HydroWorx therapy unit
Northwest Indiana’s healthcare workforce needs are growing, and Ivy Tech Community College Lake County is answering the call. Known for its technical programs, Ivy Tech is also a statewide leader in nursing and healthcare education, offering affordable pathways to high-demand careers.
“We are continually enhancing our programs to ensure graduates are ready to make an impact from day one,” said Lake County chancellor John Gipson. “With 85% of Ivy Tech Lake County students graduating debt-free last year, the return on investment is unmatched.”
Affordable, career-ready education
Healthcare careers are expanding rapidly, and Ivy Tech makes them accessible. Students gain hands-on skills for roles such as nurses, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, certified nursing assistants and phlebotomists at a fraction of the cost of most colleges and universities. The majority of students graduate debt-free and ready to serve their communities.
Support beyond graduation
Clinical rotations often lead to job offers from local and regional healthcare organizations. For graduates seeking immediate employment, Ivy+ CareerLink provides expert guidance with job leads, resume building and interview coaching. Students aiming for advanced credentials can also access individualized advising to pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Small classes, big value
Ivy Tech offers small class sizes for personalized instruction and highly affordable tuition rates. Gipson, who began his own academic journey at a community college, knows the value firsthand. “Starting at a community college gave me the foundation I needed to succeed while saving thousands,” he said. “Ivy Tech offers that same incredible value today.”
Meeting local demand
The physical therapist assistant program at Ivy Tech’s Lake County campus has grown so popular that a second cohort was recently added to meet demand. The additional cohort now allows students to start their academic career in the fall or spring semesters. “Physical therapy assisting provides so many opportunities — outpatient, inpatient, pediatrics, administration,” said Dawn Bancsi, Ph.D., chair of the PTA program. “It’s a rewarding career with flexibility and growth.”
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Graduate success story
For Valerie Alvelo, Ivy Tech was a launchpad. “Ivy Tech was my first step toward a career I never knew would be so rewarding. Whenever I faced challenges, my instructors were there to hold my hand every step of the way,” said Alvelo. “Thanks to the expertise, guidance and open-door support from faculty, the department chair and dean, I graduated from Ivy Tech debt-free. Soon after, I pursued my bachelor’s and now thrive in what I call my respiratory home at Rush University. I love what I do, and Ivy Tech Lake County truly made all the difference.”
Ivy Tech Community College Lake County offers three convenient locations in Crown Point, East Chicago and Gary. To learn more about the Ivy Tech Lake County campus, visit ivytech.edu/locations/lake-county.
