Between 2006 and 2016, the healthcare industry will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of these jobs may be right for you. But before making any career decisions, take some time to learn more about the wide range of occupations and specialties in this fast-growing field.

Surf The Web

The Internet offers useful and up-to-date information about healthcare professions. Here are some helpful sites:

Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/OCO/. Each entry includes detailed descriptions of job duties, working conditions, training, advancement opportunities, job outlook and earnings.

Career Guide to Industries, www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm. This guide offers an overview of industry growth and occupational needs. Direct links to career descriptions that are in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

ExploreHealthCareers.org. This rich, multi-disciplinary site is a comprehensive source of accurate, up-to-date information about the health professions.

iseek.org. Sponsored by a coalition of organizations headed by the Minnesota Department of Education, the website offers general career planning tips. Information about health-related careers - including video clips - is available at http://www.iseek.org/sv/Careers?id=12000:08

University of Minnesota Health Careers Center site, www.ahc.umn.edu/hcc, provides career information and specialized services for prospective and current undergraduate students at the university.

Talk To A Pro

Since healthcare is the nation's largest industry, chances are you already know people working in the field - friends, neighbors, relatives, members of your faith community. Seek out those individuals, tell them of your interest and ask for their advice. Here are some questions to ask:

What do you do during a typical day?

What do you like about this job?

What don't you like?

What kind of education is required?

What personal qualities, aptitudes or strengths are needed for success in this career?

Volunteer

Students might consider volunteering in a nursing home or hospital. Many organizations have oppor-tunities for "junior volunteers" - usually teens age 14 and up.

Volunteering is also essential for adults thinking about changing careers. The experience can help them decide if they have the necessary personal characteristics and aptitudes.

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.