Kansas Colleges Launch Sonography Degree to Tackle Rural Health Crisis

GARDEN CITY, KS – February 18, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster the healthcare workforce in rural Kansas, Newman University and Garden City Community College have unveiled a new Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program, announced at a Garden City Chamber of Commerce breakfast, is set to launch this fall and has already attracted 41 applicants, signaling a strong interest in a field vital to modern medicine.

This initiative arrives at a critical time, directly targeting the persistent shortage of specialized medical professionals in Southwest Kansas. By creating an accessible, local pathway to a high-demand career, the partnership aims not only to fill vacant positions but also to provide a powerful incentive for local students to build their futures within their own communities.

Addressing a Critical Regional Need

The demand for diagnostic medical sonographers—highly skilled professionals who use ultrasound technology to create images of the body's tissues and organs—is surging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth rate for the profession nationally through 2034, nearly four times the average for all occupations. This national trend is acutely felt in rural regions, where healthcare access is often limited.

Reports from organizations like the Kansas Hospital Association have consistently highlighted workforce challenges, with diagnostic imaging being an area of need. The new program is designed to create a direct pipeline of qualified sonographers to serve local hospitals and clinics, strengthening the region's healthcare infrastructure.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran praised the initiative, emphasizing its dual benefit of improving healthcare access and retaining local talent. “This announcement builds on the strong partnership between Newman University and Garden City Community College, while helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in rural Kansas,” said Moran. “With the addition of this new program, students in Southwest Kansas will have the opportunity to learn the high-demand skills needed to provide quality care to their local communities. Just as importantly, this effort will help to retain Kansas talent and make certain that young students who want to pursue careers in health care can achieve that success right here at home.”

An Accessible Pathway to a High-Demand Career

One of the program's most striking features is its focus on accessibility and affordability. As part of the established Newman HERE partnership, the degree is structured to be completed in two years or less after prerequisites are met. Officials state that through a combination of “ample scholarships and grants,” the cost for students could be as low as $750 per year, a figure that dramatically lowers the financial barrier to a bachelor's degree.

This affordability makes a career in sonography attainable for a much broader segment of the population. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a variety of roles, including OB/GYN sonographer, vascular sonographer, and echocardiographer, with graduates qualified to take the nationally recognized American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations.

“We are proud to work with Newman University to bring exciting new opportunities to our students right here in Garden City,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College. “Watching our students continue their education and earn bachelor’s degrees on our campus has been rewarding and something we are excited to continue and grow in the coming years.”

A Model of Strategic Collaboration

The sonography degree is the latest success for the Newman HERE program, a joint venture that has already enabled 23 students to earn their bachelor's degrees locally over the past two years, with another 33 currently enrolled. The program’s success lies in its tripartite partnership model, which leverages the strengths of each institution.

Garden City Community College provides foundational coursework, Newman University confers the bachelor’s degree and provides the specialized curriculum, and CommonSpirit Health offers the indispensable, real-world clinical training. This seamless integration ensures students receive a comprehensive education that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

“We strive to empower all of our students through a high quality education, and those values are exemplified in this partnership with Garden City Community College and CommonSpirit Health,” said Alden Stout, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Newman University. “From our incredible faculty to tailored degree plans, the HERE program has made great strides in making higher education available to all.”

The clinical component is crucial. Students will train at facilities like St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, working alongside experienced medical personnel.

“We are committed to caring for our community, and through our partnership with Garden City Community College and Newman University, we are thrilled to develop the next generation of compassionate caregivers,” said Jason Justus, President of St. Catherine Hospital - Garden City and affiliated regional hospitals. “We believe in the power of hands-on experience and are excited to provide the students with clinicals that will enable them to get essential, real-world experience.”

Building the Future of Local Healthcare

While Kansas has other sonography programs, including those at the University of Kansas Medical Center and Washburn University, the Newman-GCCC initiative is unique. It is one of the few to offer a full Bachelor of Science degree and is strategically located to serve the underserved western half of the state, filling a significant geographic and educational gap.

The curriculum, led by Program Director Brooke Ward and Clinical Director Lindsay Harris, includes intensive coursework in areas like Ultrasound Physics, Sectional Anatomy, and specialized imaging labs for obstetrics and abdominal sonography. This rigorous training ensures graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of the profession and eligible for the certifications required for employment.

By combining affordability, accessibility, and a robust partnership between academia and industry, the new sonography program in Garden City is poised to do more than just educate students. It represents a long-term investment in the health and economic vitality of Southwest Kansas, ensuring that for years to come, the region can grow its own dedicated and highly skilled medical professionals.