PINING CEREMONY WELCOMES BLINN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES
Seventeen future radiologic technologists were recognized in a pinning ceremony Saturday after completing Blinn College’s rigorous Radiologic Technology Program.
Program graduates learn a multitude of imaging methods, and develop extensive knowledge and understanding of the human body for comprehensive patient care. They must also have an in-depth understanding of medical informatics, computers, medical physics and radiobiology.
Approximately 20 students are accepted to the program each semester based on market demand. Limited enrollment ensures a quality learning experience including hands-on training in local healthcare facilities.
The Spring 2016 graduating class included: Kristine Becerra, Amanda Berckenhoff, Madison Bowen, Jimmy Cano, Jayme Croome, Crystal Elliott, Blair Groce, David Handwerk, Jessica Hensel, Hilaree Hodges, Brittany Janak, Jaclyn Kolacek, Hayleigh Lagrone, Ashley Muzny, Brittany Nemirovsky, Mariia Stepura and Corina Tipton.
Within two weeks of beginning the program, students volunteer at local healthcare facilities across the Brazos Valley as part of their coursework. At clinical sites, students are evaluated daily by their clinical supervisors regarding their understanding of radiologic technology, willingness to learn, professionalism and patient care.
With an Associate of Applied Sciences degree, students can earn a starting salary around $35,000. With additional training and education, a graduate can significantly increase their earnings by specializing in computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radiation therapy. The program has a 100 percent job placement rate since 1994.
“Regardless of how many groups I graduate, each one seems to go above and beyond my expectations,” said Shelley Pearson, director of the Radiologic Technology Program. “I love that I’ve been a part of their education process, watching them grow from students to professionals. I could not be more proud.”
Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences, based at the Texas A&M Health Science Center, offers associate degree nursing, dental hygiene, emergency medical services, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, fire science, veterinary technology and vocational nursing programs designed to train students for high-demand professions.
Story and photo courtesy of: Blinn Communications