ECC holds information session for lab tech, dental assisting careers

If careers in clinical laboratory technology or dental assisting interest you, then attend an information session detailing the education required for these careers at Elgin Community College.

The group meeting for prospective students will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in room 188 of the Health and Business Technology building, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Spring classes begin Jan. 14.

ECC representatives will outline the entrance requirements and admission process, describe the CLT and DEA programs and explore employment options. The session is free and carries no obligation, but reservations are strongly encouraged by calling (847) 214-7385.

Nationally, 15,000 new clinical lab professionals will be needed each year through 2014 and, currently, less than 5,000 students graduate from programs like ECC's. Illinois alone has over 280 annual job openings, and in addition to excellent job opportunities, the median annual wage is over $19 per hour.

Job growth for dental assistants makes it one of the top 10 professions in the state, and it will never be outsourced. A certificate in dental office aide gives students working credentials in only 16 weeks. And by completing the longer clinical dental assisting program they can get an edge on almost 600 Illinois job openings each year. Not only can graduates make over $33,000 per year, ECC has the only program in northern Illinois accredited by the American Dental Association. Ninety percent of students begin work in a dental office prior to or immediately following graduation.

To learn more about the clinical laboratory technology and dental assisting programs, visit www.elgin.edu. To R.S.V.P. for the information session, call the Office of Admissions at (847) 214-7385.