Tag: ECC-Rolla

Group photo of inaugural class of the East Central College Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center

ECC Phelps LETC Graduates Inaugural Class of Eight New Officers

July 30, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Eight students have graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) and have already joined local law enforcement agencies.

A ceremony was held on July 26 to recognize this milestone, marking the culmination of three years of preparation to address the regional need for local officer training.

Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement graduate from ECC

The graduates, certified by the Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) and having passed the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam, received badges from their hiring agencies during the ceremony. The graduates and their respective agencies are:

Aesa Al-Jurany, Rolla — Crawford County Sheriff’s Department
Luke Carnahan, Crocker — Waynesville Police Department
Michael Davis, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
James Henson, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
Alexander Krakuszeski, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
Hunter Solomon, Waynseville — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Stanley Taylor, Jr., Licking — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Jay Yelton, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department

Since August 2023, the graduates have worked toward a Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement from ECC and have the option to complete additional general education requirements to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement.

ECC Rolla Director and LETC Director, Christina Ayres, applauded the graduates.

“I commend you for the dedication and perseverance you have shown to your educational journey. We’ve seen your grit, resilience, hope, and gratitude,” she said. “My wish for each of you is that you wear your well-earned badge with honor and commitment to the department and communities that you serve.”

Meeting Our Mission

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer emphasized the LETC as a prime example of the college’s mission to meet community needs.

Dr.Bauer speaking at podium — ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer

“The LETC at ECC is the perfect illustration of that mission. Law enforcement officials came to the College with a critical need — there were no good options for individuals to train for a career in law enforcement in this region,” he said.

“Their question was at once simple and profound: Could East Central College help? Consistent with our mission to serve our communities and our strategic priority of expanding in Rolla, the answer was an easy and enthusiastic, Yes!”

The LETC was established through the efforts of Phelps County Sheriff Michael Kirn, Rolla Police Maj. William Loughridge, and Ayres.

Since August 2021, they have worked to address barriers for employers and future officers by reducing travel and lodging costs and decreasing lengthy commutes, allowing students to attend training while maintaining their current responsibilities.

The program also ensures that quality candidates familiar with the community are trained locally, fostering greater interest and retention. LETC students benefit from federal financial aid, scholarships, and support services, and the program exceeds state requirements by offering more training hours.

Student Awards

LETC graduate Alexander Krakuszeski received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Law Enforcement Student Award for his professionalism, positive attitude, work ethic, and teamwork.

A faculty member noted, “Throughout the entire academy training, he consistently stepped up into a mentor role, he encouraged teamwork from all recruits, and whenever he noticed someone struggling with PT or one of the other core classes or assignments, he always stepped up. He showed true professionalism, he led by example, he offered encouragement, support, and he demonstrated to his classmates how to be more successful.”

Additionally, Krakuszeski was presented with the Marksmanship Excellence Award and Academic Excellence Award. Luke Carnahan received the Physical Fitness Excellence Award, and Hunter Solomon and Stanley Taylor, Jr. were recognized for perfect attendance.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Surgical Technology student Layla Watson in Rolla nursing lab

Training Tomorrow’s Surgical Technicians at ECC

June 20, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Layla Watson enrolled in East Central College’s Surgical Technology program in Rolla because she always wanted to be part of an operating room team.

“I’ve always been intrigued by surgery,” she said. “The surgical tech classes at ECC explore all the different types of surgeries in depth, and they have so much class participation.”

Watson, 21, of Waynesville, is conducting clinicals at Lake Regional Hospital, where she plans to remain and begin a career as a certified surgical technician. From there, she plans to continue her education and eventually return to a surg tech classroom to teach future members of operating room teams.

Watson and her classmates in ECC’s Surgical Technology program are poised to enter the workforce with many occupational options. Jennifer Wall, Surgical Technology Program Director, said there are numerous openings in the field, giving surg tech graduates various job opportunities.

“Most of our hospitals have more openings than any one program could fill in the next five years,” Wall said, adding, “With the nationwide shortage, our program is an integral part of the community.”

Additionally, Wall said there are many areas in health care that surgical technicians can pursue, including hospital surgery units, outpatient surgery centers, labor and delivery, dentists or oral surgeons, veterinary offices, or traveling companies. Some graduates, like Watson, will pursue an advanced degree.

“Surgical technologists can obtain a position that allows for an accommodating schedule that makes further education possible,” Wall commented.

Surge Tech at ECC

Surgical Technology is a “1 plus 1” degree program that requires one year of general education, followed by three semesters of surgical technology courses and clinicals. In the program, students learn concepts of aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient care. They are trained to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and assist throughout the procedure, making them a vital member of the operating room team.

Clinical sites ECC students attend extend across the state, including hospitals and surgery centers in Jefferson City, Columbia, Osage Beach, Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, Sullivan, Washington, Festus, Farmington, and St. Louis.

The Surgical Technology program, under ECC since Fall 2022, is taught at the Rolla Technical Center under the guidance of two full-time certified instructors. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national licensure exam by the NBSTSA.

Wall said she’s proud of the program’s perfect pass rate on the certification exam last year and 100 percent job placement over the past decade.

“Since this certification is national, our students can go anywhere in the United States and find employment,” she added. “Our graduates typically have many offers before graduation.”

Surgical technology manikin for students — Procedural drop-in that students use when training with the positioning and procedure manikin

State-of-the-Art Training

The Surgical Technology program recently received a new Positioning and Procedure Manikin to simulate the use of surgical tools in a lifelike model. The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.

The manikin features an adhesive mixture within the skin that closes a “wound” and allows for additional training for many years to come. Additionally, the program received a flat abdominal skin topper, a procedural drop-in, and an insufflated skin topper to simulate laparoscopy.

Watson was the first Surg Tech student to use the new manikin.

Student practicing scalpel on artificial human skin — The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.

“It gives us a real sense of human anatomy during surgery and the layers of skin when opening and closing,” she said. “The laparoscopic belly is pretty accurate too, which is good because a lot of belly cases in real-world scenarios are done laparoscopically.”

Watson noted that the equipment provides additional functions that previous equipment could not.

“We’ll be able to actually move the manikin’s extremities for draping techniques,” she added. “Overall, it’ll give a better idea of patient handling in the operating room and the steps during procedures.”

The manikin was purchased through a Vocational Enhancement Grant.

‘Truly Flourishing’

Watson will be the first on her mother’s side of the family to graduate college — an accomplishment she and her family are proud of.

“Maintaining the work/life balance while still trying to reach my goals has been a challenge,” she noted. “It is worth it though.”

“I love everything that I have been taught and I am continuing to learn. My motivation within the program is to better myself and to go the extra mile,” Watson added. “I feel as though I am becoming the person I am meant to be — I am truly flourishing in this program.”

For more information on the Surgical Technology program, visit eastcentral.edu/pathway/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

Building purchased by ECC for new Rolla location

ECC Purchases Rolla USGS Building; State Funds to Fuel Renovations

June 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Thursday announced the acquisition of a building in Rolla, providing the opportunity for the college to consolidate its operations into a single facility.

State funds specifically appropriated for the project were used for the purchase.

College officials said a single, comprehensive facility will better serve students and enable ECC to grow its programs and services.

ECC purchased the building that now houses the United States Geological Survey operations in Rolla. The purchase price was $5.1 million. The 107,000 square-foot facility is located at 1400 Independence in Rolla.

The USGS has operated in the building since 1974. The agency will continue to operate in the facility at least until February 2025 through its current lease. That may be extended, as ECC begins work to design the renovation of the facility for use as a community college.

“This is a momentous and historic time for East Central College and the Phelps County region,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “Rolla is a key strategic priority for us to greatly enhance educational opportunities throughout the ECC service region. Our mission is to better the lives of our community members through education, and this is a big step forward to accomplishing that goal.”

ECC, a comprehensive community college based in Union, has operated in Rolla since 1995 and currently operates in two facilities. The college leases space from the Rolla Public Schools at the Rolla Technical Center and leases a building located at 2303 North Bishop Road. The College will move out of the two spaces once its newly acquired facility is fully renovated.

The engineering firm Cochran, based in Union, was utilized to assess the building for renovation and construction costs. A preliminary schedule calls for renovations to begin in mid-2025 and for the facility to open to students in 2027. Mike Woessner of Investment Realty was the agent on the transaction.

State and federal funding approved for the project includes $13 million from the State of Missouri and $3 million earmarked by Congress through the Department of Health and Human Services. The upcoming state budget includes an additional $3.5 million in state funds through the MO Excels program for a Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The FY25 state budget awaits the Governor’s signature.

The state and federal funding ECC has received for the Rolla facility can only be used for this project. Additional funding through grants, foundations and other sources will be pursued.

Bauer expressed gratitude for the support from former Sen. Roy Blunt, who sponsored the federal earmark for this project, and from Gov. Mike Parson and the legislature for the state funds.

The Rolla region is part of the college’s state-designated service region, but outside of its taxing district.

“No local property tax funds will be used for designing and renovating the facility,” added Bauer. “Securing state and federal funding for this project made it possible.”

Students living outside of the ECC taxing district pay a higher rate of tuition than those living inside the college taxing district, because those students do not pay local property taxes to support the college. Much of the state’s land mass is located outside one of Missouri’s 12 community college districts. Service regions enable the community colleges to serve those areas and recoup costs through higher tuition.

One facility provides East Central with the ability to better serve students and the Phelps County area.

“Our facilities have served us well to this point, but there are challenges. Students find themselves driving between the facilities to attend classes. That limits options for scheduling, and it means they may not be in a building where other services are available,” said Bauer. “One permanent facility provides an accommodating class schedule, enhanced student and academic services, and the ability to grow programs to serve area business and industry.”

Once renovations to the building are complete, the facility will house ECC Rolla’s current academic programs and student services, a new advanced manufacturing center, and space for Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Medical Technician, and GED programs.

Bauer said the facility also provides ample space for strategic partners such as colleges offering complementary bachelor’s degree completion programs, service providers, and others.

“Our vision is for the building to serve the needs of the region in a comprehensive fashion, primarily through the programs and services offered by East Central, but also by those offered by partners who would like to operate in the building,” Bauer said.

More information about program and service offerings at ECC Rolla is available at www.eastcentral.edu/Rolla.

All-Missouri Academic Teams students with Dr. Robyn Walter and Kevin Dixon

ECC Students Named to All-Missouri Academic Teams

May 17, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four standout students from East Central College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements by being named to the 2024 All-Missouri Academic Team.

The honorees are Hayden Loeb of Owensville, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, Chloe Nissen of Union, and Jagger Wood of Washington. These students were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society during a special ceremony sponsored by MCCA in April.

In recognition of their accomplishments, each student received a medallion, a certificate, and a cash scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The PTK, in partnership with corporate sponsors, organizes the Academic All-USA competition for students from two-year colleges across the nation.

The selection process is rigorous. PTK evaluates applicants on a national scale and forwards the top Missouri candidates to the MCCA. From there, the 40 highest-ranking students in the state are designated as Academic All-State award winners. These include 10 students on the first team, 10 on the second team, and 20 on the third team.

East Central College nominates two to four students from each campus annually for the All-USA Team, making them automatic contenders for the All-Missouri Academic Team. The nomination process requires a comprehensive scholarship application, detailing the nominees’ campus and community activities and including a letter of recommendation that highlights a significant endeavor they accomplished during their time at ECC.

ECC Students named All-Missouri Academic Teams — Pictured are three of the four East Central College students named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. From left, are Jagger Wood of Washington, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, and Chloe Nissen of Union. Not pictured is Hayden Loeb of Owensville. Wood and Nissen attend classes at the Union campus, while Neulinger and Loeb are based at ECC in Rolla.

ECC Rolla Students Recognized During Achievement Night

April 30, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College students were recently honored at the Rolla Student Achievement Night for their exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and academic prowess throughout the academic year.

Hosted annually by the Office of Campus Life and Leadership and the Rolla Engagement Council, this year’s Achievement Night took place on April 24.

Students are nominated for awards by faculty to acknowledge academic excellence, perseverance, and contributions to a culture of student success, both inside and outside the classroom.

Outstanding Student Leader:

Alicia Ramirez, Student Nurses Organization

Collaborative Excellence Award:

Emma Willison, Student Nurse Organization

Spirited Falcon Award:

Dana Lawson, Allied Health Department, Radiologic Technology Program
Dakoyta Hendrix, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Inductees into the National Adult Education Honor Society:

Zoe Wells
Shaielynn Cox

Club Officer Recognition:

Bryan Lambeth, Student Nurse Organization
Alaina Sy, Student Government Association
Gabrielle McDonald, Student Government Association
Adrianne Parks, Student Government Association

Academic Distinction:

Jordon Taylor
Alejandra De Luna
Mary Romine
Logan Metzen
Dekowta Coons
Jonathan Metzen
Cristin Foster
Samantha Britton
Tim Ringeisen
Brooke Busenitz
Anabell Borrok
Amy Studdard
Moriah Renaud
Kayla Brown
Ty Locklear
Mo Greenlee

ECC Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Excel at Heartland Regional Convention

March 22, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Students and advisors from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at East Central College were recognized for their hard work and dedication at a regional convention where they received chapter and individual awards. The Chi Delta PTK Chapter at the Union campus and the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter at ECC in Rolla earned “5-Star Status” with recognition as Five Star Chapter programs during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan.

The annual convention provided a platform for members to learn about Phi Theta Kappa programs, hear from esteemed guest speakers, and delve into the new Honors Study Topic, “The Power of Stories,” said Kevin Dixon, Union PTK advisor.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

Throughout 2023, both chapters dedicated themselves to activities aligned with these core hallmarks. Members engaged in comprehensive research on the previous Honors in Action topic, “The Art and Science of Play,” and undertook a community service project.

Additionally, they collaborated with college leadership to design and execute a College Project aimed at directly benefiting ECC students. In mid-January, after meticulous preparation during the semester and holiday break, the chapters submitted their Hallmark Awards applications.

With 64 chapters in the Heartland Region, spanning Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, the competition was formidable. Alongside nominations for officer and member awards, chapters had the opportunity to submit various art and media items for recognition.

Union Chapter

The Union Chi Delta Chapter earned first-place honors for their College Project Award and a second-place Distinguished Chapter award for the Heartland Region. The Chapter received an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award.

Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place.

The East Central College Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta PTK Chapter was recognized as a Five Star Chapter program during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan. The Chapter also earned first-place honors for their College Project Award, the second-place Distinguished Chapter award, and Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award. Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place. Front row, from left to right: Ethan Sandstrom, Katelyn Rice, Dr. Wendy Pecka (advisor), Melanie Dixon (advisor), and Kylie Napier. Back row, from left to right: Elijah Long, Taylor Rowald, Maria Guevara, Nicholas Rucker, and Kevin Dixon (advisor).

Rolla Chapter

Beta Omicron Phi chapter advisor Dr. Elizabeth Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program.

Individual awards were presented to members Justin Heberlie: Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks: Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.

“Congratulations go to the students who put in so much time and dedication to prepare these award applications, and a big thank you goes to my fellow advisors for all the work they’ve done on behalf of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” Dixon commented.

In addition to Kevin Dixon, Wendy Pecka and Melanie Dixon advise the Union Chi Delta Chapter.

To be eligible for PTK, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit East Central College Student Activities.

Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with students Mae May and Justin Heberlie — Pictured from left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema (advisor), Mae May, and Justin Heberlie, members of the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. During the Heartland Regional Convention, Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program. Individual awards were presented to member Justin Heberlie for Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks for Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.

PTK Honor Society at ECC Rolla Inducts Members

November 21, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla inducted several new members into the organization.

An induction ceremony recognizing the new members was held in October. Cole Halfaker, ECC student services specialist, was the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

New members are:

Mikayla Bigler, Amy Hiatt, Mary Howard, Kiernan Twyman, Molly Linkeman, McKenzie Burns, Karen Deardeuff, Alexia Govero, Justin Heberlie, Madyson Helmuth, Autumn Hoevel, Kristen Kibbons, Mae May, Emily Neulinger, Babajide Olatunbosun, Alisha Paradise, Philip Riche, Christabel Southards, Allister Hawkins, Jonathan Metzen, Nathanael Horton, Emma Willison, Isabella Wingard and Gage Klossner

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

Other students could still be eligible to join but haven’t yet. Students invited to be in the PTK can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

Mother-Daughter Duo at ECC Pursue Shared Passion for Anatomy, Medical Careers

October 27, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College students, Donna and Emily Neulinger, share a passion for anatomy and both aspire to work in the medical field. Their mutual love for medical sciences has led them to enroll in the Allied Health programs at ECC’s Rolla location.

Donna, 43, is a graduate from Newburg High School and she has been living in the Rolla area for most her life. She has always love learning, and particularly enjoyed helping Emily with her college coursework when the 22-year-old attended Crowder College, Neosho, Mo., where she earned an Associates of Arts degree.

Donna, inspired by her daughter’s pursuit of a college degree, made a life-changing decision and enrolled as a full-time student at ECC in Rolla.

“I thought to myself, what is holding me back? I enjoyed helping Emily so much with her classes, I wanted that for myself,” Donna said.

“In high school, I wasn’t a good student,” she added. “I lacked focus and motivation, but life gave me wisdom and experience and that motivates me to discover and pursue my real passion.”

That passion, Donna said, is anatomy.

“Anatomy is my baby,” she added. “I’m absolutely fascinated with it and how the human body works.”

Donna’s initial goal was to become a nurse, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed her perspective due to the critical need for nurses.

She had initially planned to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at ECC in Rolla. However, she made a shift toward the Registered Nurse (RN) program while taking the required Intro to Anatomy & Physiology class. This allowed her to explore a more extensive range of human anatomy and science courses.

Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology, played a critical role in Donna’s academic journey.

“Donna has an admirable zest for learning and as a student always went above and beyond to learn about the human body,” she commented. “As an educator, it is refreshing to the spirit when you have a student who desires knowledge for its sake alone. ”

Mowery also encouraged Donna to apply for ECC’s Student Success Specialist position, where she now tutors other students in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Donna enjoys helping her fellow students and hopes her passion for science is contagious.

Daughter and Returning Student

Emily, 22, also has a love of anatomy and plans to apply to either ECC’s Radiologic or Surgical Technology programs. Right now she is enrolled in Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, a prerequisite to the College’s Allied Health programs.

Emily’s interest in anatomy developed into an extensive animal bone collection that she has learned to clean, preserve and display.

“It started with just a walk in the woods when I found some pieces of bones,” she said.

The collection has grown to the point that Emily is preparing to assemble a complete feline skeleton.

“Seeing my mom succeed has given me motivation to find my own successes through ECC,” Emily said.

That’s why she returned to college after her AA degree and is pursuing training in the medical field.

“Living at home, working a job part-time, and going to school part-time allows me to have a social atmosphere that enables success,” Emily said, adding that attending ECC with her mother has its perks.

“I love seeing her after classes to say, ‘Hi.’ “

Emily’s love for learning extends to her eagerness to travel across the country with her mom to visit museums.

During their fall break in October, they explored the Mütter Museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. They’ve also visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Bethesda, Md.

Their Dream Jobs

When asked about her dream job, Donna said she’d be a school nurse.

“I would be able to have an impact on a child, not only physically but also psychologically.” Donna said, remembering the vital role of a school nurse from her childhood. “For me, it gave me the time to take a breath and reset before going back to class. In this job, I feel I can really make a difference in a child’s life and guide them in the right direction.”

When asked what her dream job would be, Emily, without hesitation, answered, “To be an owner of a cat café – but I know that is only a dream.”

For more information on the LPN, RN, Radiologic Technology or Surgical Technology programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, dean of health science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

ECC Using Innovative X-Ray ‘Phantom’ for Revolutionary Radiologic Tech Training

August 29, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

When it comes to training in the Radiologic Technology program at East Central College, authenticity reigns supreme — and the students in the Rad Tech program in Rolla are stepping into a groundbreaking learning experience.

The students are now learning on an x-ray “phantom” that houses a complete human skeleton inside — an innovative learning tool that will revolutionize the hands-on training for students in the program.

Phantoms are used as a stand-in for human tissue for training purposes. This high-tech model was purchased through a $34,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant. It was delivered to ECC in Rolla in July.

Brandi Grindel, Radiological Tech program director, explained that by engaging with a model made from real human bones, students gain precise training opportunities in positioning and alignment techniques, surpassing what a synthetic phantom could offer.

“This new phantom mimics a real human body that the students would work with in the clinical area,” she said. “It makes for a more realistic and real patient scenario for the students.”

ECC purchased an Erler Zimmer Natural Bone Full Body X-Ray Phantom from Z&Z Medical, Inc.

Natural bone phantoms provide unparalleled precision, accounting for factors such as weight, mobility, and the accurate representation of organ shadows on bones.

The phantom’s fully movable joints allow students to simulate a wide array of x-ray positions, and further enhances their training experience.

100 Percent Placement

The ECC Rad Tech program spans 20 months, during which students receive training on specialized radiography equipment designed to capture images for radiologists to use when diagnosing and treating a range of health issues in patients.

Grindel explained that employment in x-ray technician field is projected to grow.

“COVID-19 had a significant impact on the field of radiology,” she said. “With many technologists either deciding to retire, or just simply burned out from working, there are many job openings in radiology right now.”

In her current class of 15 students, Grindel noted that seven are already employed as student aids in Radiology departments, and most of them are set to retain these positions after graduation.

“I can’t seem to get students out fast enough for employers,” she added. “The program itself has had 100 percent job placement rate for the last five years.”

Students Benefit

Some saw COVID as a reason to exit health care, the pandemic inspired others, like Timothy Ringeisen, to enter the field.

Ringeisen, 40, Cuba, is a Rad Tech student at ECC. He had been a shop foreman in an automotive repair business for about 20 years.

“When the Covid pandemic started, I saw a need in the health care field and wanted to do something to help,” he said. “The Radiologic Technology program sounded interesting to me, and it was a quick way to get me into a hospital and helping people in need of care.”

As a first-generation college student and a single father, Ringeisen has overcome challenges to continue his education.

“I am disciplined and motivated to complete the program to the best of my ability,” he said, adding that he encourages others to do the same.

“If you have an interest and desire to work in the health care field, but you don’t necessarily want all of the patient care responsibilities of a nurse, Radiologic Technology may be a good choice for you — It is a quick way to get your foot in the door, and it is very rewarding.”

For Tess Marquart, Washington, radiology was an interest before she graduated high school.

Marquart, 23, became interested in radiology after job shadowing an MRI technician while she was in high school. She already has earned a degree in Exercise and Movement Science from Missouri State. She is in her final year of the Radiologic Technology program at ECC.

One of Marquart’s primary educational challenges has been overcoming test anxiety.

“At this point I have found a comfort in testing that I did not previously have,” she said. “I prepare myself for tests by switching my anxious thoughts to feelings of excitement.”

She also appreciates the support of the program faculty.

“My teachers are incredible. I don’t think that I would have had the same experience without them,” Marquart added. “They are extremely supportive and intelligent. It really helps to prepare you for your career when you have positive guidance along the way.”

New to ECC

The College officially took sponsorship of the Rad Tech program from the Rolla School District in 2021. At that time, it already had been serving the Rolla area for over 40 years.

Because of Rolla’s location along Interstate 44, students come from many areas of Missouri. Most students come from Rolla, Salem, Houston, Licking, Fort Wood, Waynesville, Lake Ozark, Lebanon, Sullivan, Cuba, Bourbon, St. Clair, Union, and Washington.

After completing the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree and are qualified to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist national certification exam. They also have the option to continue their education in multiple areas of radiology.

“About 40 percent of our students go on for a bachelor’s degree. Many of them complete this degree while working full time in an x-ray department,” said Grindel.

Health Care Partnerships

The program has nine clinical affiliation partnerships that train students. These include Phelps Health, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Consolidated Medical Troop Clinic, Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, Mercy Hospital in Washington, Texas County Memorial Hospital, Salem District Memorial Hospital, Lake Regional Health System, and Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO.

“Many of our clinical partners are needing radiologic technologists, computed tomography technologists, and ultrasound technologists,” Grindel said.

She added that all the students who graduated from ECC’s Rad Tech in May 2023 have been hired as radiologic technologist.

For information on the Radiologic Technology program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/radiologic-technology/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, dean of health sciences atNancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

Ceremony Held for First ECC Rolla License Practical Nursing Class

August 18, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Twelve Licensed Practical Nurses were pinned July 28, marking the inaugural LPN class at East Central College in Rolla.

The ECC LPN pinning ceremony for Rolla students was held at the Havener Center in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

The College took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August of 2022. The ECC Rolla LPN program director is Michelle Chick.

“The program has a long-standing history of tradition, success, and excellence that ECC is proud to be a part of,” said Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science.

The 12 students who graduated from the program are: Monique Matos, Rolla; Shelby Marcee, St James; Emily Hunter, Salem; Abby Booker, Steelville; Claude Wyatt, Rolla; Jey Sanders, Steelville; Kylie Wise, Bourbon; Amber Simpson, Salem; Emma Fennell, Linn; Kailey Spencer, Linn; Kennedie Losing, St James; and Chelsea Flowers, Rolla.

Kim Heidbrink, LPN and 1978 graduate of Rolla Technical Center served as the guest speaker during the ceremony.

“During her 40-year career, she role modeled and mentored many nurses across the profession, and she has, and will continue, to be an advocate for licensed practical nurses and our program,” Mitchell added.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 55 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11- month certificate program, 3 semesters, and it admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.

Student Awards

Two students were recognized during the ceremony for accomplishments during the program — the ECC Outstanding Student Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers; and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence was presented to Monique Matos.

Flowers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her educational goals by achieving the highest level of academic performance among her classmates. Her ability to study with intensity, motivate herself and others, and genuine desire to fully engage in classroom and clinical learning opportunities has resulted in her being the recipient of this award.

Matos has an authentic presence when entering the patient’s world by being sensitive to their situations and needs. She inspires trust through demonstrating preparation for each patient encounter and delivering exceptional care. She brings energy and joy into the practice of nursing by reflecting upon her performance and striving to improve each day.