‘We’re a big family’ – Crafton, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Celebrate 2022 Class of Rad Tech Grads

Publish Date: Aug. 18, 2022

After long lab hours and covering lots of material together, it is no surprise that Crafton Hills College’s Class of 2022 Radiologic Technology Graduates were a tight-knit group.

From inside jokes to a photo montage of memories, the small class of seven were honored June 7, during a lively ceremony at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) in Colton.

“I was really surprised when my class chose me to make this speech,” shared Jared Rayfield, a member of this year’s graduates and student speaker. Regarding his classmates choosing him as the speaker, Rayfield joked that his selection just showed how much the others didn’t want the “honor” of writing a speech.

As he tried to refrain from clichés or over- sentimentalizing during his brief speech – which drew a lot of laughs from those in attendance – Rayfield couldn’t help but reflect on the tight bond the group created and its importance, as well as the strong support system that was built outside of the group with family and friends rooting them on.

“With 40-hour weeks studying and long hours away from home, it was apparent that time with family had to be sacrificed,” he said. “And still, you all stood by and supported all of us.”

Crafton’s Rad Tech Program is a collaboration between the Yucaipa-based college and ARMC.The 22 1⁄2-month program prepares future techs for positions in hospitals, all while they work closely with program leaders and lecturers. Along with meeting program criteria, all students must then become certified with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Radiological Health Selection of the California State Department of Health for entry-level employment in radiography.

Typically, the program accepts no more than eight students each term.

“Our program is very intense because the State of California requires 1,050 hours of clinical time, hence why we are here 40 hours a week. And that does not include study time,” explained Melissa Huynh, program director for ARMC’s school of radiology. “This program here became (the students’) second home, and while we had to push back dates because of COVID, they all rolled with the punches and were flexible. Give them a round of applause for rolling with uncertainty.”

And the audience did, which drew smiles from all seven. As graduates were called individually to receive their pins and certificates, family and friends took out their cell phones to capture the moment. In addition to remarks from faculty, staff and program supporters, scholarship recipients were also announced.

Mia Manchego received the Clinical Award, which is awarded to a student who embodies hard work and the program’s overall mission to prepare graduates who are competent and possess the professional ethics and practices associated with quality patient care. Aaliyah Mariscal earned the Academic Award, which was awarded to the student with the highest points achieved during the program, and Steve Rodriguez – a veteran – received the Cristi Hall award in memory of Hall, a former technologist at ARMC who exemplified excellence. Rodriguez also received a scholarship from the family of Michael Scott, a former Cristi Hall award recipient who was hired on at ARMC after graduating from the program in 2012. He loved the students and his ARMC family. Sadly, Michael passed away in 2019 and his family and friends established an endowed scholarship. This scholarship will be presented with the Cristi Hall award for each graduating class.This was the first year Michael’s family was able to attend and present Michael’s memorial scholarship.

“I look out here and see that 10 years ago Mike received the Cristi Hall Award, and we are very proud of what the students here have achieved and the career that you’re going to have is going to be amazing,” said Tom Scott, Michael’s father. “Michael grew and flourished in this industry. His passion and willingness to help others achieve knowledge in radiology gave him great satisfaction.”

Program applications are now open. Learn more or apply.