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Graduate highlights for National Radiologic Technology Week

2022-11-08

To celebrate National Radiologic Technology Week, our Radiography instructors reached out to a few graduates to see what they've been doing since graduating from SCC.

The final grad highlight is Jake McHan, who answered a few questions given by Kim Argo, Radiography clinical coordinator.

Q: Introduction: Include your name, registries, your title and experience/path following graduation from the SCC radiography program, including the year you graduated.

A: Jake McHan, RT (R), Rad Tech. II (CT). Grad of 2017. Worked five years at Haywood Regional Hospital, one year x-ray and four years CT.

Q: What kind of continuing education have you done? How did SCC prepare you for this?

A: Cross trained into CT soon after graduation. The Radiology program at SCC is top notch. Actually met my wife in the program. Deciding to pursue my career in radiology was on of the best decisions I ever made. I actually enjoy going to work every day. That is in huge part to my team at Harris Regional. They rock!

Q: How has your radiography degree from SCC allowed you to fulfill your career aspirations?

A: They say, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life." That is how I feel about my career in radiology. The program at SCC is not what I would call easy, but by the time you walk across that stage, they have you ready for what lies ahead.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: People I would like to thank for making me love my job day in and day out: Crystal Gleaton, Aaron Dehart and Holly Willet. These three went out of their way to make me a better tech. P.S. Where's my Röntgen Award? lol


The third grad highlight is Paul Brown, who was interviewed by Meg Petty, Radiography program coordinator.

Q: Introduction to your title and experience as a result of SCC's radiography program, including the year your graduated.

A: SCC Radiography program graduate 1995 (alongside other notable SCC Radiography graduates that same year). RT/CT Technologist 1995-2002 Murphy Medical Center. Radiology Manager, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital (formerly Murphy Medical Center) 2002-present.

Q: What kind of continuing education have you done?

A: ARRT (CT) advanced registry 1997. Bachelor of Business Administration, Montreat College 1998-2000. AHRA Certified Radiology Administrator certification 2014.

Q: How did SCC prepare you for this?

A: As a full time student with SCC 1993-1995, the radiography program director, instructors, and affiliated clinical site instructors instilled in me a dedication to the profession of radiography, which has turned into a lifelong career.

Q: How has your radiography degree from SCC allowed you to fulfill your career aspirations?

A: My initial associates degree from SCC in 1995 has allowed me to grow as a professional and my career as a radiologic technologist has helped me provide a pretty amazing life for my family for the last 27 years. And for that, my family and I will always be thankful for the education and opportunity SCC provided.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I am and always will be proud to call myself a Southwestern Community College alumni.


The second grad highlight is Whitney Gantt, who was interviewed by Kim Argo, Radiography clinical coordinator.

Q: Introduction: Include your name, registries, your title and experience/path following graduation from the SCC radiography program, including the year you graduated.

A: I’m Whitney Gantt RT (R), from the graduating class of 2008! I am currently the Diagnostic Supervisor of a Radiology department in Florida. Right out of school I was blessed to begin my career at Harris Regional
Hospital. I was stretched in all areas; fluoroscopy, OR, and all other general X-ray. I was also able to learn alongside and assist with our PACS administrator!

About 8 years ago, I was given an opportunity to move to a new location in Florida. This move allowed me to step into a leadership role, which continued to give me opportunities to grow!

Q: What kind of continuing education have you done? How did SCC prepare you for this?

A: Currently, I have stayed with my Associates in Radiography. SCC was great at preparing me for any avenue that I decided to take. Some advice I remember was “to never be afraid to step into the unknown.” You will never know what opportunities may come your way, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Sometimes you may have strengths inside of you that others see but you cannot see yourself. If they are willing to tap into that and help you grow, accept the help, it is the only way you are going to grow to your full potential! I never saw leadership roles in my future, it was not something I was pursuing. I was blessed with an opportunity to have a mentor who trusted me and took me under their wing. I am so thankful that I said yes when I was offered the opportunity!

Q: How has your radiography degree from SCC allowed you to fulfill your career aspirations?

A: My radiography degree has given me the knowledge and experience I needed to provide the best quality imaging and care for my patients.

My inspiration for pursuing my career was my mother. She battled a long fight of cancer through my younger years, as well as while I was in this program. When it came time in my life to decide what I wanted to step into as a career, I knew I wanted to give back in a way I could help other patients going through similar situations that my mom did.

This program has also helped me learn how to see a vision, and how to help lead a team into giving their best when it comes to imaging. I have the opportunity to work with students here in Florida, and I love knowing that I can help pass on the tools that were given to me as a student.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I am grateful for the Radiography program at SCC and their hearts to see each student come out prepared and ready to face the world! It’s reassuring knowing that the same professors that taught me are still there teaching the students today. The fact that they are still teaching shows me that they truly care, and that they want to see successful technologists sent out to take care of the world!


The first grad highlight is Cesily Lantz, who answered a few questions given by Meg Petty, Radiography program coordinator.

Q: Introduction to your title and experience as a result of SCC's radiography program, including the year you graduated.  

A: Cat Scan Technologist - 2011.

Q: What kind of continuing education have you done?  How did SCC prepare you for this? 

A: After my radiography degree, I worked at Angel Medical Center and was crossed trained into computed tomography. I have learned a lot as a tech over the years, even some cross training into interventional radiology. Without SCC and my teachers, I wouldn’t have been inspired to pursue my career and grow as a healthcare worker. I am now going back to school at Western Governors University pursing my degree for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Healthcare Management.

Q: How has your radiography degree from SCC allowed you to fulfill your career aspirations?

A: When I was in college, I dreamed of being a travel X-ray or CT technologist. After two years of working at Angel Medical Center, I took a travel contract in Seattle, Washington. Making this big decision allowed me to learn so much as a technologist, see some amazing places, and experience a lot of personal growth.

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