The United Stated Borough of Labor Statistics (U.S.B.L.S.) predicts above average job growth and earnings for three growing U.S. health care professions. Healthcare schools in Illinois are readying students to enter the healthcare field as medical assistants, x-ray technicians, and medical billing specialists.

Medical assistant

Medical assistants serve an important function in the field of allied health, performing a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks.

Medical assistant schools prepare students for entry level employment, working with various health practitioners in hospitals, and medical offices.

U.S.B.L.S. estimated earnings and employment outlook for U.S. medical assistants:

• Median pay in 2010: $28,860.00 per year - $13.87 per hour.
• Employment outlook for the years 2010-2020: Job growth of 31%, much higher than average for all U.S. occupations.

X-ray technician

Radiologic technicians typically work with radiologists in hospitals, taking x-rays and performing other clinical imaging tasks. An associate’s degree and state licensing are standard requirements for entry level employment in this field.

U.S.B.L.S. estimated earnings and employment outlook for U.S. radiologic technicians:

• Median pay in 2010: $54,340.00 per year - $26.13 per hour.
• Employment outlook for the years 2010-2020: Job growth of 28%, faster than average for all U.S. occupations.

Medical billing specialist

Certified medical records and health information technicians are responsible for coding, organizing and maintaining vital health records and data.

U.S.B.L.S. estimated earnings and employment outlook for U.S. medical records and health information technicians:

• Median pay in 2010: $32,350.00 per year - $15.55 per hour.
• Employment outlook for the years 2010-2020: Job growth of 21%, faster than average for all U.S. occupations.

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