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Ivy Tech Muncie has partnered with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) to strengthen educational and career pathways for future nurses through the Practical Nursing (PN) program. This collaboration—developed by the Ivy Tech Nursing Program, the Ivy+ Career Link team, and IU Health—helps meet regional healthcare workforce needs by providing IU Health employees the opportunity to advance their careers while remaining in the field.

Che’Reese Anderson, Dean of Nursing, led on-site information sessions at BMH to introduce employees to the program and its benefits. These sessions were followed by TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) support events hosted by the Ivy+ Career Link team, where potential students took practice exams and received tutoring to prepare for the admissions process.

Several IU Health employees were accepted into the Practical Nursing program and are now enrolled in courses at Ivy Tech while continuing to work in patient care settings.

Che’Reese Anderson, Dean of Nursing for Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. “This partnership is more than a pathway to clinical experience,” Anderson said. “It’s an opportunity to empower our students with real-world knowledge, strong mentorship, and a sense of purpose from day one.”

For student Alex Fillmann, a medical assistant at IU Health, the program offered a meaningful next step in her healthcare career.

She also credits her job at the family medicine residency center with enhancing her academic experience. “I’ve already learned so much on the job that connects to what we’re doing in class. It’s made my learning experience even stronger.”

Lily Strouse, a mother of two and long-time ER technician, also found renewed purpose through the program.

“The care I received when I became a mother inspired me to pursue nursing,” Strouse said. “I saw flyers in my unit and attended an info session. I had tried a traditional program years ago, but this felt like the right fit for me.”

By working weekends, Strouse is able to dedicate her weekdays to class and studying, supported by both her family and her hospital team. “My manager has even offered to let me observe nurses to help build my experience,” she shared. “I’ve started thinking, ‘When I’m a nurse, I’ll have to think like this.’ That shift in mindset has been huge.”

Strouse is confident in the structure and support of the program.

“It’s set up to help you succeed,” she said. “I’m so proud of myself for going back to school—something I thought I’d never do—with two kids and a job. It’s amazing to be here.”

Of the 11 IU Health employees enrolled, seven completed on December 13:

• Stephanie Bray
• Kacey Coffman
• Brandon Cross
• Trenten Fritz
• Virginia Goul
• Kylie Hershey
• Lily Strouse

As the healthcare industry continues to face staffing challenges, partnerships like the one between Ivy Tech and IU Health offer meaningful solutions—creating accessible, flexible, and empowering pathways for professionals ready to take the next step in their careers.

Learn more about the Practical Nursing Program online at /programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-nursing/nursing/ or contact Amanda Gowin, Assistant to the Dean of Nursing, at agowin1@ivytech.edu.