SPOTLIGHT: MAY 2023

Sean (2023)

Degree information here

This former park ranger decided it was time for a new career. Sean decided that a degree in Radiologic Technology would open up a new world of possibilities.

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER BEFORE ENROLLING AT SJR STATE?
I was a park ranger.

WHY A CAREER CHANGE?
I was feeling really stuck in my current career path and decided it was time for a change.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE?
Careers in health care are on the rise across the country, meaning I can travel almost anywhere in the country and the job markets will look good. The job keeps you very active, we are constantly moving and lifting in the radiological field in particular.

WHY RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY?
I like that radiology gives me opportunity to help people as part of the diagnostic team. We sometimes only see patients for a short time, but are a vital part of the healing process.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SJR STATE?
I liked the cost effectiveness of the program compared to other rad tech programs in the area. I also liked that we enter into the clinical setting very early on in our program.

HOW IS YOUR TRAINING BEST PREPARING YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE?
We get a lot of real-world experience in the hospital. We learn a lot in class, but get a lot of "curve balls" thrown at us in the clinical settings that really challenge us to think outside the box.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
I enjoy learning about the physics of how imaging interacts with our equipment and the patients.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A STUDENT?
Probably the most important thing I have learned and am continuing to learn is what our professors call "X-Ray Vision." It’s the ability to visualize in my head what different anatomic structures should look like at different angles.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE CONSIDERING THE PROGRAM?
Really do your research on the rad tech field beforehand. This program is a huge time commitment, especially in the beginning. This program is difficult, but don't get discouraged.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?
Working in this field, with a few other modalities under my belt. Possibly working as a travel Rad Tech from time to time.

INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM?
Radiographers are medical professionals and members of the health care team who:

• Perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-ray examinations of the bones, heart, lungs, and abdomen to be used for analyzing medical issues
• Work in a variety of health care settings:
    • Hospitals
    • Urgent care centers and free standing emergency centers
    • Doctor's offices and
    • Diagnostic imaging centers

For more information about the program, visit www.sjrstate.edu/radiologic.