Page 20 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2014

feature story
The Midstate Experience differs widely from the typical college
students life encounter at other institutions. With a comprehensive
understanding of business knowledge, career skills, and techno-
logical advances, Midstate College is the best solution for people
wishing to advance in their career or further their education.
The individualized attention our students receive from faculty
is unparalleled by other institutions, says Meredith N. Bunch,
President and CEO of Midstate College. The support we give our
students at every level contributes to a comfortable learning envi-
ronment that meets our students needs.
F
or over a century, Midstate College has served as a vital
link between students educational pursuits and success in
achieving their dreams.
A dynamic setting for individuals of all ethnicities, races, and
backgrounds to pursue higher education, Midstate College offers
one-on-one student-faculty interaction, modern technology, and
challenging curriculum. Midstate assists graduates in securing
immediate employment, career advancement, or entrance into
graduate school while receiving the personal attention required for
effective learning.
Discovering the Midstate Experience
By Sara Browning
Students at Midstate College value the one-on-one attention they receive from their instructors.
July 2014 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 21
Midstate College students come from the local community,
from throughout Illinois and beyond. Individuals who come to
Midstate encompass a conglomeration of transfer students, for-
eign students, and adult learners. Whether students are pursuing
immediate employment, career advancement, or graduate school
placement, Midstate College combines quality classroom instruc-
tion, one-on-one student-faculty interaction, and advanced tech-
nology to prepare students for success following graduation.
Says Meredith: Our students are often surprised by how learning
at Midstate College is such a positive and enjoyable experience.
A Proud History of Service
Although officially established in 1888, the roots of Midstate
College date back to 1857 when a commercial school was built in
Peoria followed by a similar school built in 1865. Two years later,
the schools combined, and in 1888, G.W. Brown purchased the
facility and named it Browns Business College of Commerce. In
1960, the building was purchased by A.R. Beard, Don Beard, and
Arline H. Bunch. In 1970, it was officially named Midstate College.
Preparing for Tomorrow
Today, Midstate College is an accredited four-year institution.
The private, for-profit college offers a wide array of degrees to
get students ready for their chosen career. A full-time student
may choose to complete a Bachelor Degree Program (4 years),
an Associate Degree Program (2 years), or a Diploma Program (1
year or less).
Class sizes range from approximately 8 to 12 students. Im the
girl who went here and stayed forever, says Amber Schappaugh,
Interim Director of Allied Health Services Management Programs.
Having the small class sizes really enables me to have a special
connection with students you just dont find anywhere else.
Small classes help with retention and give students access to
so much more, adds Ashley Spain, Executive Director of Market-
ing and Enrollment. If you speak with Amber for ten minutes youll
know she possesses invaluable real-world experience. Sharing this
experience in a classroom setting would be nearly impossible with
a class size of 50 to 100 students.
Leah Grebner, Director of the Health Information Technology
Program, states the small student-to-teacher ratio gives instruc-
tors the opportunity to develop relationships with their students.
Our students become like family members to us. If a student
misses a class and does not contact us first, we often give them a
call to make sure everything is okay. Students are able to become
well acquainted with faculty and program directors, which makes
it more comfortable for them to speak with us if they need assis-
tance or help with networking activities.
Accessing the Latest Technology
Quality curriculum provides up-to-date information for students
while modern methods and technology allow students access to
online learning via virtual classrooms. Midstate College offers
eLearning, a unique method of learning that allows students to
take classes at their own convenience from their own home or
other location. Students can pursue their academic studies on
their own personal schedules.
All of our programs have an eLearning component, says Ashley.
The majority of programs we offer here are online if students want
that option. During our summer term, were offering what we call a
flex class where students can choose on the day of the class whether
they want to take that class online or on campus. This is a great help
for students who have children, families, or fulltime jobs and may not
know exactly what their schedule will be until the last minute.
Midstate College strives to provide an online learning experience
equivalent to the experience a student would have in the classroom,
requiring students to produce quality work and maintain a high
level of interaction between instructors and peers. Online instruc-
Amber Schappaugh, MA, RMA, Interim Director of Allied Health, offers
real-world training both on-campus and off-campus.
Page 22 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2014
feature story continued
classrooms, and students finish their coursework with an extern-
ship. We have between fifty and sixty physicians we deal with that
work with our students in an actual medical office. We send our
students to these offices very well trained, equipped, and ready to
go. Externships are an excellent time where students are offered
an experience they cannot get in the simulated situation.
The Health Information Technology Program, Leah explains,
requires a 160-hour professional practice experience in the final
term, which provides contact with workplace activities and working
professionals. Networking is strongly encouraged through mem-
bership and attending meetings with professional organizations,
such as the Central Illinois Health Information Management Asso-
ciation.
Students oftentimes receive immediate employment from their
externships. Says Ashley: Area employers know they have the
best employees when they hire students from Midstate.
Students who graduate from Midstate College secure employ-
ment with local businesses, including OSF Saint Francis; Proc-
tor Hospital; Enercon Engineering, Inc.; Bard Optical; Advanced
Technology Services; Ameren Illinois; Associated Bank; Heartland
Financial; and Caterpillar, to name a few.
The Midstate Advantage
At Midstate College, students have the edge. Midstate creates
a family environment unmatched by other institutions that helps
students perform at their best. The College holds summer potlucks
and picnics. Even Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny have been
known to make an appearance.
Its a huge part of what makes us different, says Ashley, add-
ing: Students feeling at home on campus knowing that they fit
in feeling valued and important. Its a major decision-maker for
students when choosing a college.
Well see our adult students mother the younger students,
adds Amber. Theyre constantly encouraging one another. Its like
theyre saying: Were all in this together.
The family element is a significant part of what makes working
at Midstate College rewarding. Everyday I have the opportunity
to help different types of students overcome various challenges or
celebrate important successes, says Ashley. Its such a blessing
to be a part of their lives!
For more information on Midstate College,
visit www.midstate.edu or call 309-692-4092.
Midstate College is located at
411 West Northmoor Road, Peoria, IL 61614.
tors have a visible and active presence every day in the eLearning
classroom, says Leah.
In addition to eLearning, classroom curriculum provides stu-
dents with opportunities to access the current technology in
their field. The Health Information Technology Program recently
adopted a new electronic health record software that gives stu-
dents hands-on experience to prepare them for the workplace,
says Leah. We also use 3M encoder software in our advanced
coding course, as that is used by many local health care institu-
tions.
Says Amber: We keep our finger on the pulse of what is rel-
evant in todays market.
Midstate College offers students a simulated medical office set
up with medical records enabling students to practice locating
them. According to Amber: We have clinical classrooms set up
like a regular doctors office so that students receive hands-on
experience working in a medical environment with their peers.
Developing Workplace Skills
The technology and curriculum at Midstate College have been
helping students establish a stellar record with employers for over
125 years. According to Amber: We teach the real world in our
Leah Grebner, PhD, RHIA, CCS, FAHIMA, Director of Health Information
Technology works with Carol Fremaux, RHIA, Program Coordinator,
for the most up-to-date curriculum development.
Open Hou
se
July 15, 2014
4-6 p.m. on campus
All department directors will be
available to answer questions.
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