With a degree in nursing, Joliet’s Jennifer Clements didn’t have to look far for a job. After receiving her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis College of Nursing and Allied Health in Joliet in 2004, the then 20-year-old Clements applied for positions at eight hospitals — and received job offers from all eight. By the following year, she was earning an annual income of more than $60,000. It’s no surprise Clements and other nurses will be in great demand statewide in the coming year. Nursing is expected to be Illinois‘ hottest private sector job field, according to The State of Working Illinois report, compiled by the Chicago-based Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and two Northern Illinois University research groups, the Center for Governmental Studies and Office for Social Policy Research. Nursing is just one of many fast-growing health-care jobs in 2008. Ten of the top 25 fastest-growing occupations in Illinois are in health care, said Mitch Daniels, labor market economist with the Illinois Department of Employment Security in Springfield.

Along with nursing positions, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy jobs also will be plentiful, said Mary Anne Kelly, vice president and chief human resource officer for the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council. Read more