In today's difficult job market, many employers are searching for applicants that will require minimal training and who can be an immediate asset to their companies. As a result, individuals who wish to enter fast-growing fields, such as medical science, may want to consider enrolling in online college degree programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for medical scientists is expected to increase by 40 percent over the next eight years. While these positions typically require a PhD, many campus-based and online schools are launching new masters programs to help students enter this emerging field.

For example, a Minnesota-based university recently announced the launch of a masters program in applied clinical research, which could qualify students to participate in studies of up-and-coming medical devices, Med City News reports.

Individuals who have earned similar qualifications may prove particularly valuable to employers, as their training could enable them to start working immediately without the tedium of a drawn-out training process.

Dan Schaber, vice president of clinical research for Medtronics, told the news source that when he can "spend more time on trial development and execution versus developing and delivering dedicated training programs, the result is enhanced productivity."