Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Launches Sonography Training Program, Cementing Muncie as a Community of Opportunity for Healthcare Workers
In the height of the COVID pandemic, Ivy Tech Community College jumped at the chance to respond to a need identified by IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital: the need for sonography technicians. Sonography technicians play a critical role in helping to identify blood clots, heart disease, and more. And there simply aren’t enough sonographers to keep pace with demand which is only expected to grow in the years ahead. In part through BBF’s “Optimus Primary” funding, Ivy Tech was able to launch a special program in Muncie to train future healthcare workers in diagnostic medical sonography. The program is highly selective and demand for spots in the program is strong. The first cohort of students in the program recently graduated and have gone on to jobs at IU Health Ball Memorial, Eskenazi Health, and other area healthcare facilities. With an average starting salary of $71,889 for medical sonographers in Indiana, this program is a win-win-win for students, healthcare facilities, and the community. Ball Brothers Foundation has been proud to provide seed funding to help launch the program, and we are excited to see this program further cement Muncie’s reputation as a center of excellence in training future healthcare workers.
Learn more here about the graduates and the sonography program:
Inaugural class of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Ivy Tech, Muncie.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER S. GASIOREK ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON MUNCIE JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Ivy Tech’s First Class of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Completed
In the 2021 fall semester, Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County started the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. The program is a direct result of Ivy Tech Muncie’s response to a workforce need. With the support of Optimus Primary, and Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital, Ivy Tech launched this program in less than three years.
“When we met with Ivy Tech to explain our local need for echocardiographers, their ability to work through accreditation, acquire the appropriate equipment and train this first cohort in less than three years, speaks to Ivy Tech’s nimble approach in meeting the workforce demands of our healthcare system. Ivy Tech graduates provide a pipeline for our hospital in multiple disciplines and adding sonography to their offerings is a game-changer,” said Jeffrey C. Bird, MD, President of IU Health East Central Region.
Jud Fisher, President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, said, “Ivy Tech Muncie’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program fit the mission of Optimus Primary, which is a partnership to enhance healthcare-related education in our community. Providing funding for this program allows for graduates to earn higher wages and to hit the ground running with advancing diagnostic technology used in hospitals.”
This is a selective admissions program in the School of Health Sciences. Students learn with cutting-edge technology, and hands-on instruction that prepares them to take the registry examination upon program completion. Students that complete the program work in suburban and rural hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and doctor’s offices. The students are also able to transfer to four-year institutions to continue their education.
“We are very proud of the first program graduates! They all worked very hard, along with the Sonography Faculty and our Clinical partners to make this program a huge success,” Lana Shoults, Department Chair for the School of Health Sciences, said.
The first class of nine students to complete the program at the Muncie-Henry County campus was pinned on December 6, 2022. Most are now working as full-time echocardiographers at organizations such as Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital, Eskenazi Health, and other area healthcare facilities.
Congratulations to the Inaugural Diagnostic Sonography Class:
Alana Borisenko
Brittany DiBattiste
Stanford Fitzpatrick III
McKinsey Garcia
Chelsea Hartsock
Kirk Johnston
Ashley Plessinger
Brandon Smith
Tracy Weidner
Students interested in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are admitted to the College through the Healthcare Specialist program with a concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This allows students to complete the prerequisite requirements for the program as well as complete the USA exam which is required for entry into limited enrollment programs.
“I had no medical background as far as past jobs, so this was all mostly new to me. There is a ton of information to learn in a short amount of time,” Tracy Weidner said.
The average starting salary for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography field in Indiana is $71,889 per year. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists is 10% from 2021 to 2031. In the State of Indiana, a shortage of sonography technologists has been a prevalent problem for several years. Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital approached Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County with this issue.
“We decided to offer Diagnostic Medical Sonography because it is a high-wage and in-demand job that fulfills our commitment to respond to local employer needs. This program would not have been possible without the generosity of the Ball Brothers Foundation and IU Ball Health. It is an honor to see the first class of the program complete and accept positions in their chosen profession,” Chancellor Jeffrey D. Scott said.
“My advice for future sonographer students is to keep moving forward. One foot in front of the other. It may not be pretty, and you will stumble, but you will it in the end and it will be worth it. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice. There is always someone there who can and will help. Where you are going, others have been and are always willing to help guide you,” Fitzgerald said.
To learn more about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program visit online at ivytech.edu/sonography or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.