| My choice of going into the medical imaging field was prompted by my interest early on as a child. When my father was ill, I tagged along for the many medical appointments to the radiology department. There I sensed the importance of the technologist – her sense of caring for the patient and family as well as being well educated.
After graduating from Tacoma Community College, I passed the exam for American Registry for Radiologic Technologist with flying colors and became a certified tech in 1992. I worked for Harrison Hospital right out of school where I also interned, and then took a position at Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI), where I have been for the past fourteen years. It has proven to be a great company in which to learn and grow.
For several years I took diagnostic x-rays and assisted in nuclear medicine. I had a great interest in CT due to its’ amazingly detailed images and the diagnostic advantages it has. AMI allowed me to cross train and attend classes as well as home study. I prepared for the National CT Registry and in 2004 passed the exam. AMI has given me many opportunities to expand my knowledge, and today I am one of two CT or Computed Tomography technologists at AMI who are trained and specialize on the new 40 slice CT scanner – a cutting edge piece of equipment in Silverdale.
The technology that I have seen in my fourteen-year career at AMI is astounding. Scanning or exams today can stop motion and get fine detailed images of the anatomy, and this technology only gets better and is constantly being upgraded.
Medical imaging has been a great career choice for me. I learned skills for a job that is in high demand, constantly changing and challenging, making everyday exciting. I am so grateful that I not only love my work, but I am able to help others as well, which gives me a great feeling at the end of each day. | 