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Some careers are recession proof. Below are the ones remaining strong and several that are bolstered by these tough economic times.

1. Healthcare. Registered nurses, physician assistants, internal medicine physicians, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, and physical therapy assistants. With the government stimulus package, Health Information Management will be the big winner. If you don’t know what EMR is by now, you have some catching up to do already.

2. Senior services. An increasingly aging population will increase the need for housing, home retrofitting, geriatric care management, and, of course, the aforementioned health care.

3. Government work. Regardless of your like or dislike of the stimulus spending, government jobs are on the rise and will continue to be for the next four years. Homeland Security, IRS, state and federal agencies across the board and the temporary jackpot of jobs- 2010 Census work.

4. Education. Local, state and federal politicians are calling for increased education spending and voters continue to pass education bonds. Community colleges should also thrive. More of the unemployed are returning to school to complete unfinished degrees or to pursue a new one. Now is an excellent time to consider teaching at any and all levels, if you, yourself, have the necessary degree(s).

5. Entertainment industry. During the Great Depression, the movie industry boomed as people craved escapism and had time to burn. That would likely be the same today: the film, video game, sports, and creative arts industries should be viable.

6. Utility companies. This is the classic defensive investment. Even in the worst times, utilities stay cranking.

7. Repairers. Home, car, commercial, industrial -- in a bad economy, the rule is don't replace; repair. For example, in a depression, struggling car manufacturers will more often opt to repair than replace a balky welding robot.

8. Energy industry. Despite all the media attention to solar, wind, etc., the nuclear industry may, over the next decade, create the most jobs.

9. Accounting. Bad times increase businesses' and individuals' desire to wisely account for every last dollar.

10. Law enforcement. Crime doesn't take a break in tough times. In fact, it escalates.

11. "Sin" industries. Jobs related to the liquor and sex industries have always thrived, in good times and bad. This is in no way suggesting illegal activities, but rather the jobs in these industries that can produce a W-2.

12. The clergy. People seek spiritual support in tough times. Maybe that calling you have long ignored can no longer be dismissed.

13. The repossession, foreclosure and debt collection industries. For example, there will be jobs repossessing the big SUVs from owners who knew they couldn't afford them, but took advantage of no-qualification loans.