with growing potential.

Other RNs are finding whole new career challenges and rewards as anesthesiologists assistants. Working with MD specialists, these nurses are an important part of the operating room team, responsible for a wide range of pre-op and post-op duties, plus giving intensive support therapy to patients. These positions re require a master’s in nursing and certification from the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesia Assistants.

3. Business & Management – The IT world continues to explode as new technologies develop. The latest category: business continuity planners. These techno-wizards project, plan and implement IT operations for corporation and for local, state and federal government organizations. Their duties can encompass developing recovery plans from cyber or terrorist attacks and natural disasters. If this floats your career boat, check out programs that offer degrees in disaster relief, management and business.

However, if you’ve got management chops but you want to work in a different environment, consider a career as a spa manager. Health care plans and businesses offering incentives for people to pursue a healthier life-style. The number of resorts, health clubs and other facilities offering wellness activities are on the rise, and so is the need for management teams. While no form training may be necessary, business training and certifications in nutrition, physical therapy, and strength training are all an asset in this arena.

4. Education – Technology is having a huge impact on education, especially in the world of distance learning. Distance learning coordinators are responsible for the preparation and delivery of online courses at secondary school and trades schools, as well as colleges. Teachers who want to expand in this direction will need a master’s that encompasses instructional design, curriculum design, and curriculum development.

5. Media & Entertainment – The video game industry continues to grow, and with it the need to provide service for consumers. Introducing a whole new job entry in the gaming world – user experience designers. Their mission: to improve user interaction with gaming products. What you need to land one of these gigs: strong computer skills including programming, engineering, software development, and computer animation and graphic design. A formal degree may not be necessary, but sharpening your skills and signing on for state-of-the-art training is a definite asset.

The world of social media is on fire – advertising agencies, public relations firms, political candidates, arts and social organizations and non-for profit institutions are just beginning to discover the power of Twitter, Facebook and the blog-o-sphere. If you’re adept at using social media and have a significant Twitter/RSS habit, have you ever thought about going pro? Bloggers are going on payrolls, and the field has opened to include positions like director of social media and social media manager. Requirements are excellent writing skills and the ability to understand (and grow) with online marketing, public relations and new media as it continues to morph into an even bigger powerhouse. More colleges and training schools are offering courses in new media, so don’t pass up the opportunity to get smart in this exciting new arena.

The one common denominator in all of these exciting new job categories: technology. The more you know, the more marketable you are in the job market. Whether you’re looking at a career in education, health care, media, engineering or looking to join the ‘green’ revolution, you’ll need training. Top-Colleges can help you find the right colleges and programs that will put you on track for these careers of the future.