PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 23, 2026
SJR State celebrates inaugural Sonography class
Haley Willis always knew she had a passion for helping people, but while exploring careers in healthcare, she said that nursing wasn’t the right fit. When St. Johns River State College introduced the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program in 2024, Willis enrolled and quickly discovered her perfect match.
Today, Willis is a member of the program's inaugural graduating class. With her degree and registered vascular technologist certification in hand, Willis begins her dream job at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville.
“SJR State helped me land my dream job… My teacher worked very hard to get us the clinical affiliation,” Willis said. “I went there for my second rotation of clinicals. After my experience there, it really solidified that I wanted to work in pediatrics.”
Students completing the Associate in Science degree program located on the Orange Park Campus include Emma Rae Byers, Kaitlyn Ganley, Brooke Noblitt, Samantha Smith, Alexis Wallace and Haley Willis.
Each graduate has obtained a sonography position at local hospitals and/or is continuing their education.
Program Director Kristen McLeod said that over the course of the program, students completed nearly 1,000 hours in clinicals, learned the science behind ultrasound, the technical skills required to obtain diagnostic images, and the critical thinking needed to interpret what they see on the screen. “But more importantly, they learned how to care for patients,” she said.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program's inaugural graduating class.
“This first graduating class represents a very special milestone for our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch these students grow, work through challenges, and develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to care for patients. We are proud of each of them and excited to see the difference they will make in the healthcare community,” McLeod said.
Applications for the Sonography fall enrollment are available through May 15. Sonography is a limited access program. Prerequisites apply.
Haley Willis
Since 1958, St. Johns River State College has built a solid reputation as a full-service college dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce training needs of its Northeast Florida district. With campuses in Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine, SJR State is truly the community’s college, enriching a diverse population of students ranging in age from 16 to 60 and beyond.
SJR State continues its comprehensive educational role by expanding its services and programs while continuing its focus on the Associate in Arts (transfer) degree, Florida School of the Arts, and more than 30 Associate in Science degrees and certificates. SJR State has also expanded its mission to include 10 baccalaureate degrees.
Photos from the pinning ceremony are available on Flickr.