No, we’re not sending you out for years of more education. There are a lot of jobs tied to health care that are reasonably secure, quite well-paid, and don’t require a huge investment of time and money. Take a look…

Rachel Streitfield reported the following story on CNN: Janice McFadden had a problem. The Pennsylvania woman was laid off in November after working at the same company for nearly 20 years. Now, as she looks for a job, McFadden worries about losing her home and uprooting her 8-year-old daughter.

But when McFadden talks about the future, she has found some cause for hope.

In January, the 43-year-old enrolled in the tuition assistance program at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

The program offers county residents who have been laid off since September 2008 the opportunity to take 12 college credits -- usually four courses -- for free.

McFadden said the program will allow her to reassess her options while she improves her marketability and salary potential.

"I have all of the capabilities, but I don't have that piece of paper, which is a requirement for a lot of jobs," said McFadden, who is taking night courses in economics and English composition. "I never thought that I could go back to school."

Recently Amy Dobson did an article for the San Francisco Chronicle pointing out just how urgent the need has become here in San Francisco. “There will continue to be ongoing opportunities for individuals who would like to pursue the health care profession without obtaining a four-year degree,” says Jason Phillips, vice president of National Recruitment Services. “Notably careers in imaging only require an associate’s degree, and they comprise radiology, nuclear medicine, MRI, and ultrasonography technicians. For those individuals who are more interested in attending a trade school, opportunities will exist across Northern California for laboratory assistants, medical assistants, and pharmacy technicians.”

Rick Mead, director of human resources for Sr. Francis Hospital, is quoted mentioning top needs as: medical records clerks and coders, patient registrars (those who admit patients), lab assistants and unit coordinators. These usually require a certificate only. By becoming certified as a physical therapist aide, for example, a candidate will be ready to enter that job market in less than a year.

City College of San Francisco has responded by scheduling a number of options that are contained in certificate programs, requiring only short-term investments. Go to City College of San Francisco's web site and select Educational Programs, then School of Health and Physical Education. You will see live links for Dental Assistant, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and Nutrition Assistant. Each includes several options offered under the department.

For example, the Licensed Vocational Nursing Department provides curricula that prepare students for either the State License in Vocational Nursing; or the State Certificate in Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide; and it offers short-term training programs in Geriatric Home Aide, Care of Clients with Alzheimer's, Care of Clients with AIDS, and Care of the Developmentally Disabled.

The program to become a Nursing Assistant, for example:

• Prepares you for entry-level employment as nutrition staff in public health settings and hospitals.
• Introduces you to careers in nutrition and health.
• Provides you with essential hands-on experience.
• Enables you to earn college credits to apply toward an associate or baccalaureate degree.
• Has graduates currently employed as nutrition assistants in:
• WIC Supplemental Nutrition Programs, Head Start Programs, Senior Nutrition Services and Home Delivered Meals Programs, UC Cooperative Extension, Hospitals, Long-term care facilities

It’s only two semesters.

Two programs exist in Dental Assisting offer a 10-month option and a two-year degree program.

At its Southeast Center, City College offers a program for Certified Nursing Assistants which requires one semester; a program for Home Health Aides which requires an intensive two weeks; and an Acute Care program of six weeks duration. For a career investment, you can’t beat it.

We liked this quote from the Amy Dobson piece: “Health care isn’t just a cure for illness, but for unemployment as well.” Give it some thought.