RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

Graduated in 2019
Travel CT Tech, Mass General Hospital, Boston

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State? 

A: It felt like home. Choosing a college in the heart of Detroit allowed me to pursue my career and stay close to my family. I was a transfer student from another university and the moment I went to orientation, I knew it was the right decision. Wayne State University was so welcoming, and I appreciated the diversity throughout campus. I chose WSU for Radiologic Technology knowing it would be competitive and I would have a solid educational background moving into the real world. WSU allowed me to dual-specialize in Radiologic Technology and obtain two board certifications after graduation.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Radiologic Technology?

A: A few years prior to attending WSU, I lost my grandmother and aunt to pancreatic cancer. I chose Radiologic Technology because I knew that I would be able to assist the physicians through diagnostic imaging but also have the ability to assist in firsthand patient care. Any time a patient is in the hospital, it can feel scary. As a radiology team member, I would be able to comfort and talk to patients in a time of need.

Q: Who was your most memorable professor?

A: Sarah Borland and Kathy Kath were my most memorable professors. 

When Sarah Borland was program director, she took her students in as if we were her own children. Sarah was always there to help push us through classes, clinicals or daily life challenges. Sarah became a mentor in the field and a very close friend after graduation. I couldn't thank Sarah enough, may she rest in peace. 

Kathy Kath always pushed us to be the best we could be. Good was not good enough, and we could always do better. She had a way of positively motivating her students with a smile and a chuckle. She went above and beyond to make sure we were ready for the real world after graduation.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State: 

A: Wayne State University truly prepared me for the real world. Graduating from the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences gave me the education I needed to fully understand my career. The Radiologic Technology program is built to instill foundational knowledge and the clinical experience that we obtain is unmatched. Wayne State always felt like home.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: In May 2019, I was able to graduate, pass my boards and obtain a job in my profession, all within one week. I was able to gain experience for about 10 months before COVID-19 changed everything. COVID has been my biggest challenge. We were learning by the minute how to properly care and protect our patients and ourselves during this time.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary: 

A: As a WSU student, the rad techs were placed at Henry Ford Hospital for clinicals. I had 40 hours of classes or clinicals every week for two years and rotated through every radiology department for a period of time. I was able to work after clinicals for more experience in x-ray and CT. At my program completion ceremony, I won the Clinic Excellence Award of 2019. 

After graduation I started a full-time job in the CT department with Henry Ford Hospital, which is a well-known level-one trauma and stroke center. Through my career with Henry Ford, I have gained experience in interventional CT, OR CT, ER CT, inpatient and outpatient areas as well. I worked full-time with the Henry Ford CT team on various shifts for about three and a half years before diving into the travel world. 

In November 2022, I decided to start a travel CT job at Spectrum Health (Corewell) in Grand Rapids. I worked three contracts in GR, and was able to stay contingent at Henry Ford Hospital. Now I am looking forward to my next travel assignment. I can truly say I am blessed to have graduated from WSU in Radiologic Technology and within my clinical site at Henry Ford. With my educational and clinical experience, I was able to easily transition into another hospital with confidence. Throughout my career, it has been fulfilling to comfort my patients and help the doctors accurately diagnose pathology concerns.

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Radiologic technologists are health care professionals who administer prescribed radiation to help diagnose medical conditions. They perform procedures such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI exams. The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Radiologic Technology program was Michigan’s first accredited bachelor’s degree program in the field. The application deadline is Dec. 15.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.