Healthcare Programs That Can Help Meet Your Career Goals

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, healthcare support positions are projected to experience a growth of 17,000 jobs by 2031 statewide. These positions include physical therapy assistants, medical assistants, certified nursing aids, surgical technologists, sonographers, and nurses. Ivy Tech Community College provides students with certifications and degrees that will help fill current and future openings in the healthcare field.

Healthcare workers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of Delaware County’s residents. Their importance is highlighted by several key factors:

1. Access to Care: Healthcare workers ensure Delaware County residents have access to necessary medical services from routine check-ups to emergency care. This accessibility is vital for maintaining public health and preventing diseases.
2. Public Health and Safety: Healthcare workers are on the front lines in managing public health crises. Their expertise and dedication help control the spread of diseases, administration of vaccines, and critical care for those affected.
3. Improvement of Quality of Life: Through preventive care, treatment of chronic conditions, and health education, healthcare workers enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in Delaware County. They help manage and reduce health disparities across different populations.
4. Supporting Rural Communities: Delaware and surrounding counties have a high rural population. The presence of Healthcare workers is essential in ensuring these communities receive the medical attention they need.
5. Emergency Response: Healthcare workers are indispensable during natural disasters or other emergencies. Following the devastating tornado that moved through Delaware and Randolph counties, the rapid response of healthcare workers, along with state and local emergency management, helped to mitigate the impact of the disaster. They were instrumental in setting up and operating evacuation and reunification centers, such as the one at Selma Elementary and another at Wapahani High School, to support displaced residents.

Overall healthcare workers in Delaware County are fundamental to the health and prosperity of the community, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need and contributing to the overall resilience and well-being of their communities.

The School of Health Sciences houses Ivy Tech’s healthcare programs. While many of the programs are limited enrollment programs – accepting a limited number of students each semester – the Healthcare Specialist program is open enrollment and provides a path to additional healthcare careers.

Limited Enrollment Programs and Selective Admissions Programs

At Ivy Tech Community College, students have the option to enroll in limited enrollment programs. A limited enrollment program is a specialized academic major that restricts the number of students who can enroll each academic year or semester. These programs have higher admission standards and require additional application steps, including completion of prerequisite courses, exams, and applications. The goal of these programs is to maintain a high quality of education by keeping class sizes small and cohorts of students together, to foster an environment where students can thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Limited enrollment programs include:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Surgical Technology

Selective enrollment programs do not have as many application requirements as the limited enrollment programs. These programs are specialized, focused disciplines that

Selective admissions programs include:

• Medical Assisting
• Physical Therapy Assistant

To learn the requirements to apply to a limited enrollment Healthcare program, review the guide by clicking here.

Healthcare Specialist Program

An open enrollment program, Healthcare Specialist allows any student to enroll by completing the Ivy Tech application and knowledge assessment. Regardless of a student’s academic background they can join the program. Open enrollment programs make higher education more accessible and inclusive, giving everyone the chance to pursue their educational and career goals.

“The Healthcare Specialist Program is a unique opportunity for students to get built-in certifications to enter the workforce with valuable skill sets. Depending on what they choose, these students can go out and work as a phlebotomist, CNA, or central service tech right away. The hands-on education they receive allows them to gain confidence and provides a strong steppingstone to their ultimate career goals in healthcare,” said Lacey Shirk, Program Chair for Healthcare Specialist program.

The Healthcare Specialist program encompasses several short-term certificates that make students employable in a year, allowing them to work while continuing toward their associate of applied science (AAS) degree. The certifications in the Healthcare Specialist program include dementia care, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, certified nursing aide (CNA), and more. Some of these short-term certifications are eligible for Next Level Jobs, meaning tuition can be free.

Students in the Healthcare Specialist program receive hands-on clinical practice in actual healthcare settings with a mix of classroom instruction and time in the lab. This program leads to an AAS degree. It is a great starting point for students who are unsure of a specific role they would like to focus on or who were unable to get into a limited enrollment program and need to determine what healthcare career they would like to go into instead.

To learn more about the School of Healthcare Sciences and the programs offered, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu for more information.