Professional and Technical Occupations

Athletes, coaches, umpires, and referees

Participate in competitive professional athletic events as a player, coach, manager, umpire, or judge.

1996 employment: 42,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: About as fast as average
Most significant source of training: More than 12 months of on-the-job training

Directors, religious activities and education

Direct and coordinate activities of a denominational group to meet religious needs of students. Plan, organize, and direct religious school programs designed to promote religious education. Provide counseling and guidance on marital, health, financial, and religious problems.

1996 employment: 85,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: Faster than average
Most significant source of training: Bachelor's degree

Farm and home management advisors

Advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture and related processes or home economics activities. Apply research findings and procedures to solve problems and provide instruction and training in the development of products, sales, and the use of machinery and equipment.

1996 employment: 16,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: A decline
Most significant source of training: Bachelor's degree

Instructors and coaches, sports and physical training

Instruct or coach groups in the fundamentals of sports, and demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. Observe and inform participants of corrective measures to improve their skills. Includes those who are not required to hold teaching degrees.

1996 employment: 303,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: Much faster than average
Most significant source of training: 1 to 12 months of on-the-job training

Residential counselors

Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment institutions, boarding schools, college fraternities or sororities, children's homes, or similar establishments. Work includes developing or assisting in the development of program plans for individuals, maintaining household records, and assigning rooms. Counsel residents in identifying and resolving social or other problems. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings.

1996 employment: 180,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: Much faster than average
Most significant source of training: Bachelor's degree

Pharmacy technicians

Fill orders for unit doses and prepackaged pharmaceuticals and perform other related duties under the supervision and direction of a pharmacy supervisor or staff pharmacist. Duties include keeping records of drugs delivered to the pharmacy, storing incoming merchandise in proper locations, and informing supervisor or stock needs and shortages. May clean equipment used in the performance of duties and assist in the care and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

1996 employment: 83,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: About as fast as average
Most significant source of training: 1 to 12 months of on-the-job training

Psychiatric technicians

Provide nursing care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients, and participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs. Help with personal hygiene. Administer oral medications and hypodermic injections, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures. Monitor patients and their emotional well-being and report to medical staff.

1996 employment: 66,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: Slower than average
Most significant source of training: Associate degree

Title examiners and searchers

Title examiners: Search public records and examine titles to determine legal status of property titles. Copy or summarize (abstract) recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, affecting title to property. May prepare and issue policy that guarantees legality of title. Abstractors: Summarize pertinent legal or insurance details, or sections of statutes or case law from reference books for examination, proof, or ready reference. Search out titles to determine if title deed is correct. Searchers: Compile lists of mortgages, deeds, contracts, judgments, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for real estate or title insurance company.

1996 employment: 26,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: About as fast as average
Most significant source of training: 1 to 12 months of on-the-job training

Veterinary technicians and technologists

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines.

1996 employment: 27,000
Projected 1996-2006 employment change: Faster than average
Most significant source of training: Associate degree

Administrative Support Occupations, Including Clerical

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