Medical

JumpHire’s mission is to eliminate barriers to employment for young adults without college degrees. They provide access to the training, support, and connections necessary to find employment in careers that offer family-sustaining wages. JumpHire assists participants in exploring career paths in healthcare by focusing on the following careers: Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Supply Chain, Support Services roles and EMT.

Timeline: Minumum 9 month program but depends on the program

The City Colleges of Chicago offers the best pathways to become a healthcare professional. You pay tuition, but most should be covered through FAFSA.

Timeline: 6 months to 3 years depending on the level (Basic Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Associate's Degree). Sign up on a traditional college semester timeline.

Note: These programs include certification exams to earn your license in the field.

If you are interested in pursuing the EMT pathway, consider working for your local fire department where you can work your way up and earn tuition discounts on paramedic programs.

Offers free training and internships in Management, Sales, Nursing, Manufacturing, and IT, including direct job placement following program completion.

Timeline: Usually 2 years, depends on the program. Cohorts start throughout the year, often between October and January.

Note: The Manufacturing and Management programs include a free Associate's degree. The Rush pathway to nursing has a variety of opportunities for certifications and degrees.

The GSU School of Extended learning offers flexible non-degree certification courses in phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, medical billing and coding, paralegal studies, and IT.

Timeline: Programs range from 14 weeks for the paralegal program to 6-12 months for the phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, medical billing and coding, and IT programs.

Note: Programs are WIOA approved, which covers up to $8,000 for career training. The courses prepare participants for a variety of certifications.

Offers free programs in Nursing and Manufacturing. 

Timeline: Nursing: varied for CNA, LPN, and RN. Manufacturing: 6 months. Cohorts begin in January, May, and September; register on Wednesdays at 10 am & 5 pm and Fridays at 10 am.

Note: Healthcare Pathway includes a CNA certification with an option to continue on to an RN. You do not have to be Latinx to qualify.

Stats: 85% of Instituto participants graduate, 100% employed

Offers free programs in Health Information Technology and Manufacturing.

Timeline: Health Information Technology: 9 months. Manufacturing: 6 months. Cohorts start in April, September, and November; register on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.

Note: Certifications you earn include Health Information Technology or Advanced Mechanics for Maintenance Technicians.

Stats: 75% of ChiCat graduates employed