Tag: ECC-Rolla


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.

The ECC Outstanding Practical Nurse Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers, Rolla, center. She is pictured with LPN Program Director Michelle Chick, left, and Clinical Coordinator Jessica Fisher, right.
Pictured is Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Awardee Monique Matos, Rolla. who was presented the award during a July 28 Pinning Ceremony for the ECC Rolla Licensed Practical Nursing graduating class. From left, are Kait Roy, Phelps Health Nurse Recruiter and Advisory Board Member; Michelle Chick, Rolla LPN Program Director; Matos; and Jessica Fisher, LPN Program Clinical Coordinator.

Students Named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List


June 6, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of between six and 11 spring semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater, students are acknowledged on the Dean’s List.

There were 212 students named to the Dean’s List from the Spring 2023 semester.


Students Named to the Spring 2023 Vice President’s List


June 6, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a Spring semester grade point average between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List.

For the Spring 2023 semester, there were 197 students on the list.


President’s List for Spring 2023 Semester


June 6, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of at least 12 Spring semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List.

There were 130 students named to the list from the Spring 2023 semester.


Nursing Grads Presented with Awards at Pinning Ceremony


May 23, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla Images

Six East Central College Nursing Program graduates were recognized during a pinning ceremony May 13 for their hard work in the classroom and during clinicals.

Two students, Jozlyn Bolte, ECC-Rolla; and Kelsey Blackwell, ECC in Union, were presented the Outstanding Nursing Student awards.

To be considered for the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award, the college has had to make a difference in the life of the student.

For some cases, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a nurse. The award winners also display success in the classroom and the clinical setting.

Jozlyn Bolte

Jozlyn Bolte is this year’s East Central College Rolla Outstanding Nursing Student. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Bolte, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Kelsey Blackwell

Nursing student Kelsey Blackwell is the recipient of the Union East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Blackwell, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant.

Spirit of Excellence Awards

Four nursing students — Avery Akers, Nathaniel Wissman, Kelsea Smith and Kyleigh Payne — were presented with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

Akers received the Phelps Health award, Wissman received the Mercy award, and Smith and Payne each received a Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award from Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must demonstrate: characteristics of caring and compassion; the spirit of inquiry; exceptional critical thinking and decision making; and superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

Avery Akers

East Central College nursing Avery Akers received the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing award this year. She is pictured with, from left, Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Kait Roy, Phelps Health nurse recruiter; Akers, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Kelsea Smith

The Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to East Central College Rolla nursing student Kelsea Smith. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Cassie Friday, Missouri Baptist nurse manager; Heather Sluis, Missouri Baptist clinical educator; Smith, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Tiffanie Alfermann, Missouri Baptist assistant nurse manager; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Nathaniel Wissman

Nathaniel Wissman received the Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Wissman, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant.

Kyleigh Payne

East Central College Union nursing student Kyleigh Payne is the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Tiffanie Alfermann, Missouri Baptist assistant nurse manager; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Cassie Friday, Missouri Baptist nurse manager; Payne, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant; and Heather Sluis, Missouri Baptist clinical educator.


Chirban Named Missouri ADN Educator of the Year


May 8, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The day before she was recognized as an Educator of the Year, Julie Chirban said to her colleagues, “It is the neatest thing to see my students growing and that I get to be part of their story.”

That level of care and dedication to teaching and her students is why, in part, she was named the Missouri Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (MO-OADN) Educator of Year. Chirban, a nursing instructor at ECC-Rolla, was nominated by Joannie Blakely, ECC-Rolla Nursing program coordinator.

“Julie said she is so blessed that she has just a moment of your life, and she is part of your story,” Blakley said to the students who gathered for the award announcement. “She thinks that’s the most amazing thing.”

Chirban, of Rolla, was presented the award in front of coworkers and the first- and second-year nursing students.

“It is so cool that I get to have a footprint in your path,” Chirban said to the students. “To me it’s such an honor and blessing and I can’t imagine anything I’d rather do.

“You’re going to do amazing things and I am so excited that I get to have a part of your story.”

Challenging Students

To be considered for this award, instructors must have three years of teaching experience in an Associate Degree Nursing program and spend more than half their time with students in classroom or clinical settings.

“She embraces new teaching strategies and technologies to reach every learning style within her classroom,” Blakely wrote in the nomination. “Julie makes learning fun while engaging and challenging students to critically think and make clinical judgments.

“She maintains the highest standards personally, professional, ethically and academically for herself and her students,” she added. “Julie is devoted and passionate about nursing education and preparing future nurses for the workforce.”

Innovative Teaching

Chirban implements innovative instructional methods that encourages critical thinking and motivates students to perform at the highest level.

“Julie has a love of technology that shines in her classroom, whether it be face-to-face or online,” Blakley said, adding that Chirban recently had students create a TikTok video that showcased specific medications.

“This technique challenged students to collaborate with one another to create a teaching presentation video highlighting their medication. Students voiced the benefit of this technique especially when asked to recall apply medication knowledge.”

Chirban also is a role model as a professional nurse, she works closely with her with colleagues to the benefit of the Nursing program; and she is involved in college, professional and community activities.

“Julie collaborates with the local hospital to teach newborn classes to expecting parents and continuing education to fellow nurses and physicians,” Blakely wrote. “Julie also developed a summer community course for school-aged children on caring for newborns.”

About the OADN

The mission of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is to provide visionary leadership in nursing education to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities served. OADN ensures that Associate Degree Nursing remains a pathway for a diverse spectrum of students, enriching the profession and meeting the health care needs of patients, families and communities.


Nursing Students and Faculty Attend MLN Convention


May 2, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Students and faculty members from the East Central College Nursing program recently attended the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN) 10th Annual Nursing Student Convention.

At the convention, Union nursing student Nathaniel Temme, was awarded the MLN Student Scholarship for 2023. This is the third consecutive year that an ECC nursing student received an MLN scholarship.

ECC Nursing program instructor Brittany Clark described Temme as a “driven and determined student.”

“He maintains positive relationships with his peers and nursing faculty,” Clark said. “When in the clinical environment, Nathaniel always promotes patient safety and is able to effectively and efficiently provide nursing care.”

“He will be a great asset to any health care organization and the profession of nursing,” she added.

Students also took on leadership positions within the MLN, including Union student Scottia Burrows and Rolla student Kelsea Smith, who were selected as Student Ambassadors for the statewide organization.

Rolla Nursing instructor Jon Elias, left, and Rolla Nursing Program Coordinator Joannie Blakely, right, are pictured with Kelsea Smith, who was selected as a Student Ambassador for the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN) during the 10th Annual Nursing Student Convention.
Union Nursing Program instructor Brittany Clark, left, is pictured with Scottia Burrows, who was selected as a Student Ambassador for the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN) during the 10th Annual Nursing Student Convention.

Nursing faculty members also attended the MLN conference, including Brittany Clark, Judy Bieker, Joannie Blakely, Jon Elias and Dr. Connie Wissbaum, who presented on the “Strategies for a Flipped Classroom.”

MLN is a not-for-profit organization established in 1953 to support the delivery of quality health care by nurses and other health care providers through education, collaboration and information.

It is the leading organization for promoting excellent health care through programs designed to meet members and health care professional’s continuing educational needs.

MLN is committed to collaboration and networking with other professional organizations and coalitions across the state.  It is one of the top constituent leagues in the nation.

Union Nursing Students
Nursing instructor Dr. Connie Wissbaum, presented on the “Strategies for a Flipped Classroom.”

ECC Students Named to Academic Teams


April 27, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four East Central College students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, and one also was recognized nationally.

Kelsea Smith has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship.

Smith and Elise Jeffers, ECC Rolla; and Brooklyn Hyatt and Annika Brunner, Union campus, were named to the 2023 All-Missouri Academic Team. The students were recognized by Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society at a ceremony sponsored by MCCA on April 13.

Each student received a medallion and certificate to honor their achievement along with a $250 cash scholarship underwritten by MOHELA (MO Higher Education Loan Authority). The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results for students to the MCCA. The top 53 students statewide were named Academic All-State award winners.

ECC annually nominates two to four students per site for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies the nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a lengthy scholarship application, including information about their campus and community activities, and details and a letter of recommendation regarding a “significant endeavor” done during their time as a community college student.

Coca-Cola Academic Team

Smith’s Coca-Cola Academic Team honor is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which recognizes 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Smith and other Coca-Cola Academic Team members were recognized internationally during PTK’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst. Which was held in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of PTK. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world by supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year.

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.


ECC Partners With PCSD in Law Enforcement Training Program


April 5, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

A new partnership at East Central College will offer law enforcement training in the Rolla area that fits students’ schedules and provides the opportunity for financial aid and services.

The inaugural basic training class of the ECC Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) will begin in August. It was developed through a collaboration between the College and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).

ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres said the one-year certificate program combines theory, experiential learning, and practical applications to prepare students for a career as a peace officer. Students who successfully complete this Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved program are eligible to take the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam (MPOLE) to become a licensed peace officer.

Students also have the option to take additional general education coursework to complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Law Enforcement degree.

Courses will be taught in the evenings and Saturdays during the fall, spring and summer semesters at ECC in Rolla, with breaks in between. That allows students to continue their employment while attending training.

Applications are due June 1 for the sessions that begin Aug. 21. There is a selective admission process utilized for students who apply for the program. For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Local Program

Ayres has been working with Phelps County Sheriff Mike Kirn and Rolla Police Capt. Will Loughridge since August 2021 in preparation for this new program. She explained that a basic law enforcement training program in Rolla alleviates barriers for employers and future officers.

“Local agencies have seen a gap in the employment pipeline,” she said. “This partnership will provide a local training option reducing additional costs for travel and lodging out of the area.”

“The location of the basic training academy in Rolla will reduce lengthy commutes,” Loughridge added. “It will allow people in our community to attend training close to home, while still allowing them to work and take care of their families until they transition to a career with a police organization.”

Kirn said that a local program will bolster the ranks of the PCSD and police agencies in the Phelps County area.

“This academy will allow local law enforcement agencies access to quality candidates from our area. Young people who were raised here will take more interest in their community,” he said. “People raised here and trained here will stay here.”

“This academy will give us a chance to witness the student’s drive, integrity and work ethic,” Kirn added. “Having this knowledge will allow us to make better decisions when hiring.”

Ayres noted that LETC students will have access to federal financial aid, scholarships and services, including tutoring and advising, that all ECC students are provided.

“This is what we do — we have services and resources already in place to support student learning,” she said.

The state requires 600 training hours for a basic training program. The ECC Phelps LETC basic training program exceeds state requirements by providing 700 contact hours to further enhance the skills and knowledge of students.

Collaboration

The “theory” and classroom segments of the curriculum will be taught at ECC Rolla North, located at 2303 North Bishop, and the hands-on “experiential learning” will utilize facilities and equipment provided by the PCSD.

“Partnering with the sheriff’s department is a perfect example of carrying out our mission of empowering students and enriching our communities through education.” Ayres said. “By addressing this need together, we have the opportunity to maximize each other’s strengths — delivering quality education and support services with highly-trained faculty in well-equipped facilities.”

Students who take general education courses, along with electives, to complete an AAS in Law Enforcement have the option to transfer for a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree in law enforcement provides a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, pre-law, public administration, emergency management and more.

The degree program could have a remarkable impact on law enforcement in the region, according to Loughridge.

“The college degree path offered through the ECC Phelps LETC is a significant benefit to attendees and future employers,” he said. “Research shows officers with a college degree often have less use of force incidents and less complaints, which limits liability to the organization.”

Loughridge added that the ECC Phelps LETC will assist in keeping law enforcement officers in the community as a pipeline for agencies, such as the Rolla Police Department.

“There is a potential to have nearly all new officers coming out of the academy with an associate degree and their law enforcement certificate,” he said.