Growing up, Christine Rogers ‘22 always knew she wanted to work in the medical field. She came to UHart to find her way and hone her skills in the BS in Radiologic Technology program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP). An honors student, Rogers is graduating in May and has already accepted a full-time job at Hartford Hospital as a CT scan technologist. The support she received on campus and the exposure to real-life clinical opportunities have prepared her to enter the workforce with confidence.
As a competitive gymnast, her own personal experiences with radiologic technology and scans sparked her interest in the field. “I had no idea about it as a job until I talked to an X-ray tech at one of my appointments, and she told me how rewarding it was and how you can constantly grow in this field,” says Rogers.
Radiologic Technology is a dynamic, fast-paced profession that combines the use of sophisticated medical imaging technology with compassionate care of the ill and injured. As a CT technologist, Rogers will be a member of a team that helps diagnose and treat all types of pathologies and conditions.
All radiologic technology students complete clinical rotations at one of UHart’s 15 affiliate partners, including major hospitals like Hartford Hospital, and private imaging offices. This hands-on experience gave Rogers the opportunity to apply what she’d learned in the classroom. “Without UHart I would not have had the opportunity to go to the variety of clinical sites that I did. At the clinical sites I made a lot of connections that actually got me my initial job at Hartford Hospital as a rad tech as only a junior in college,” says Rogers.
A unique feature of UHart's Rad Tech program is that students can earn their credential in radiography at the end of their junior year and begin working as X-ray technologists. During their senior year, they can earn a second credential in CT, MRI, or sonography, giving them an additional advantage when job hunting.
Rogers believes the support she received from the Center for Student Success and her advisor have also prepared her for the new position. “Without the help of my professors and advisors I would never have been able to get where I am now. All of the classes in the Rad program have prepared me for working the in the field,” she says. Associate Professor Daniel DeMaio was the advisor of her honors project. “He really got me interested in looking deeper into my field,” she comments.
As part of the Honors Program, Rogers conducted research on whether radiologic technologists understand the proper use of the exposure index system. “I presented my study at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in Philadelphia this year as well as the Undergraduate Colloquium. The hope is to publish my work after graduation," she says.
When asked what advice she would give incoming students, Rogers replies, “My advice is to just put yourself out there and meet new people and join clubs and activities.” The result for her was “the community feeling” she got when she walked around campus. “I also made amazing connections with my professors and advisors as they are the ones who have helped over the past four years and got me where I am now. I had an amazing experience at UHart that I will remember forever,” she says.
Christine Rogers '22, Radiologic TechnologyWithout UHart I would never have had the opportunity to go to the variety of clinical sites that I did. At the clinical sites I made a lot of connections that actually got me my initial job at Hartford Hospital as only a junior in college. I also made amazing connections with my professors and advisors as they are the ones who have helped over the past four years and got me where I am now."