STLCC Prepares You for High-Demand, Well-Paying Health Care Job

May 08, 2025

Posted by School of Health Professions in Programs and Pathways

Nursing students experiencing hands-on clinical training

Each year, the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) conducts an in-depth study of the health care workforce in the state. The study includes a particular focus on the St. Louis region, which is defined by the MHA as the City of St. Louis and the surrounding counties in Missouri (Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles and St. Louis), along with the Illinois counties of Clinton, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair.

The MHA’s 2024 Workforce Report identifies the “Top 10 Hospital Professions with the Highest Employee Vacancy.” Eight of these professions are areas where STLCC can offer you a pathway to success through its School of Health Professions. These careers are in high demand, and the need for trained professionals is expected to grow over the next several years.

Let’s dive into the MHA’s top 10 and explore how STLCC can help prepare you for a fulfilling career in health care.

Hospital positions with the highest vacancy rates

Licensed practical nurse
Computed tomography (CT) technologist
Surgical technician (technologist)
Nurse assistants
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
Staff registered nurse
Radiology technologist
Sonographer/ultrasound technologist
Nuclear medicine technologist
Phlebotomist

Your Next Career?

Let’s take a closer look at how the College can help you get your career started.

Practical Nursing

Certificate
Two semesters

The program re-launched in fall 2024 with classes at the South County campus and plans to expand to STLCC-Florissant Valley in the next few years. With a certificate of proficiency (CP) in practical nursing, you can become an LPN and provide direct care to patients.

“Our practical nursing (LPN) program at STLCC offers students an ideal gateway to a career because it allows students an entry point into the nursing profession for those who may not be ready for a full two-year program,” said April Norton-Gunther, assistant professor who oversees both the LPN and registered nurse bridge programs. “Additionally, our program is also fully transferable into the arts in applied science in nursing (RN) program so students can continue their education to achieve their next step of nursing licensure and practice without having to retake prerequisite courses.”

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist

Certificate
Two semesters plus summer session

This program can launch you into an exciting career with numerous professional paths and desirable growth opportunity – in less than a year.

With a two-semester structure, it allows students to build upon existing knowledge while mastering new imaging techniques. The program is designed for radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists seeking credentials.

“The CT program offers students an ideal gateway to a career because it provides medical imaging and therapy professionals with a pathway to an advanced certification,” said Austin Turner, PhD, advanced imaging programs chair. “Students can apply their current knowledge while learning new health care skills and diagnostic imaging techniques.”

Computed tomography uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of internal body structures.

Surgical Technologist

Associate of science
Five semesters

This program provides an avenue to a front seat to some of the most exciting aspects of health care where you’ll serve as an integral part of the process. Through hands-on training, you’ll prepare to work in surgical atmospheres where you’ll assist physicians in the care of patients.

“The surgical technology program is ideal for students seeking an affordable, hands-on education that leads to a rewarding career,” said Emily Albers, surgical technology program director. “With experienced educators dedicated to student success, state-of-the-art facilities, and real-world clinical experience, graduates are well-prepared to enter the operating room with confidence.

“This program offers a cost-effective pathway to a high-demand profession where skilled surgical technologists play a vital role in patient care and surgical excellence.”

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist

Certificate
Four semesters

This program provides the ideal option for someone who already holds an associate degree (or higher) but wants to expand their career search options. A significant portion of the instruction takes place in MRI departments at one of the College’s health care partner facilities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with similar, if not the same, equipment they'll use in the field.

“Students learn to operate advanced imaging equipment while delivering focused patient care,” Turner said. “Program graduates possess the knowledge and skills to become credentialed MRI technologists and find immediate entry-level employment in a rewarding, high-demand health care field.”

MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.

Registered Nurse

Associate of applied science
Four semesters

Next to physicians the most visible members of the health care community might be registered nurses, the most trusted profession in the United States, according to a Gallup poll. They work in tandem with doctors to assess patient health, administer treatments, medication and therapies, along with a host of other responsibilities. Nurses are always in high demand, providing opportunities not just locally but nationally.

“Our program offers students an ideal gateway to a career in nursing,” said Jordan Cooper, DNP, dean of nursing. “It prepares students for the required licensure exams to become a registered nurse, and provide competent, skilled and complex care at the top of their license in all bedside specialties.

“Our program is fully transferable into many RN to bachelor’s of science in nursing programs so students can seamlessly continue their education to achieve their next step of nursing careers including education, advanced practice and research,” Cooper said

Radiology technologist

Associate of applied science
Six semesters

If you have a natural curiosity for the human body, radiologic technology might be a perfect fit for you. Radiologic technologists play a crucial role in modern healthcare, combining technical expertise with patient care to support accurate medical diagnoses. This program prepares you for all types of settings and a variety of equipment through clinical opportunities with our partnering hospitals.

“The radiologic technology program that STLCC offers combines comprehensive theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on clinical experience,” said Ashley Schroeder, radiologic technology program manager. “Students receive training on advanced X-ray and image processing equipment, engage in both simulated and real-life clinical scenarios and complete rotations at various clinical sites in the St. Louis region. This ensures graduates are prepared for the dynamic field of medical imaging and eligible to take the required exam to become a certified radiographer.”

Sonographer/ultrasound technologist

Certificate
16 months

This profession offers an exciting array of opportunities throughout the health care field. In fact, while at STLCC, you are asked to focus on one of three concentrations:

General (medical – abdomen and OB/GYN)
Cardiac
Vascular

Studying one of the three allows you to become well-versed in the field and a more desirable potential employee. You can always return to the College to expand your expertise and explore one (or both!) of the other concentrations.

“Being a sonographer means you are the eyes of the doctor,” said Lauren Pellegrini-Salsman, diagnostic medical sonography program chair. “Your job is to be an investigator and find out if a patient has normal anatomy or pathology. It is such an awarding career with plenty of opportunity to grow in the field.”

Nuclear medicine technologist

Associate degree
Four semesters

Enjoy the affordability of St. Louis Community College as you earn your associate degree before seamlessly transferring to a partnering university to acquire your bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine.

STLCC collaborates with the University of Missouri and Saint Louis University, which both offer our graduates the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s in just two years. These schools work closely with St. Louis-based students, including Mizzou which offers both in-person and online options. Missouri also secures St. Louis-based clinical experiences for STLCC graduates.

“The College provides the ideal school for students to get their general education requirements done before transferring to one of our partnering schools,” Turner said. “Those who successfully complete a transfer pathway possess the knowledge to become credentialed nuclear medicine technologists and explore careers in a rewarding, high-demand health care field.”

Why Choose STLCC?

St. Louis Community College offers a unique combination of affordability, flexibility and high-quality education. Students in the School of Health Professions at STLCC benefit from:

Hands-on training: Students will enjoy classrooms equipped with some of the latest technology in the field, and most of our programs include clinical experiences with our health care partners that offer real-world opportunities.
Experienced faculty: STLCC’s faculty members have years of industry experience and are dedicated to student success.
High job placement rates: Graduates are well-prepared for employment in high-demand health care professions.
Affordable tuition: STLCC offers a cost-effective pathway to a career in health care, with opportunities for financial aid and scholarships.

Whether you’re looking to become an LPN, MRI technologist, surgical technician or pursue one of the many other high-demand health care careers, STLCC provides the education and training necessary to help you succeed. With flexible programs, hands-on experience, and a strong connection to local health care providers, the College is the perfect place to launch your career in healthcare.