New majors help health care workforce demand in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Lutheran College has added new majors to prepare students for in-demand allied health professions.

Wisconsin Lutheran College introduced two majors to meet the growing demand for health professionals in Wisconsin – Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. These majors, and WLC’s Radiologic Technology major, provide options for students to become licensed allied health professionals while also completing their bachelor’s degrees. Students will benefit from WLC’s small class sizes and hands-on educational experiences combined with advanced clinical training at the area’s premier hospitals.

The Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology major is unique to Southeastern Wisconsin and consists of three years of general education and science courses at WLC followed by a one-year clinical internship through Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin’s Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology Program. Students will graduate with a B.S. degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from WLC and will be prepared to take the board certification exam.

A major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography includes a two-year clinical internship experience at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography after completing two years of general and science coursework at WLC. Upon completion, students will earn a B.S. degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and can sit for the board exam before graduation.

Changing demographics are driving demand for more than just doctors and nurses. “For years, we have been preparing the next generation of nurses and physicians,” said Dr. Robert Balza, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “More recently, we have seen increased interest among students in the lesserknown health professions.”

Hospitals and clinics are increasingly seeking allied health professionals with a bachelor’s degree because they are better prepared to address the complexities of the health care. “WLC continues to be forwardthinking in growing its majors to meet student interest and employer need,” said Balza. “And our hands-on learning and curriculum grounded in the liberal arts give our students the skills employers are seeking.”