Get a glimpse of health care careers at Oakton

Health care careers are hot. Take your first step toward a thriving profession by attending free information sessions at Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus. College faculty will be on hand to discuss course requirements and industry trends as well as to spotlight degree and certificate programs.

Begin your journey toward a new career on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Nurses may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physicians' offices, home health care services, nursing care facilities, correctional facilities, schools, or the military.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for registered nurses is expected to increase by more than 13 percent from 2014 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations.

The government agency states this growth will occur for a number of reasons, "including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for health care services from the baby boomer population, as they live longer and more active lives." Find out more at 6 p.m. in Room 1610.

Discover the world of medical laboratory technology on Thursday, Sept. 11. Medical laboratory technicians perform test procedures, collect blood samples, prepare solutions, and maintain quality control procedures.

These health professionals work in hospitals, physicians' offices, private labs, and in industrial and commercial sales, marketing, and insurance positions.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that careers for medical laboratory technicians are expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2020. The program begins at 1 p.m. in Room 1610. At the same time and place, you can also learn about a career as a phlebotomy technician, obtaining blood samples for laboratory testing.

Oakton's campuses are located at 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, and 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Visit www.oakton.edu/healthcareers or call (847) 635-1700 for information.