BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The economy is forcing more and more people to make a career change and head back to school.

Lake Michigan College is changing its course offerings to provide training for jobs that need workers.

Wednesday afternoon, LMC dedicated its new Medical Imaging Career Center. That's one field expected to have an increased demand for workers in future.

As students Kelly VanHusan and Meredith Perez use state-of-the-art equipment in the Medical Imaging Center, they realize they are putting their futures in motion.

"It's great," VanHusan said. "We get to use excellent equipment."

The program is a draw for many traditional and non-traditional students. Not only for the passion of helping others, but also because the skills learned are in demand.

"I really wanted to get involved in Health Sciences because of the job security that was involved with it," said Perez.

"You're always going to have a job," added VanHusan. "You can always get a job, anywhere."

With a grim economy and Michigan's track record of nine straight months of job loss, the program's director Kerry Mohney thought it was the perfect time to invest.

"We will be unique in this area of the state having these two programs," said Mohney.

Certificates and degrees in radiology, sonography and MRI are offered.

"Classrooms are filling up," said Mohney.

And that's paying off for hospitals and students.

"Many of our students are second career choice students," said Mohney.

Interest in the college's Energy Production Technology program is growing.

"We've had many people that have bachelor's degrees and master's degrees," said Mohney. "They have chosen to go into this profession because of the job security and the income that it provides."

"When somebody's life involves a good job, it does relieve a lot of issues they would face in their home on a daily basis," said Mohney.

A total of 48 students are enrolled in the first and second year Medical Imaging classes; 91 students are enrolled in the Energy Production Technology Program.

Medical Imaging careers, which often require a certification or two-year degree, feature wages that start at $20 per hour.

For more information about the LMC Radiologic Technology program, contact Program Director Kerry Mohney at (800) 252-1562 ext. 5093 or go to Lake Michigan College.