Where Are They Now?

Middlesex School of Radiologic Technology has been in existence for over 30 years. Listed below are a few brief biographies of our many Middlesex Hospital / Middlesex Community College successful graduates.

Class of 2001 - Cathy Younger, AS, RT(R)

I am a 2001 graduate of the Middlesex School of Radiography. For the past five years I have been a second-shift RT at the Shoreline Clinic. I work primarily as an emergency room tech, doing diagnostic x-rays and dry head and abdomen CTs. I also do outpatient x-rays and am a clinical instructor for the School of Radiography. I entered the program when I was 45 yrs. old, after having spent 15 + years as a barber-stylist, and many previous years working at various jobs. After my children were raised, I decided it was time to go back to college and begin a career which would take me into retirement. I had always been interested in science, and the medical field seemed like a natural fit. I found the radiography program to be challenging, interesting and emotionally gratifying. These past five years have been the most satisfying years of my working life, and I am grateful for the opportunity every day to make a small but very important difference in the lives of my patients.

Class of 2002 – Sherry Silver, AS, RT(R)

Just last week a friend whom I hadn’t seen since attending Middlesex asked me if being a Rad Tech was as good as I thought it would be. I pondered the question for a moment and then replied “pinch me.” I’ve been a diagnostic tech at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center since my graduation, two and one half years ago. I truly love my job!

Working in a pediatric hospital presents some interesting challenges and a great deal of joy. The most basic exam, a chest x-ray, is different on a newborn, toddler, school age or adolescent child. In addition to the different technical factors, supporting children and families through a procedure is almost always a creative process. I find myself play acting, singing , storytelling and commiserating with my patients. I also work very closely with parents to help them support their child and participate during an exam.

I wanted to work “hands on” in a medical field, and I most certainly do. I wanted the satisfaction of doing something that really helps people. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t feel like I’ve made a stressful situation a little bit easier for a child and family, while providing our doctors with useful information that facilitates a diagnosis. In addition, I have the pleasure of working with terrific, caring people. Their encouragement and support are reflected in my continued professional growth.

Not a week goes by that I don’t think about all the techs, instructors and doctors at Middlesex. I’m filled with gratitude toward the many wonderful people who mentored me and showed great patience in teaching me their craft. Thank you so very much

Class of 2003 – Susan Chandler, AS, RT(R)

I have always wanted to work in the medical field and thought nursing was the way to go. When that didn’t work for me, I struggled to find my “niche”. I explored the field of radiology and opportunities it offered. I was astonished by all the career possibilities and applied for the program.

School turned out to be stressful and intense, however I was happy because I had found such great satisfaction from working with patients.

Graduation seemed at first so far away but actually came so fast. I was surprised how easy it was to find a job, even before graduation. I went right into work at a big city trauma hospital in Hartford with digital imaging, something I was not familiar with at the time. I had a fleeting moment of not being adequately prepared but as soon as I began working, everything I had learned seemed to become second nature. I had been trained so well that now I feel like I can do anything.

Recently I have begun working at the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts. I worked as a radiographer for only four months and, because of my introduction and training in Special Procedures during my training at Middlesex, I was able to quickly move into a job in Interventional Radiology (making an excellent salary). I’m very thankful for my training and the wonderful staff at Middlesex Hospital. I definitely picked the right school and the right career.

Class of 2004 - Cheryl Lyons, AS, RT(R), RDCS

I had been working as administrative support staff at a local hospital for a few years when I realized I wanted to be was on the medical side. I just didn't know where in the medical field I belonged. So I interviewed coworkers from different fields trying to decide what career path to follow. I decided on the field of radiology because, after speaking with my coworkers, I discovered that those who were happiest in their jobs worked in radiology or one of the modalities. My plan was to become a radiologic technologist, work full time, and go to school part time in the evenings to specialize in one of the modalities.

It was a good plan. The problem was finding the guts to actually follow through with it. It had been quite a while since I had last been a student plus I was very active in the lives of my two children. Finally I bit the bullet and was off to the Middlesex School of Radiologic Technology. It was hard balancing school, work and family but I was determined to do what I had to do to accomplish my goal.

During my senior year, I listened to a presentation on the field of echocardiography. I knew before the speaker was finished that this was the field for me. I began echo school immediately following my graduation from radiology school. So much for my plan! It was a long, grueling year but my education and clinical experiences at Middlesex had prepared me very well.

Upon graduation from echo school, I accepted a position as a cardiac sonographer at Middlesex Hospital. It was like coming home. How lucky I was to be starting a new career in a familiar setting surrounded by friends from radiology school.

Going back to school was one of the hardest things I have ever done . . . and I don’t regret a moment of it!

Class of 2005 - Sarah Scott, RT(R)(CT)

I can remember the first day I walked into a radiology department. I knew instantly that I had discovered a career that would change the rest of my life. Shortly after, I was enrolled in the diagnostic program at Middlesex Hospital and on my way through an education that would provide me with countless opportunities to help others. While I was a student at Middlesex I was given the opportunity to work as a CAT Scan aid which provoked my interest to further my education in this modality. Immediately after graduating the program, I was hired to cross-train at Middlesex in CAT Scan and am currently working as a registered CT Technologist.

I also decided to enroll at Quinnipiac University where I am completing my Bachelors degree in diagnostic imaging. There are endless opportunities in this field of healthcare not only in continuing your education, but making a difference in peoples lives. I am proud to say that every day I go to work, I am a part of a team involved in the well being of others.