Midwest Career Source: Overcoming Barriers and Building Careers

Illinois is projected to face a shortage of 15,000 nurses and more than 6,000 physicians, while 89 counties already lack enough healthcare providers to meet community needs. As demand for care continues to grow, the need for a strong healthcare workforce has never been greater.

Midwest Career Source partners with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the Metro-East to help strengthen the healthcare talent pipeline. Through accelerated training programs, paid apprenticeships, and comprehensive support services, we create pathways for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enter the healthcare field.

Midwest Career Source's pre-apprenticeship and job shadowing programs are designed to help individuals explore rewarding career opportunities in the growing health care industry. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, one of only a select number awarded to educational institutions nationwide, eligible participants can access no-cost health care training and career preparation programs.

Through hands-on learning, job shadowing experiences, and industry-focused instruction, participants gain valuable real-world exposure while working toward a nationally recognized certification. Our goal is to prepare students for in-demand entry-level health care careers, including:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Psychiatric Technician
• Clinical Medical Assistant
• And other essential health care support roles

Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or seeking a new career path, Midwest Career Source provides the training, experience, and support needed to build a successful future in health care.

At Midwest Career Source, we believe that getting the job is only the first step. Long-term success requires the right support.

Many program participants face complex social barriers, including housing instability, childcare challenges, transportation limitations, literacy barriers, mental health needs, or past trauma. Our team works closely with each student to develop a personalized support plan alongside their training program, helping them build the stability and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.

Midwest Career Source is supported through federal, state, and county funding sources, along with generous community donations. These partnerships allow us to provide tuition assistance and employer-reimbursed work-based learning opportunities for eligible students, helping reduce financial barriers to entering the healthcare workforce.