Beth Eyster

In recognition of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month this October, COTC celebrates the impact that the many alumni, current students and faculty of its diagnostic medical sonography technology program have on the lives of their patients.

Instructor Beth Eyster started teaching at COTC in 2011 as part of the diagnostic medical sonography technology (DMS) program. She teaches many course topics including basic sonography scan skills, human anatomy, echocardiography, abdominal sonography and sonographic physics. She also serves as the clinical coordinator for the DMS program. 

Education

Master of Science in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science in Echocardiography from Oregon Institute of Technology 

Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from COTC 

What work experience do you have in sonography? 

I graduated from the cardiovascular program in 2005 and worked in the field at various institutions for several years before returning to COTC to teach. I crossed-trained in the field and obtained a third credential in abdomen. I was able to gain experience in the field in all three specialties: cardiac, vascular and general sonography. I was able to gain experience in the field in a variety of settings including a surgical practice working closely with the surgeons as well as large hospitals. These settings gave me the opportunity to learn and develop skills in all three specialties with a wide variety of cases.

What can students do when they graduate with a degree in DMS?

Sonography plays an important role in the care of a patient, specifically in the diagnosis and treatment. Sonography allows science and technology combined with the skill of the sonographer to provide diagnostic information. Upon graduation, graduates can work in a variety of settings depending on their credentials and preferences: hospitals, out-patient facilities, dedicated OB facilities, cardiology practices, breast centers and pediatric facilities.

How did you become involved in sonography?

I graduated from COTC in 2005 and have loved this career since day one. Teaching gives me an opportunity to share my passion and help students achieve their goals. It is very rewarding to watch the students grow and achieve their dream. Not only is sonography a rewarding career in which we can directly impact our patient by being an important part of the diagnosis and treatment of the patient, it is a profession that can financially support a family. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching at COTC? 

I love working with the students. I love watching them achieve their goals even when they don’t believe they can do it. I especially like to see students who are successful in our program in spite of personal obstacles. To see someone overcome adversity and achieve their dream makes it that much better!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

What I am most proud of is the reputation that our program has in our community. Our students are easily placed for clinical rotation and sought after by employers upon graduation. We work hard to produce quality sonographers for our community, and we are recognized for our efforts. It is a joint effort between COTC and our clinical partners; together we are meeting the needs of our community.

What advice do you have for students?

Don’t give up!!! Our program is challenging and can be overwhelming, but it is worth it and one can be proud of what they have accomplished!

In what way do you support students in achieving their degree?

The DMS faculty works as a team to teach, encourage, intervene and provide resources to ensure the success of our students. We are dedicated to the success of our students and will do anything in our power to get them to the finish line. COTC provides resources that have been very helpful over the years to our students including emergency grant funds, tutoring and counseling. 

What interests, hobbies or talents do you have outside of the classroom?

I have a wonderful family…an amazing husband of 35 years (we were high school sweethearts), two wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and three adorable grandbabies. I love to play games, especially card games and party games. I love to listen to live music (all kinds) and dance. I also like to walk, hike, swim and ride my bicycle.