HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS

South Holland, IL–When Illinois Governor Pat Quinn held a press conference at South Suburban College (SSC) last February to announce funding for a $52.9 million addition for healthcare training, the college already had nine Health Professions programs from which students could choose to pursue careers for the in-demand healthcare jobs of the Chicago region.  Now, SSC is offering four new programs that will provide further opportunities for residents of the Southland and Lake County areas.  The new programs are Community Health Worker, Nanoscience Technology, Speech Language Pathology Assistant, and a shorter six credit hour Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program.

“We are always looking for opportunities to develop new programs that will both meet the needs of the workforce and provide rewarding career opportunities for residents of our community,” said Jeff Waddy, Dean of Health Professions.  “These four newest programs are only going to add what we already have in place, and we are excited about cultivating them now with an eye towards an exciting new facility addition in the future.”

Community Health Workers are frontline public health workers that serve as a liaison between health, social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.  This program is offered as a 63 credit hour Associate Degree, a 39 credit hour Certificate, or a 20 credit hour Basic Certificate Program.

The Nanoscience Technology Program provides students with entry level skills to manipulate atoms and molecules at the nanometer scale in a cutting-edge, emerging field of study.  Graduates of the 66 credit hour Associate Degree track will be prepared to work as technicians, manufacturers and production workers within industry using nanoscience and micro science technologies, including areas of research and development, production, manufacturing and sales.  A 37 credit hour Certificate is also offered.

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program is a 68 credit hour Associate Degree track that prepares individuals to work in a health or educational setting under a registered speech pathologist with at least two years of professional experience.  Assistants generally work with equipment maintenance, patient assessment, paperwork and execution of speech pathologist treatment plans. 

The EMT Program is a six hour Basic Certificate course that is the first step in training for paramedics in various settings including ambulance services, fire departments and volunteer emergency care services.  The EMT-B license is required before enrolling in the 31 credit hour EMS Program.

These new programs join the comprehensive Health Professions offerings that include Echocardiography, Ultrasound, Medical Assistant, Medical Records Technology, Phlebotomy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, MRI Technology, and Pharmacy Technician.

As for the Health Professions addition, SSC recently received the initial funds to commence the planning stages.  “This project will create hundreds of jobs now and lay the foundation for thousands more to get the training they need to become the next generation of nurses and medical technicians,” said Governor Quinn back in February.  “By working together now, we can drive more economic growth in the future.”

Visit www.ssc.edu to learn more about SSC programs and services.