Options for students in Chicago include Rush University, which has medical and health sciences schools. Midwestern University operates the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and has physical therapy and physician assistant programs. The Pritzker School of Medicine is part of the University of Chicago's Division of Biological Sciences, which offers education in such fields as immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Career Colleges of Chicago offers medical assisting degrees and a medical transcription program. Chicago State University College of Health Sciences has undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy courses as well as undergraduate pre-physical therapy courses. City Colleges of Chicago offer a wide variety of allied health certifications in specialties like medical transcription, radiography, respiratory care, and licensed practical nursing. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has a Chicago campus. St. Xavier University has occupational therapy and pre-physical therapy programs. The University of Illinois at Chicago offers graduate work for occupational and physical therapists; its medical school is the largest in the country.
According to projections through 2012, Chicago is experiencing healthy growth when it comes to allied health careers. Health-diagnosing and treating practitioners can expect growth of 17%, including increases of 37% for physician assistants, 30% for occupational therapists, 26% for physical therapists, 13% for radiation therapists, and 24% for respiratory therapists. Jobs for health technologists and technicians are forecast to grow by 14%, including 28% for dental hygienists, 23% for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, 14% for diagnostic medical sonographers, and 34% for medical records and health information technicians. Healthcare support occupations are expected to grow 24%, including increases of 30% for occupational and physical therapy assistants and aides, 28% for dental assistants, and 46% for medical assistants.
Health & Medical Schools, Programs & Courses
in Chicago
Subjects listed are highlights of programs
and/or courses offered.
DeVry University Biomedical Engineering Technology, Biomedical Informatics, Health Information Technology
Northwestern Business College EKG Technician, Health Care Billing Specialist, Health Information Technology, Health Care Coding Specialist, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting
TechSkills Medical Administrative Assisting, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Transcription
Westwood College Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Coding and Billing
Why Chicago is a Great Place to Study Health & Medical
Chicago is one of the best cities in the U.S. for healthcare education and career opportunities. The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago is the largest medical school in the county. The prestigious Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago is another top school in the city. There are also numerous quality allied health programs at community colleges and four-year universities. With more than 100 hospitals in the city and the surrounding area, and allied health occupations growing at a healthy clip, Chicago is a great place for healthcare professionals.
Other Resources for Health & Medical Education and Careers in Chicago
Health & Medical - Employers / Internship Opportunities in Chicago
Allied health students are usually assigned clinical rotations, or internships, according to agreements their schools have with hospitals and other local healthcare facilities. In Chicago, potential employers and sites of rotations include:
