Education aligned with opportunity.

At St. Augustine College, learning is more than a classroom experience; it’s a pathway to meaningful work. For more than 40 years, we’ve focused on expanding access to career-driven education for students who want stability, upward mobility, and a clear connection between what they study and the jobs they pursue.

Our approach is simple: partner with employers, understand what the labor market needs, and prepare students to step confidently into growing careers. This commitment has helped our graduates move into roles in healthcare, human services, technology, and other in-demand fields across Chicago.

Career Training That Leads to Employment

Students come to St. Augustine because they want a promising career. Through hands-on training, guided support, and industry-aligned curriculum, our programs are designed to help students gain the skills employers expect, along with the experience students need to get hired.

Whether a student is preparing for a clinical externship, completing a job readiness program, or advancing through a career development pathway, the goal is the same: turn education into employment.

Our training and employment programs emphasize:

Real-world practice in healthcare and community settings
Faculty with deep industry expertise
Dedicated advising to support career planning
Pathways that match regional workforce demand
Opportunities that connect with employer partners and community organizations

Programs with Strong Job Placement Pathways

St. Augustine’s programs are designed with one purpose: to help students transition directly into meaningful, in-demand careers. Through clinical rotations, externships, supervised fieldwork, and hands-on learning, our students graduate prepared to step into roles that support Chicago’s communities.

Here are some of the programs that offer clear, structured pathways into the workforce:

Early Childhood Education (BA Early Childhood Education) +

The ECE program prepares graduates for teaching and leadership roles in early learning environments. Students complete fieldwork aligned with Illinois Gateways competencies and gain direct experience working in Chicago Public Schools, community-based early learning centers, and child development organizations.

Career Pathways may include:

Early childhood teacher (in licensed preschool or pre-K settings)
CPS early learning classroom teacher (after meeting state licensure requirements)
Early childhood program coordinator
Pre-K lead teacher
Education specialist or curriculum support roles

As Chicago continues to expand access to early childhood education, skilled and bilingual teachers are in high demand across CPS and partner organizations.

Child Development (AAS) +

St. Augustine’s Child Development program prepares students for careers working with young children in educational and community organizations. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised placements in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) classrooms, Head Start programs, and early learning centers

Career Pathways may include:

Teaching assistant/paraprofessional in Chicago Public Schools
Early childhood classroom aide
Head Start or Early Head Start assistant
Youth program facilitator
Community education support roles

CPS continues to hire qualified paraprofessionals and early learning support staff, making this a strong pathway for students seeking stable, impactful careers.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) +

Students complete supervised fieldwork in community-based organizations that serve children, families, and underserved populations.

Career Pathways may include:

Case manager
Family support specialist
Community outreach worker
Human services coordinator

These roles create opportunities to support social mobility and strengthen Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Pharmacy Technician Diploma +

With hands-on learning and a structured externship, students are prepared for work in pharmacy settings that serve diverse communities.

Career Pathways may include:

Pharmacy technician in hospital or health-system pharmacies
Retail pharmacy technician
Medication management support roles
Pharmacy operations assistant

These positions offer stable entry points into the broader healthcare field.

Medical Assistant Diploma +

This program includes a 160-hour clinical externship that gives students the practical experience employers expect.

Career Pathways may include:

Medical assistant in physician offices or clinics
Clinical support roles in hospitals and outpatient facilities
Patient intake coordinator
Medical administrative support positions

Graduates are prepared to support patient care teams with both clinical and administrative skills.

Respiratory Therapy (AAS) +

Students gain clinical experience in hospital and patient-care settings, working alongside licensed professionals.

Career Pathways may include:

Registered Respiratory Therapist (after credentials)
Pulmonary function technician
Respiratory care assistant
Clinical roles in acute care, long-term care, and pulmonary rehabilitation

These roles are essential in hospitals, outpatient centers, and community health organizations across the region.

Work-Study Opportunities

St. Augustine offers structured work-study positions that allow students to earn income while gaining practical experience that strengthens their employability.

Work-study opportunities are available across several key campus areas, including:

Administrative offices – assisting with daily operations, front-desk support, clerical tasks, and student-facing services.
Student Development Office – supporting student activities, events, mentoring programs, and peer engagement initiatives.
Academic departments – providing classroom support, tutoring assistance, or helping faculty with program-related projects.
Campus support services – helping with library tasks, technology support, or student resource coordination.

These positions offer valuable experience that contributes directly to a student’s job readiness, communication skills, and overall professional development.