CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology held its 17th annual commencement exercise Sept. 5 at the hospital.
Dr. Richard G. Williams, radiologist and medical adviser to the program, presented diplomas to Kristen Kopshina of Rockton, Joy Satkowski of Shippenville, Melanie Slother of Ramey and Nicole Wendel of St. Marys.
Eldon Reams, clinical instructor for the program, presented pins to the graduates.
Sandra Alsop, program director, served as master of ceremonies. David J. McConnell, acting president and chief executive officer of Clearfield Hospital, extended congratulations to the graduates on behalf of hospital administration.
Speaker for the evening was Kathy Simmons, chief nursing officer for Clearfield Hospital. She praised the students for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication and told them she believes they will make a positive impact in the field of health care. She also spoke about the importance of good communication skills.
“Communication skills are essential for survival in our fast-paced lives, both at work and out in the world. Conveying exactly what you want and need from individuals increases your chances of receiving it. Listening is a communication tool that is also spotlighted in the radiologic technology program. Listening is an acquired skill and one that needs to be constantly honed,” Simmons said.
Dr. Alfred B. Coren, radiologist, presented the Mallinckrodt Award for Academic Excellence to Kopshina, while Darlene Rowles, imaging supervisor and clinical instructor, presented the Bayer Healthcare Award for Clinical Excellence to Satkowski.
Reams also presented the students with gifts in honor of their first place win at the Technibowl competition held in spring at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Doris Manos, instructor for the school and a member of the hospital’s board of directors, gave the invocation and benediction. A reception to honor the graduates was held after the ceremony and was attended by the graduates’ families and friends.
Clearfield Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology is a 24-month program that involves didactic and clinical instruction and experience in the areas of general radiography, fluoroscopy, mobile and C-arm radiography, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, mammography and special procedures.
Two full-time instructors, five part-time instructors, four radiologists and the hospital’s imaging department staff provide this instruction.
Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a certificate and are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination to become a registered radiographer.