MADISON -- Tough economic times have caused thousands of people across the country to lose their jobs. Now, many looking for new careers are asking themselves which fields are recession-proof.

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While no job is totally secure, there are some that are still in high demand, experts said.

At Madison Area Technical College, many students are coming back to supplement their education after a layoff. Some switch fields altogether, and many are flocking to information technology and health care careers, which offer a wide array of options.

"Now, our programs are really getting pushed," said Alfonso Studesville, a career counselor at MATC. "With the number of applicants for health career jobs, there's a huge need."

When it comes to recession-proof jobs, health care has been heralded as a savior.

"The health care professions are well-built," said Terry Webb, vice president of MATC. "People can start at a basic level and work their way up to our nursing degrees and the university level."

Careers in information technology are also high in demand, and mixing a technical career path with a health care education could create the most in-demand job of all, WISC-TV reported.

University of Wisconsin-Madison isn't short on health care offerings either, although it might take a longer learning curve. It's attracting some students who want to add to their careers and make them more stable.

Many students nearing graduation at the UW campus are poring over job listings.

"I've had a few (friends) who've had interviews and they just can't find jobs anywhere," said Stacy French, a sonography student originally from Dubuque, Iowa.

The job market for seniors graduating in the spring could be the worst seen in years, as green students will have to compete with experienced workers that have been ousted from their positions.

French and fellow student Joanne Weber said that they aren't sweating it. The duo chose red-hot careers in diagnostic ultrasound sonography.

"It's in really high demand right now," said French.

Both women had medical backgrounds, but they said that they wanted a future in an industry that offers even more security and long-term job growth prospects.

Sonography has expanded beyond using high-frequency sound waves to create images of unborn children. Sonograms are also used to create images of the heart, blood vessels and abdominal and pelvic organs, WISC-TV reported.

"We're always going to need health care and health care jobs," said Weber. "It's good to know that my family will be secure. I'll have a steady job."

Careers in ultrasound sonography boast the characteristics of a sound, recession-proof job. First, the career is in a field that is experiencing growth and demand. Next, it involves an emerging technology and offers the additional potential for long-term growth. Lastly, it offers a good salary.

"They actually -- for 2008 -- have projected our average salaries to be around $66,000 per year," said Sarah Barker, a clinical education coordinator.

That money seems to simply be waiting for French and Weber once they finish their education in August, as students are able to pick where they will work. Some even have multiple offers to choose from.

"I have a few places that I'm thinking about working," Weber said. "Haven't made a decision yet."

"It's a nice feeling, to know that when I'm done I can find a job and I don't have to worry about where I can find it," said French.

French will work as a general sonographer, which includes performing ultrasounds on expectant mothers as well as other parts of the body, including pelvic and abdominal organs. Weber will work as an eco-sonographer, focusing her work specifically on the heart and supporting vessels.

Web Sites Offer Lists Of Top Jobs

Forbes.com recently published a list of its "most recession proof jobs." Topping the list of specific careers was sales reps, software designers, nursing, accounting and network systems administrators.

Careerbuilder.com also surveyed the hottest career fields. The site noted that there are often many positions available in these fields despite the ongoing recession: education, energy, environmental sector, health care and security.

Shawn Jonson, the director of career education at Edgewood College in Madison, said that there are things job hopefuls can do to improve their chances of landing a position. Johnson said his No. 1 tip is pick and choose targets. He said it's also important to take stock of your strengths, skills and knowledge. Lastly, he said it's vital to network and work connections and be confident. He said applicants should always make sure to sell themselves.

"When you are job searching, no matter the economy, it's always stressful," he said. "Have family who are encouraging you and keep you going."

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.