(West Burlington, IA) - SCC celebrated the launch of its new Radiologic Technology program with a ribbon cutting at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC) on September 26. This program is part of a growing partnership between SCC and Great River Health aimed at training more students for healthcare careers.
In 2022, leadership at SCC and Great River Health launched a partnership designed to expand SCC's nursing program capacity to help address the nursing shortage. Soon after, SCC President Dr. Michael Ash and Great River Health CEO Dr. Michael McCoy began exploring opportunities for how the two institutions could address the shortage of workers in other disciplines.
“When I first arrived at SCC, I wanted to start a radiologic technology program,” Ash recalled. “But we didn't have the financial resources to cover the equipment, instructors, and lab space.”
Great River Health and SCC administrators worked together to clear each hurdle in 2022. Great River Health would offer space at its West Burlington facility, provide equipment, and agree to help underwrite the cost of hiring faculty. SCC would deliver the accredited curriculum complete with instruction, student support, and recruiting efforts. Now, two years later, the program is fully operational.
Great River Health typically fills eight to ten openings for radiologic technologists each year to staff its facilities across the region. McCoy expects the program to serve as a pipeline for local talent.
“By supporting this program, we’re addressing our hospital's need for skilled professionals,” said Dr. Michael McCoy.
The two-year program is designed to serve up to 20 students per year, with a total capacity of 40. Students study at the West Burlington facility where the new classroom is located just steps away from the hospital's imaging center allowing them to observe and work alongside current professionals.
“Our students train right here in the hospital, gaining skills that directly prepare them for the workforce,” Ash said. “It's a win for students, the community, and local healthcare.”
The new program has already reached full capacity in its first year with students
eager to begin their clinical rotations across the region. The first class of radiologic
technologists will graduate in 2026.
SCC's Radiologic Technology Program Director, Laura Ryder, expressed her excitement
about teaching the first cohort of students. “This classroom is where students begin
their journey to becoming skilled healthcare professionals. We’re preparing them to
meet real needs in the community,” Ryder said.
