Oh, those Recession Blues! High unemployment and an increasingly competitive job market. Rising expenses and lower expectations. So where is the light at the end of this tunnel? It might be a whole lot closer than you think!

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that literally hundreds of thousands of new, well-paying jobs will be created between now and 2018 – and what is the passport to one to one of these opportunties? An associate’s degree. Offered by community and on-line colleges, associate degree programs offer an excellent education that is both affordable and accessible.

Here’s a snapshot of some of these jobs, including the projected number of new hires needed by 2018. There are some great career options out there that have solid growth potential, so take a look to see if pursing an associate degree program is right for you.

1. Computer Support Specialists – As part of the information-technology team at corporations and institutions, computer support specialists can work in a variety of capacities – including trouble shooters for software and hardware issues, tech support, or help desk technicians.
Projected job growth by 2018: 78,000
Current Average Salary: $46,370

2. Dental Assistants & Hygienists - Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists, preparing and assisting with dental procedures. Dental hygienists receive more extensive training, preparing them for more complex tasks including administering anesthetics or preparing materials used in fillings.
Projected job growth by 2018: 105,600 (assistants) and 62,900 (hygienists)
Current Average Salary: $33,170 (assistant), $66,950 (hygienist)

3. Engineering Technicians – Engineering technicians are trained to handle technical issues in a range of engineering fields, and are often assigned to assist engineers in the research and development of projects and products.
Projected job growth by 2018: 25,800
Current Average Salary: $56,560

4. Occupational Therapist Assistants & Physical Therapist Assistants – Rehabilitation therapy is an important part of the treatment package for surgical patients and accident victims. Assistants work with occupational and physical therapists to implement treatment plans. Working with patients, they chart treatment progress and report results to supervising therapists.
Projected job growth by 2018: 7,900 (occupational therapist asst.) and 21,200 (physical therapist asst.)
Current Average Salary: $48,790 (occupational therapist asst.), $46,300 (physical therapy asst.)

5. Paralegals – Attorneys rely on their paralegal staff to research the valuable information they need for legal documents, negotiations and trials.
Projected job growth by 2018: 74,100
Current Average Salary: $48,790

6. Radiation Therapists – Working with radiologists, these therapists are responsible for administering radiation therapy to patients. In addition, they monitor patients’ prescriptions, treatment plan and progress to ensure they consistent with the plan prescribed by a radiologist.
Projected job growth by 2018: 4,100
Current Average Salary: $75,450

7. Registered Nurses – Registered nurses work in every aspect of healthcare – hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing homes and countless other institutions and situations depend on the expertise of these professionals. With an existing shortage of nurses, demand will only grow in the next few years.
Projected job growth by 2018: 581,500
Current Average Salary: $65,130