East Central Indiana Offers Up Careers With Meaning
Ivy Tech health care programs ensure skilled workforce for region’s largest employment sector.
With 35,000 members of the workforce (about 18%) engaged in some facet of the industry, health care is not only the largest employer in the East Central Indiana region; it’s also the fastest growing career sector as well.
With a wide range of related programs at four convenient campuses as well as flexible schedules and hands-on learning opportunities, Ivy Tech Community College is working hard to provide qualified talent to area hospitals and health care facilities.
Careers With a Future
It’s no secret that health care is an ever-evolving field, and Ivy Tech offers programs designed to help its students keep up with it. No matter if they are taking the first step in their vocation, pursuing a new profession or want to grow in their current position, Ivy Tech offers programs that will give their career a jumpstart at every age and at every stage.
“We work with long-term care facilities and hospitals to find out what the need is and how we can help workers achieve the education they need to succeed,†says Sharon Willey, DNP, RN, dean of nursing at Ivy Tech’s Marion Campus. “We offer an associate degree in nursing as well as a transition program for those who want to go from LPN to RN, and a pathway for CNAs who want to transition into nursing.”
And that’s merely scratching the surface of Ivy Tech’s offerings, which include health care specialist and medical imaging programs at the Richmond campus, medical assisting and patient care technician programs at the Marion location, respiratory therapy at the New Castle campus, dental related programs at Anderson and nursing programs available at all four locations. In addition, Ivy Tech offers applied learning credit for the skills students already possess to help them complete their studies faster as well as the opportunity for hands-on learning alongside topnotch professionals who are already in the field and eager to share what they know.
Shelley Wilson, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer for Henry Community Health, says as a clinical site for Ivy Tech, students who do their rotations within their facility have the opportunity to learn about the organization, work with the staff and see the quality of care they provide members of the community.
“As they get ready to graduate, I meet with them informally to let them know what positions we have available and that if they want to continue their education while working for us, we try to be very flexible with their schedule so that they can pursue their long-term career goals.”
A Rewarding Opportunity
For Teresa Wright, Rush Memorial Hospital director of med/surg, Ivy Tech’s nursing program was the perfect fit for her. Not only did it offer her a meaningful career, but it enables her to contribute to a healthy community environment. She chose the associate of science for nursing because she was looking for a reputable RN program that she could complete in the shortest amount of time. It took 2 1/2 years for her to complete the prerequisites and degree program, and she found Ivy Tech’s program to be a very valuable investment that allowed her to take care of her family while still pursuing her degree. She also secured a job in her field prior to graduation.
“I have been able to attain higher personal and professional goals than I ever dreamed imaginable,†she says.
A career in the health care industry is a calling, but for those who feel pulled to the field, East Central Indiana is brimming with educational and career opportunities that can make professional dreams come true.
“With a great staff of qualified experts who love what they do, we are able to provide great continuity of care at every stage of life for our neighbors, families and friends,†Wilson says. “There is a lot of opportunity here, so why not see what we have to offer?â€
