Key Industry Occupations: Outlook, Wages, Training, and Certification

The Illinois Workforce Investment Board (IWIB) established the Healthcare Task Force on April 15, 2004 to develop recommendations for addressing the causes of healthcare worker shortages identified by Critical Skill Shortages Initiative (CSSI) and other national and state studies and initiatives.

The following list represents occupations with statewide shortages.

Professional and Administrative Workers

• Cardiovascular Technologists
  Cardiovascular technologists and technicians help doctors identify and treat cardiac (heart) and vascular (blood vessel) problems.

• Health Information Technicians
  Health information technicians collect, code, and maintain medical information about patients.

• Insurance Policy and Claims Clerks
  Insurance policy and claims clerks process new and existing policies and record claims.

• Licensed Practical Nurses
  Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, or have disabilities.

• Medical Laboratory Technicians
  Medical laboratory technicians conduct tests to help detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  Nuclear medicine technologists give patients radioactive drugs or radiation treatments.

• Nursing Assistants
  Nursing assistants give personal care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They work under the direction of nurses and doctors.

• Occupational Therapists
  Occupational therapists help people regain or learn daily living or work skills.

• Pharmacists
  Pharmacists dispense drugs and provide information about their use.

• Physical Therapists
  Physical therapists treat patients to relieve their pain and increase their strength and mobility.

• Radiologic Technologists
  Radiologic technologists use special equipment to create images of internal organs, tissues, and bones.

• Registered Nurses
  Registered nurses care for patients who are ill or injured.

• Respiratory Therapists
  Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.

• Social and Community Service Managers
  Social and community service managers plan and direct social service programs.

• Surgical Technologists
  Surgical technologists prepare for and assist with surgical procedures.