2024 - Career Fields in Health Professions at ECC

“Knowing is better than wondering. Waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the hell out of never trying.” - Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy).

Was it the wise world of our beloved Meredith Grey that piqued your interest in health care? Or maybe you always gravitated towards science class growing up, wishing for a lab day over a book discussion any day. Maybe you simply thought, “I want to help others for a living.”

Either way, you first have to try, and to try, you need a place to start. At Elgin Community College (ECC), there are 18 different programs in the health professions available to students to explore and find what area they gravitate to most. You can view the full list here.

Here are a few program spotlights you might want to consider:

Surgical Technologist

The role of a surgical technologist is to provide quality patient care while preparing the operating room for surgical cases. You will help maintain a sterile environment and remain next to the patient during surgery, pass surgical instruments, and more. ECC’s Surgical Technology Program consists of hands-on changing at the highest level. Ninety-two percent of the 2023 class passed the NBSTSA’s certification exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist on the first attempt. 

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing. ECC’s new respiratory care therapy program is an in-demand career is expected to increase due to several factors, including an aging population that is more prone to respiratory illnesses. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that respiratory therapist jobs will grow by 14% by 2031.

ECC will launch a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program for respiratory care students in the spring of 2025.

Nursing

Are you ready to be at the forefront of patient health? If so, your passion and talents are in demand more than ever. ECC has earned a reputation for its outstanding role as a community leader in nursing education and preparation for over 50 years. ECC’s nursing department offers two career choices: Basic Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse. 

Ophthalmic Technician

Ophthalmic Technicians assist Ophthalmologists in caring for patients’ eyes and eyesight. They perform initial examinations and specialized testing and assist with surgical procedures and medical treatments of the eye. This is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program for students at ECC. Can you see yourself here? 

Medical Assisting

Medical assistants perform the vital role of gathering and translating a patient’s issues and needs to a physician, performing many clinical duties such as taking and recording vital signs and drawing blood. Medical Assistants also ensure medical offices and clinics run smoothly by scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records. At ECC, the program is only a three-semester vocational certificate program! This program is also a great introduction to nursing.

Massage Therapy

We all know how good it feels to get a massage. What if you can be the one bringing that good feeling to others? Massage therapy is an accessible treatment option that has proven effective for various conditions. In four semesters of ECC’s Massage Therapy Program, you’ll be prepared for the Illinois state licensing exam. 

Ready for your first (or next) pair of scrubs? Take your time scrolling through ECC’s health profession programs. Our faculty and staff are here to support and guide you in choosing the path that’s right for you and ensuring you succeed in your desired field. We look forward to seeing what color scrubs you don on your first day!