Crafton Hills College, ARMC celebrates new class of rad tech professionals - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: June 6, 2024

Rad Tech Graduation

Twenty-two months ago, eight Crafton Hills College students entered Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) to begin the path toward their career goal.

Strangers to one another, the group members quickly bonded over the same objective: successfully complete a rigorous radiological technology program with the guidance from ARMC professionals.

“Today we gather to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and determination,” announced Dr. Jennifer Bringhurst, director of the hospital’s School of Radiological Technology, during a special certification and graduation ceremony for the program on June 6 in ARMC’s Oak Room. “Each of these graduates before us has embarked on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and today we honor their achievements.

“Radiology Technology is a field that demands precision, compassion, and expertise. It is a profession where every image holds the potential for transforming lives,” she continued. “Whether it is diagnosing illnesses, guiding treatments, or providing peace of mind to patients, the work of a radiologic technologist is indispensable to the health care system.”

Crafton partners with ARMC to teach annual cohorts of future radiologic techs the fundamentals of performing diagnostic imaging examinations. Eight students are accepted per year.  They are taught anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and protection, and basic patient care.

The small number of graduating students allows for the kind of intimacy lacking in typical graduations. Each student selected for this cohort had their unique upbringing and life experiences. During his address to the class, graduate Andy Gollihar took a few minutes to share his favorite traits of each of his classmates:

  • Nathanael Righter: The youngest of the class but wise beyond his years.
  • Kristin Evans: The group’s biggest motivator with a great work ethic.
  • Jordan Wooters: The one who brought the laughs.
  • Caitlin Svob: A hard worker, balancing a full-time job and course requirements.
  • Marcus Stoddard: One of the nicest people around with a mean bread pudding recipe.
  • AlyssaHernandez: The one with a bubbly personality and impressive softball throwing arm.
  • Sara El-Sayed: One of the most intelligent people Gollihar has ever met.

“I’m going to miss you all very much,” he continued. “But I know that each … one of you is going to be an amazing radiologic technologist, and you’re going to make any place you go a positive working environment. I am very fortunate to know you.”

Additional program highlights included remarks from CHC President Kevin Horan and Daniel Word, the college’s dean of career education and human development; a slideshow presentation showcasing program highlights and group outings; and the awarding of four awards and scholarships:

  • Clinical Award: Marcus Stoddard
  • Academic Award: Sara El-Sayed
  • Beaver Medical Clinical Foundation Scholarship: Caitlin Svob
  • Michael Scott Scholarship and Christi Hall Award of Excellence: Nathanael Righter