SFCC Health Sciences

05/06/2026

Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Class of 2027 just hit a major milestone—their very first week of clinical rotations!

There is nothing quite like the transition from practicing on simulators and each other to working with real patients. These students have spent months preparing for this moment, and seeing them out in the field is a proud day for our program. Swipe through to see our students hitting their clinical sites across the region, scrubs on and ready to learn!

To our Class of 2027: Soak up every moment, ask all the questions, and remember that you are the future of diagnostic imaging. You’ve got this!

02/06/2026

Community, collaboration, and excellence—that’s what healthcare in Missouri is all about.

We’re sharing this post from Western Missouri Medical Center to celebrate their standout staff during Nurses & Hospital Week. It is especially exciting to see so many familiar faces (aka SFCC alumni) among the award winners.

We also want to shine a light on Mandy Harness, a longtime nursing program clinical instructor, for being named Mentor of the Year and Employee of the Year. Mandy’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, and this dual recognition is a testament to the passion she brings to clinical education. Thank you for your leadership, Mandy!

02/06/2026

Health Science Team Member Spotlight!!

We are proud to introduce Dr. Becky Throneberry, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program!

Becky brings an incredible depth of clinical leadership, a passion for high-quality care, and a true commitment to lifelong learning to our OTA students as they prepare to enter the field. Her career is defined by her dedication to pushing boundaries and elevating patient care. One of her proudest professional milestones perfectly highlights her drive: after 15 years in the field, she completed her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)—all while simultaneously building a brand-new home health therapy program from scratch.

Under her leadership, that program grew to a thriving team of 30 therapists and achieved a prestigious 5-out-of-5-star rating on Home Health Compare. Becky stated, "Balancing advanced education with organizational growth was challenging, but it reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning, strategic leadership, and meaningful outcomes for both patients and clinicians."

When Becky steps away from work, she finds fulfillment in staying active and connected to the people and places that matter the most to her. "I love traveling and hiking with my husband, especially when it gives me the chance to explore new environments and recharge outdoors." She also deeply values and prioritizes spending time with her two adult children. When she's at home, she's happily outnumbered by her pets - two dogs, Scarlett and Flash, and a cat, Finn. They are all wholeheartedly spoiled, but bring "plenty of joy and laughter to my downtime."

We are fortunate to have Becky’s leadership and clinical expertise to help guide our OTA students. Please join us in celebrating her and the vital role she plays on our Health Sciences team!

27/05/2026

The MHPC Respiratory Care students had a blast (and learned a ton!) at the Missouri Society of Respiratory Care conference in Osage Beach last month!

Huge thank you to faculty members Valerie Norwood and Denise King for guiding our students through such a valuable professional experience. Conferences are where students get to see what’s next in healthcare, meet potential employers, and learn about the cutting-edge technology they’ll be using in the field.

It’s more than just school—it’s about becoming part of the profession!

Does being a Respiratory Therapist sound like your kind of career? We are always happy to answer questions and help new students get their start! Reach out to us today to learn about our upcoming cohorts.
Visit our website to learn more: https://www.sfccmo.edu/academics-programs/areas-of-study/respiratory-care/

26/05/2026

Health Science Team Member Spotlight!!
This week, we are proud to feature Danielle Beumer, the Director of our Radiologic Technology Program!

Danielle fell in love with medical imaging during a high school job-shadowing experience, turning a childhood desire to care for others into a lifelong career. People often do not realize how much critical thinking and patient care are involved in Rad Tech. Danielle loves to dispel the common myths about what radiologic technologists actually do:
"Many assume it’s just positioning patients and pushing a button, but technologists are constantly making clinical judgments, adapting positioning for trauma patients, recognizing pathology, evaluating image quality, and ensuring radiation safety. It’s a blend of advanced technology, anatomy expertise, and compassionate patient interaction."
The undeniable impact Danielle has on her students is beautifully reflected in her achievements as an educator. In 2022, she was named SFCC's Instructor of the Year—an incredibly meaningful honor because it was voted on and nominated entirely by her students. Her dedication to shaping future professionals didn't stop there; that same year, her statewide impact was celebrated when she was named a finalist for the MCCA Educator of the Year for Missouri.
When she steps away from the imaging lab and classroom, Danielle's life is very busy! She has four children who she enjoys watching growing and keeping up with all their activities. She is also a big Chiefs fan! Her and her husband have been season ticket holders since 2017, so they have enjoyed watching all the Chiefs successes over the last few years. If any other down time comes her way, Danielle loves to read and travel to the Caribbean with her husband.
Thank you, Danielle, for setting such a high standard of excellence for our Radiologic Technology students and representing SFCC so wonderfully!

22/05/2026

Cheers to the SFCC Dental Hygiene graduates! You’ve survived the scaling, the charting, and the finals—and now you’re officially ready to take on the world.

We are obsessed with these decorated caps! Pearls, rhinestones, and big dreams—this class has it all. Wishing you all the best as you start your careers in oral healthcare. You are going to be amazing!

20/05/2026

State Fair Community College Health Sciences is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable dedication of Radiologic Technology student-athlete Izzy.

Last week, Izzy Sabala traveled to New Mexico to compete in the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, capping off her track career at SFCC by placing 12th in the nation for Javelin.

Balancing the rigorous academic demands of a Radiologic Technology program while competing at an elite collegiate level requires tremendous discipline, time management, and resilience. Izzy embodies the exact work ethic we love to see in our future healthcare professionals.

Please join us in congratulating Izzy on a spectacular collegiate athletic year and wishing her the absolute best as she transitions fully into her medical imaging program and career!

19/05/2026

19/05/2026

Health Science Team Member Spotlight Time!
This week, we are happy to shine the light on Courtney Ahnen, Nursing Success Coordinator. Courtney plays a vital role in bridging the gap between clinical expertise and student mentorship. Her journey from the bedside to the classroom is a testament to how passion and career flexibility can evolve into a perfect professional fit.

Growing up, Courtney always imagined she would have a career in education. However, a curiosity for healthcare in high school led her to nursing, drawn by the stability and the ability to make a meaningful impact. Today, she has come full circle—combining her nursing experience with her love for teaching. Courtney stated, "The most rewarding part of my career is watching students grow—both in knowledge and confidence—and hearing their success stories after graduation."

Outside of the office, Courtney is usually "on the go!" Most of her time is spent with her husband and their three sons, traveling to various practices and games. As a family of major sports fans, they are always ready to cheer on their favorite teams: the Chiefs, Royals, & Mizzou! You can also find her attending country music concerts or relaxing with a good Netflix series.

Something that Courtney wants every new nursing student to know is that it is okay to start from square one. She reminds students, "I always remind them that I started nursing school the same way... I didn’t have a healthcare background, and at times I felt behind compared to others." But as you can see, she didn't stop her!

We are so grateful for Courtney’s dedication to our students’ growth and her ability to turn her passion into such a supportive environment for our Nursing program!