Iowa Central Community College issued the following announcement.
When current graduates entered into the Iowa Central Radiologic Technology programs, they could never have imagined all they would go through.
Several of those students completed their journey recently by taking part in the Associate Degree of Radiologic Technology Pinning Parade held on the Iowa Central campus.
“Our students have been through so much these past two years,” said Lindsay Heffernan, Radiology Program Coordinator. “They were pulled from clinical in March, then we’re able to get back into clinical June of 2020, so they had to play catch up on their competencies in clinical and work extra hard to meet all the requirements of graduating - and they all did it. I am so proud of them.
“COVID will be something everything will look back on and never forget, but these students’ teamwork, attitudes and flexibility will be something I will never forget. Rather than take it as a negative, these students still took the opportunity to take care of patients and be a large part of health care during a pandemic; this is what health care is all about.”
The radiologic technology program is dedicated to providing quality radiologic technology education to produce qualified, competent entry-level diagnostic Radiographers who are committed to life-long learning and high standards within the profession.
The intensive program prepares students to become skilled professionals in performing imaging examinations and accompanying responsibilities through clinical experience in radiology departments of health care affiliates located throughout Northwest and North Central Iowa.
“They had to adjust to different protocols between the college and hospitals daily it seemed like,” Heffernan said. “They gained skills not only in their profession but life skills too. When I start to see skills we teach transfer into life skills, this is when my job is the most rewarding.”
Students in the medical lab technician program are now prepared to perform a full range of lab tests, from a simple blood glucose test to complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV and cancer. They will work quickly and accurately to give doctors the key information needed to treat a patient.
Over the last five years, Iowa Central medical lab technician program graduates have earned a 100 percent board of certification pass rate.
For Toni Hansen, the journey has been a test of strength for many.
“It still hasn’t hit me yet that I’m done,” she said. “There were definitely times some of us didn’t think we would make it this far, but I’m glad we did. I’m so happy I chose this program. I’ve met some of my best friends through here and it has been amazing to grow with them.”
Hansen came to Fort Dodge and Iowa Central from Alaska. She will now attend William Penn University to continue both her academic and athletic career with the bowling program.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Iowa Central Community College
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