Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Approves $201,271 Investment in Cardiac Sonography Equipment
BENTON HARBOR, MI — Lake Michigan College (LMC) announced today that its Board of Trustees has authorized the purchase of new cardiac ultrasound equipment for the College’s Cardiac Sonography Program, approving an expenditure not to exceed $201,271.23. The Board originally approved the Cardiac Sonography program in Fall 2025, and this equipment acquisition is the next critical step in bringing the program to life for its inaugural student cohort beginning Fall 2026.
The investment will fund the purchase of two Philips cardiac ultrasound machines for the College’s Sonography Suite. The equipment was selected following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process that included outreach to Philips, GE Healthcare, and American Med Systems Inc. A bid was received from Philips and presented to the Board for review and approval.
“This investment ensures our students will train on the same or similar systems used in actual clinical environments," said Dr. LaToya Mason, Provost, Lake Michigan College. “Our healthcare partners expect our graduates to be job-ready from day one, and this equipment gives them exactly that foundation.”
Cardiac sonography is a specialized and rapidly growing healthcare field that demands a distinct skill set beyond general sonography. The new equipment will enable LMC students to develop essential cardiac competencies required by employers and accreditation standards, including:
- Maintaining and operating advanced ultrasound equipment
- Performing 2D and 3D echocardiograms
- Documenting diagnostic findings
- Assessing heart function using industry-standard imaging protocols
Clinical facilities where LMC students will complete their clinical rotations expect incoming students to have direct, hands-on experience with cardiac imaging technology. By equipping the Sonography Suite with industry-standard systems, LMC ensures that students enter their clinical placements prepared to contribute meaningfully and meet the expectations of area healthcare providers.
The Cardiac Sonography program reflects Lake Michigan College’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-demand, high-skill healthcare pathways for students in southwest Michigan. Additional details about the program, including admissions information for the Fall 2026 cohort, can be found at lakemichigancollege.edu/cardiac.
About Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive community college serving Berrien County and surrounding communities from its main campus in Benton Harbor, Michigan. LMC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to help students reach their academic and career goals. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.
The Cardiac Sonography program reflects Lake Michigan College’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-demand, high-skill healthcare pathways for students in southwest Michigan.
