OSU-OKC graduates first class in radiologic technology program
Program formed in 2016 to respond to workforce demands
OKLAHOMA CITY – Eleven students received associate degrees in radiologic technology from Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City this past weekend, a milestone for the school's budding radiologic technology program.
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) established the radiologic technology program in 2016 to meet the growing demand for radiologic technologists in the Oklahoma City metro area and throughout the state.
The first graduates of the program illustrate the school's dedication not only to meeting workforce needs, but to helping students navigate a path to their dream career.
“We are excited to be part of these students’ lives and to see the impact that this career will have on their families,” said Brad Williams, OSU-OKC president.
According to Oklahoma Works, a state workforce development initiative, radiologic technologists are one of Oklahoma's top 100 critical occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for radiologic and MRI technologists will grow 13 percent by 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Students in OSU-OKC's program learn a wide variety of procedures in a range of clinical settings to meet competency requirements.
"The learning environment was second to none,” said Jamie Steuber, one of this year’s graduates. “I felt supported throughout the program, and I believe I am in the best position to be successful with each new challenge. The exposure to multiple healthcare environments gave me the perspective and experiences I need to make an educated decision about my future as a radiologic technologist."
Caryn Krueger, OSU-OKC's radiologic technology program director, clinical coordinator, and program faculty member, said she's excited by feedback from clinical sites about student performance.
"We've received so many rave reviews on our students’ conduct in the clinical setting and on their work ethic,” Krueger said. “I'm just on cloud nine. I'm so proud of them."
Student demand for the program continues to increase and in response OSU-OKC has increased the number of students accepted into the program to 20, increased the number of clinical sites, and will be hiring an additional faculty member for the 2020-21 school year.
"We get calls and emails daily asking about our program and how students can get in," said Karen Bubb, department head of diagnostic imaging. "We're here to work hard, to put qualified people where they're needed and to get these people into patient care where they can help our community. That's what it's all about."
For more information about OSU-OKC’s radiologic technology program, go to osuokc.edu/radiology or call (405) 945-3212.
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Read insights from several graduates of OSU-OKC's Radiologic Technology program here.