STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MAY 2023
MEET NAOMI.
Naomi is enrolled in SJR State’s Radiologic Technology A.S. degree program. She is preparing for a career that includes performing diagnostic imaging procedures in a variety of health care settings. “The program has showed me that I can accomplish more than I expected, and I am showing my kids what we can achieve, even if we have to go over some bumps in the road.”
NAOMI, WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER BEFORE ENROLLING AT SJR STATE?
I own and operate a Learning Academy.
WHY A CAREER CHANGE?
I am a single mom of three, and I just want to make sure I have a stable career for them.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE?
I have always enjoyed the medical profession, and my family has always worked in the hospital setting. When I was younger, I even had a radiology badge with my name and picture.
WHY RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY?
Radiology is very interesting. It is tougher than most people think, but I like the many options you have when you finish the program. There are many different modalities in which you can specialize.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SJR STATE?
SJR State is good school with great reviews. They are really helpful with providing all the information we need, as well as helpful scholarships and jobs.
HOW IS YOUR TRAINING BEST PREPARING YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE?
We have been preparing for a lot! The classroom helps us learn all the material, and labs help give us hands-on experience to simulate what we will be doing in the hospital. Clinicals are amazing. We get hands-on experience with patients. We learn so much from all the excellent techs whom we work with. It gives us examples of what we will do every day when we finish the program.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
There are so many things about the program I enjoy, but most of all would be how much clinical experience we get.
WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A STUDENT?
Coming into this program, I knew it would be a challenge because as a single mom, I still have to work full time and complete this competitive program. It has showed me that I can accomplish more than I expected, and I am showing my kids what we can achieve, even if we have to go over some bumps in the road.
ANY ADVICE?
To all perspective students: Just believe in yourself! Come into the program understanding that it is way more work than you think.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?
Ten years seems like a lifetime, and I would be 40. My children would be 17, 18 and 21. Scary thought, but I would hope to be exploring opportunities to be a traveling rad tech. They have endless travel jobs for people to learn and grow even more within the field.
INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM?
Students completing the program are eligible to take the national certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. ARRT certification is recognized throughout the country.
For more information about the program, visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/radiologic
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michelle Sjogren
Executive Director of Communications
386-312-4034
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
(386) 312-4021