Aerial view of WLC and MRMC

WLC Adds New Healthcare Programs

WLC Adds New Healthcare Programs

January 21, 2020 by Office of Marketing and Communication Academics
WLC Adds New Healthcare Programs

New Majors Added to Meet Growing Demand for Allied Health Professionals

MILWAUKEE, WI -  Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is now offering two new majors to meet the rapidly growing demand for allied health professionals in Wisconsin. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology or Diagnostic Medical Sonography. These new programs, together with Radiologic Technology, provide three options for WLC students to become licensed allied health professionals while also completing their bachelor's degrees. Students in these programs benefit from small class sizes and hands-on educational experiences at WLC, combined with state-of-the-art clinical training at local hospitals. 

The new Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology major is unique to southeastern Wisconsin and consists of three years of general education and basic science coursework at WLC followed by a one-year clinical internship experience through Froedtert Hospital's Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology Program. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology from WLC and will be prepared to take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Exam. Froedtert's program boasts a 100% pass rate on the certification exam and a 100% program graduation rate. Nuclear Medicine/PET Technologists administer radioactive pharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average (7%) job growth over the next 10 years for Nuclear Medicine/PET Technologists. 

The new Diagnostic Medical Sonography major 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 education and basic science coursework at WLC. Upon completion, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the ability to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography board exam prior to graduation. Aurora St. Luke's program boasts a 100% pass rate on registry exams on the first attempt and a 100% employment rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average (14%) job growth for sonographers, who may choose from general/vascular or cardiac specialty learning tracks. 

“These two exciting new programs are part of a larger comprehensive strategy to help meet the growing demand for highly qualified health care providers in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Dr. Rob Balza, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at WLC. The aging baby boomer population means a need for more health care professionals in a variety of fields.

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 Balza. “But more recently we have seen increased interest among students in the somewhat lesser-known allied health professions.”

Hospitals and clinics are increasingly seeking allied health professionals with a bachelor's degree so they are better prepared to address the complexities of the ever-changing health care system. “WLC continues to be forward-thinking in growing its majors to meet student interest and employer need now and in the future,” said Balza. “Our approach to hands-on learning and curriculum rooted in the liberal arts prepares our students to meet employers' needs.”

Learn more about WLC's medical technology majors: Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Nuclear Medicine/PET Technology.


About Wisconsin Lutheran College 

Wisconsin Lutheran College was established in 1973 and is an independent, nationally ranked Christian college in Milwaukee that serves 1,200 traditional undergraduate, adult, and graduate students through its on-campus and online programming. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. Caring, Christian faculty work directly with students, who benefit from numerous research, service, and co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance academic and spiritual growth.