A fresh start at LLCC

Lincoln Land Community College offers more opportunities for a fresh start, whether you’re coming out of high school or making time for yourself, like Sophia Jines of Carlinville. 

After raising her three children, Sophia decided to pursue a dream she had since high school — of becoming a sonographer. 

“All of my children were in school, so it was the perfect time to focus on myself,” she said. 

A bit of research led her to LLCC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, one of more than a dozen health professions programs offered at the college.

“LLCC is close to home, and the program is very affordable,” said Jines. “The program is also accredited, which will make job placement easier once I graduate.” 

Before she could start the program, an ultrasound showed she was expecting her fourth child. She credits the flexibility of the instructors and program, which allowed her to begin when her baby was three months old. 

Her favorite part is hands-on learning in the scan lab. “Scanning my classmates while applying what I’ve learned in class/lecture is extremely rewarding,” she said. “It’s where everything you’ve learned, so far, comes together.” 

LLCC offers opportunities for health care career training, college degrees and certificates, and workforce training. There’s still time to apply and register for fall. LLCC weekday classes begin Aug. 25. Go to www.llcc.edu/apply to get started. If you’re still thinking about it, Jines says it’s an easy decision. “LLCC gives you everything you need to succeed — great instructors, small class sizes … and programs that really prepare you for the workforce.”