Radiologic Technologist Lori Sifuentes is ready for the workforce
Student of the Week: Lori Ann Sifuentes
Guiding her success through college, Lori Ann Sifuentes says she relies on hard work, persistence, and a desire to learn as much as she can before she enters the workforce.
Growing up in San Juan, Lori says she attended the college when it was still referred to as South Texas Community College (STCC), and has taken classes off and on while employed at a nearby Walgreens. She said she followed in the footsteps of her mother and older sister who also previously attended South Texas College.
Lori says she is now pursuing her Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science at STC with the hopes to continue with her certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in order to gain knowledge in all aspects of the program at the college.
In the Radiologic Technology Program at STC, students are trained for employment as entry-level radiologic technologists in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging services, and additional medical facilities. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for Radiologic Technology administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The week of Nov. 8 is National Radiologic Technology Week in honor of the discovery of x-rays on Nov. 8, 1895. The event is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of radiologic technologists across the nation.
“I saw the growth of the radiology department here at STC, and I also realized the demand in the workforce for technologists in the field. It’s all part of the process of helping patients get diagnosed and eventually getting better."
The weeklong celebration calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and healthcare safety.
“For our family, this is our college,” Lori said. “My degree plan was actually in Accounting previously but since I work at a pharmacy, I got into the whole health scene. I decided to study Radiology because I want to help patients, and I am interested in all the different modalities that are available after I graduate.
“The more knowledge I can have the better, so if time permits I would like to get certified in whatever I can,” she said.
“I saw the growth of the radiology department here at STC, and I also realized the demand in the workforce for technologists in the field,” Lori said. “It’s all part of the process of helping patients get diagnosed and eventually getting better.
“Here at STC, we get a lot of hands-on practice especially with our clinical rotations and we get to see exactly what it’s like to be an x-ray technologist,” she said. “It’s very helpful for us as we prepare to enter the workforce.”
Top accomplishments:
“Finally, I feel glad about where I am in life and the fact that I am able to help my family financially. I am also happy that I can set an example by going to college and eventually graduating.”
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