By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region

Tipton native, Lauren Shively, embraces hands-on learning in IU Health Tipton’s Imaging department, expanding her skills before graduation.

Lauren Shively is a Tipton native. When she got the opportunity to learn from healthcare professionals at IU Health Tipton, she jumped at the opportunity.

As a student in her second year of the radiography program at Indiana University Kokomo, Shively is required to get firsthand experience in multiple healthcare settings.

“Once you get in the program, you do clinicals the whole entire time you’re in the program, so two years of clinicals,” she explains.

Her time at the hospital has helped with hands-on patient care experience. She trained with the hospital’s technologists. Once they felt she was ready, she began doing patient imaging herself with a technologist available to support if needed.

“Everywhere you go, you’re going to see people doing exams differently,” Shively says. “They’ve shown me new ways of doing what I’ve already done, ways to be more efficient.”

Shively is set to graduate in May 2024. Her degree will signify she can perform X-ray imaging, but she plans to continue her education to eventually perform ultrasounds as well.

Even with her time at other healthcare facilities, Shively says there is something special about working with the team in her hometown.

“I would say that they’ve been very helpful. They really like to have students here. I feel like a part of the team here.”

If you are interested in joining the IU Health team, explore career opportunities at careers.iuhealth.org.